Comments on: Cycling Science

By: Jay Coleman

Jay Coleman — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:48:00 +0000

James,
I, too, was a fan of Bike Science and studied it well for many years. I still kept my copy through many moves and upheavals. Back in the late eighties, early ninties, I decided to take a plunge and, based upon the equations, make some purchases. The equations held up well in pedal length and torque – which has made me rethink the concepts of using many gears for a transmission of limited power from limited muscle groups. Working with concepts of applied torque over time, over distance – I’ve come to the conclusion that this concept is more apt for a human having to move over a varied landscape while moving through a varied viscous atmosphere utilizing limited power but having multiple muscle groups requiring different recharging rates. During this testing period I discovered quite a few empirical issues as well as social issues such as don’t team with someone who doesn’t believe as you do as they will seek to pervert the outcome of exercises to fit their personal needs. And, there are few who have visions through the unknown. Many are able to pick apart something as it stands in front of them. I would enjoy posting some of what I’ve gleaned over the years and right at this moment I am feeling compelled to post it to your “design” posting. Sort of like, open source? That said, I’m going there now.

By: James

James — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:36:00 +0000

I was mistaken about the origins of Bike Tech. Dr. Kyle pointed out that Rodale Press, the publishers of Bicycling Magazine, published it until 1988. At one point the publication had 10,000 subscribers.

Ron, thanks for mentioning “High Tech Cycling” too. Anyone who is interested can find that book in the Amazon picks in my sidebar (sorry for the shameless plug, I couldn’t resist)

By: Ron

Ron — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:17:00 +0000

I have grown up reading Kyle’s and Burke’s work. Thanks for notifying me of the cd. I may purchase a copy for the collectors library but for the uninitiated, “High Tech Cycling” by Dr. Burke tries to cover most parts but in less detail. Unless someone wants to go deeply into details, I’d suggest that book, which is, exactly what the book claims it is – ‘the science of riding fast’. Its a little dated but theory doesn’t change over the years.

By: James

James — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:26:00 +0000

Oops, I meant “off course”, not “of course”. As I said, I have learned a lot from writing this blog, but I still haven’t learned to proofread before hitting the publish button.

By: James

James — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:22:00 +0000

Bikesgonewild, you didn’t really get of course. I always appreciate your insightful comments and this time is no exception (and of course I am glad you are doing well after such a major surgery 5 years ago). Thanks for the blog compliment too. The thoughts and ideas added by you and all the other commenters are what keep this blog interesting to me. I definitely value the input and the chance to learn from all of the readers with similar interests to mine.

Jorgensen, do you know where was Bike Tech published? Was it a British journal or am I thinking or something else. By the way, if you get a chance to scan that old drawing, I would like to see it. I’ll have to go back and find the old post that spurred that conversation.

By: jorgensen

jorgensen — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:26:00 +0000

I will have to reference it, for me it was Bike Tech, a newsletterish journal a bit earlier. Got to listen to Dr. Kyle at some lunchtime engineering student presentations he gave that I sneaked into when I was in school, now long ago.

Thanks for the reference.

by the way, found those drawings I did long ago of a road frame having the handlebars mounted at about where the fork crown is on most framesets. I will have to image it, too big to scan and forward it.. yes its been months now, children are the best excuse.

By: bikesgonewild

bikesgonewild — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:50:00 +0000

…i well remember ed burke’s passing in late 2002, as it had meaning for me…i’d never met the man but we were the same age & i was familiar w/ his work for years in the cycling & racing community…
…in july ’02 i had a major heart surgery (5x by-pass) to correct a hereditary heart problem & by november i was carefully but seriously riding my way back into fitness…
…learning about mr burke’s passing of a heart attack while he was out on a ride was a literal stunner for me, as i guess i foolishly assumed he was well equipped w/ the knowledge to not allow himself that jeopardy…
…i could only imagine he was too consumed w/ helping others to realize his own need for attention…

…anyway, sorry, if i’ve gotten off course here, james, but as you can see, your post brought up something that remains strong in both my mind & heart…

…& while you may be a confessed ‘bike geek’, you have in my mind, one of the most interesting bike blogs on the ‘intertubes’…there are perhaps more technological sites but “bicycle design” offers not only a broad spectrum of interesting concepts but also a great forum for readers thoughts, ideas & links…
…perhaps your mention of ed burke has me somewhat reflectively grateful but thank you for the opportunity to learn & experience new things through your site…