Vertical stiffness of bicycle frame and its influence on rider comfort
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Vertical stiffness of bicycle frame and its influence on rider comfort Jinesh Shah1 · Shivangi Shah1 · Ghanshyam Mehta1 · Jainam Gandhi1 · Mehul Gor1 Received: 29 February 2020 / Accepted: 23 August 2020 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract This study reports on relation between bicycle frame and rider comfort. It involves developing a theory on interdependence of vertical compliance or stiffness of bicycle frame and induced human comfort. The factors affecting vertical stiffness/compliance are identified and varied to observe their influence. A standard diamond type bicycle frame is modelled and analysed which is generally used for on-road bikes, applying different materials to the frame to note its deflection on application of load, considering the structural and material properties. The results of the analysis confirm with stiffness trend associated with Young’s modulus of the material. i.e., for the same structure and loading conditions, material with lesser Young’s modulus offer more compliance. Reducing thickness of tubing is also observed to be increasing compliance of the frame, which can be achieved either by reducing the outer diameter or increasing the inner diameter, the former being more beneficial according to manufacturing standpoint. This is verified by generating a series of supplementary equations. An experimental analysis is performed to discern the most influential tube out of every other tubings forming the frame structure, wherein their thicknesses are decreased by 10% one at a time, keeping the rest as it is. The study accomplishes that as compared to rest of the tubes, more rider comfort can be achieved by making least changes to the seat tube cross-sectional thickness, to decrease vertical stiffness and therefore, comfort. The obtained conclusions can serve as a base for further studies involving cyclist comfort and bicycle frame design. Keywords Bicycle frame · Compliance · Rider comfort · Linear FEA
1 Introduction Cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transport with added healthcare advantages, yet not preferred by many. This is due to unsatisfactory ride quality and rider discomfort. Understanding this concern lays the foundation of this research. A survey involving 244 participants suggests that rider comfort is related to the bicycle components (tyres, wheel, fork, design and fitting of handlebars and saddle), the track and surrounding conditions.[1]. An experimental study shows that larger tyre sizes and lower tyre inflation pressure, reduces the impact of track unevenness [2]. Another study shows that an optimum stiffness of front suspension
fork can suggestively reduce vibration transmission to the rider [3]. Bicycle fitting is of great significance since an adjustment such that the knees at the bottom of pedal stroke are slightly bent and arms are not overextended is expected to be a relaxed position for riding [4]. With a higher saddle (seat) and lower handlebar, force on palm and consequently, discomfort is observed to be high. Considering the rider physique and chara
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