When we look at the history of humanity, we see that there has always been a passion for speed. From running races to horse races, our passion for speed continues as a speed challenge with everything we can race and race. Today, there is a lot of work that emphasizes speed.
The most basic tools we use for speed are the tools we use. One of the most important components of vehicles for speed is tires, although their value is not known. Because the only point where our vehicles touch the ground is their tires. While the tires of bicycles are thinned for higher speed, the tires of automobiles are flattened. So why?
The tires of road and racing bikes are as follows:
The tires of the race cars are as follows:
Let’s start by updating our basic physics knowledge first.
In order to accelerate to a higher speed, it is necessary to reduce the friction. Because the more friction, the more energy is converted into heat and wasted, and it also causes wear. Less friction means less energy loss.
In aerodynamic studies, new materials are developed that create less friction. In this case, narrower tires seem to make more sense for speed, right? Why are the tires so different then?
In fact, if we want to summarize the answer in one sentence, we can use a rubber slogan: “Power without control is not power.”
First, let’s take a look at the factors that are important when choosing car tires.
Surface Area: Cars are heavy, huge piles of metal, glass and plastic starting at a few hundred pounds. For this reason, wider and thicker tires are needed in order to be able to unload the load and carry it in a balanced way. The friction that comes with the larger surface also provides better handling. This makes it easier to control the car.
Acceleration and Stopping: Cars with very high acceleration (in short, acceleration speed) are able to reach high speeds very quickly and come to a stop very quickly. Thanks to the larger contact surface, vehicles gain the necessary grip to accelerate more quickly. When the vehicles need to stop, the large surface area will transfer the power to the road more easily and make it stop.
Handling: It is very important that the vehicle can hold onto the road and turn the corners, otherwise our journeys would end unpleasantly at the first obstacle. The large contact area, which provides greater security and control, is helpful here as well. Also, when you change the direction of a tire at high speeds, the tires are subjected to more side force. Imagine the wind pushing your tire, at high speeds if you have a thin tire; this can cause tire slippage and rollovers.
Endurance: Cars not only generate a lot of power, they travel much longer distances. Moreover, roads also wear tires. Factors such as minor bumps, potholes, deteriorated surfaces also damage the tires. Under the weight of cars, tires must be able to withstand these conditions.
For bicycle tires, the criteria are different.
It is possible to divide the factors that are considered while deciding on the tires of the bicycles into 5 main items:
Aerodynamics: Bicycles can move with minimal air resistance due to their thin structure. Having thin tires reduces air resistance. This allows for faster pedaling.
Lightness: Being lighter means bikes can accelerate and maneuver better. After all, bicycles use human muscle power, so this delicacy provides an advantage as it can accelerate as much as the power allows.
Flexibility: Thin tires have a more flexible structure. This helps to eliminate problems such as vibration that the bike will experience due to minor irregularities on the road. Thus, it provides a more fluid and smoother ride.
Road Stabilization: On bicycles, the rider’s weight is mostly directly on the tires. Thin tires transfer this weight to the road better, as they reduce the surface area. Better transfer of weight to the road means better balance. This provides better control and a more stable ride. It produces an important advantage especially for corners.
Energy Efficiency: Thin tires mean that the area in contact with the road is also reduced. The smaller the surface area, the smaller the area that can be applied to friction. The amount of power required to get the bike from one point to another naturally decreases.
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