The physics of the bicycle

The Physics of a BicycleName
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The Physics of a bicycle
The first bicycle, the Dandy horse, was developed by Baron Karl von Drais in early 1800. The bike consisted of a wooden frame supported on two wheels that were powered by pushing using the feet. In the 1830s, a mechanically-propelled bike was developed, and by 1890s, noteworthy components had been invented to increase the efficiency and comfortability of the machine. Stability, transmission of power, and forces are the primary aspects involved in a bicycle.
Bicycles are unstable when stationary, but they gain balance when in motion. It is, therefore, possible to achieve stability of a rider-less bike by giving it sufficient forward motion. Kooijman et al. (2011) the stability of a bicycle are solely determined by trial. However, the stability of the rider is determined by other factors such including mass distribution, geometry, and gyroscopic effect. Bike riders tend to maintain balance in a turn by leaning. Lean and steering angles are the main parameters used to analyze the stability of a bicycle.
The power needed to propel a bicycle is developed by pedaling in an up and down motion. The propulsion system of a bicycle consists of two levers mounted to a frame, a chain, and gears. The role of the chain is to engage the front and the rear cogwheel. The power required to propel the wheels is developed when the rotational movement of the pedals is translated into rotational movement of the rear when by the chain.

External, including gravity, friction and inertia, and internal forces such as friction are involved when a bicycle is in motion. Friction between the tires and the ground provide propulsive and braking capabilities to the bike, while gravity pulls the bike and the rider towards the earth. Internal forces exist between the rider, and the components of the bike such as the pedals and they include friction and torque. According to Debraux et al. (2011), ninety percent of the power developed from pedaling is used in overcoming resistive forces such as aerodynamic drag.

References
Debraux, P., Grappe, F., Manolova, A.V., & Bertucci, W. Aerodynamic Drag in Cycling: Methods of Assessment. Sports Biomechanics, 10(3): 197-218.
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Kooijman, J.D.G, A.L Schwab, J.P Meijaard, J.M Papadopoulos, and A Ruina. “A Bicycle Can Be Self-Stable Without Gyroscopic or Caster Effects.” Science. 332.6027 (2011): 339-342. Print.
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