Analytic Cycling Logo Long Climb

Long Climb

Our riders are doing a long, 5 km climb on an 8% slope. Our Standard Rider is on 32 spoke standard wheels. Out Test Rider is on Specialized tri-spokes. Both riders start at the same time with the same initial speed. They are identical in all other respects. Which one gets to the top first?

The Specialized rider would be ahead by 2.5 meters or 0.5 second at the top. Change the slope to a 13% slope and the Specialized rider would be behind by 1 meter.

Enter data for cases of interest to you.

Long Climb Speed Difference Plot

Data Parameters
Parameter Standard Rider Test Rider  
Frontal Area 0.5 0.5 m2
Coefficient Wind Drag 0.5 0.5 dimensionless
Air Density 1.226 1.226 kg/m3
Weight Rider 65.0 65.0 kg
Weight Bike 8.0 8.0 kg
Front Wheel      
Weight 1.264 1.346 kg
Ic 0.0885 0.0904 kg m/s2
Cx0 0.0491 0.0379 Dimensionless
Radius 0.337 0.337 m
Rear Wheel      
Weight 1.804 1.771 kg
Ic 0.0967 0.1032 kg m/s2
Cx0 0.0491 0.0379 Dimensionless
Radius 0.337 0.337 m
Rear Shelter 25. 25. %
Power 275. 275. w
Coefficient of Rolling 0.004 0.004 dimensionless
Grade 0.08 0.08 decimal
Initial Speed 6.0 6.0 m/s

© 1998 Tom Compton