On Rolling Resistance of Bicycle Tyres

Abstract

This paper describes a method that enables comparative rolling resistance measurements of bicycle tyres on different road surfaces. The test equipment is a one degree of freedom two-wheeled pendulum with a rigidly coupled eccentric weight. Derived from the conversion of potential energy into dissipated heat by means of rolling resistance losses the amount of energy can be measured and correlated to the distance travelled. The method enables to distinguish small differences in rolling resistance. As an example the difference between two different sets of asphalt is shown.