Forget Black Holes, Here's What Science Says About Choosing A Bike
The science of bikes has long been an area of fascination for mathematicians like Jim Papadopoulos, who has dedicated his life to understanding the seemingly gravity-defying ability of riders to balance while cycling. Now, as research into this often buried aspect of the riding journey continues to gain traction, we’re inevitably starting to see some aspects of science sneaking into the rider’s every day.
Specifically, recent studies have heralded an age where, at long last, riders are better able to logically invest in the best bikes for their purposes. This is especially crucial at a time when cyclists account for as many as 2% of on-road fatalities, with many further injuries (an average of 16,885) resulting in the need for cyclists to work with a personal injury attorney just to afford the costs of recovery. Unfortunately, the ‘right’ bike can’t altogether offset these risks, but it can drastically reduce the chances of rider error or other such problems, especially when you consider the following scientific reasoning.
Buying from a size perspective
Saddles and frames that are either too low or too high are common issues for newbie riders which, as well as being annoying, can pose significant safety risks. For one thing, riding too high limits the ability to keep contact with pedals, which is almost guaranteed to end in falls. Equally, attempting to fiddle with or adjust a bike during a ride can lead to distractions and, again, accidents. And that’s before we even consider the potential for injuries including back and neck strain to name just a few.
Luckily, science has riders covered here by providing some pretty straightforward rules around what the ‘right’ size of bike looks like. Most notably, more and more riders are finding comfort and success by simply taking the time to measure their inseams, height, and arms reach before making a purchase. Even in cases of adjustable seats, handles, etc., these measurements should then be considered alongside every element of a bike, including –
Frame size
The positioning of pedals
Handlebar height
Saddle adjustments
Etc.
That way, you quite literally have the science to back buying a bike that’s 100% suited to your size, comfort, and fitness journey.
Don’t leave a spanner in your bike works
The science of bikes has often concerned their physics and inner workings and seeing full fitness benefits from your efforts here most certainly rests on your ability to ensure a bike that’s running as smoothly as possible. Logically, then, the inner workings of a bike that we too often overlook at the buying stage should also get a more significant look-in here. This is perhaps most evident when we consider brake systems, which can take the form of various capabilities, including disk brakes, rim brakes, drum brakes, and beyond, each of which is useful for very different purposes. Gear systems, too, need consideration depending on expected usage and can include single gears right up to as many as 30, as well as multiple cogs, etc. Lastly, suspension systems are also essential for a safe ride and can vary from absolutely no suspension through to full suspension setups.
Ultimately, making sure to avoid spanners in these works is dependent on your ability to not only understand the inner workings of bikes overall but to also compare those scientific considerations alongside crucial questions such as –
Where do you intend to ride?
How do you intend to ride?
How often do you intend to ride?
On what kind of terrain will you be riding?
What type of support would you need?
What about wheels?
Given that they’re quite literally what carries you while you’re riding, wheels should also be considered. There are now countless different wheel sizes, each of which can have a significant impact on your ability to ride to fitness. In many respects, the right wheel for your needs is going to come down to both your measurements and your riding specifics as listed above, but the most common options that you’ll have to choose between include –
650 c or below: For children or rides below 5”4.
700 c: For standard-sized bikers riding on flat surfaces.
26 inches: Once common for adult mountain bikes but now relatively rare.
27.5 inches: A middle ground between mountain and road bikes with the ability to keep speeds consistent.
29 inches: Ideal for hard terrain and preferred by professional bikers
As such, wheels are really the end part of this equation and should be your last, but most measured approach to a bike that’s 100% suited to you and your attempts to finally look after your health.