How complex does cycling modeling get?

The primary objective of Classical Mechanics is to determine the motion equation of objects subjected to forces, that is v(t) and x(t). Calculating these involves numerical Calculus and can quickly become tricky even for cycling.

Fortunately, most of the key cycling questions we want to ask can be gotten out without the frontal approach of integral calculus.

Cyclists mostly  ride in straight lines, so dealing with curves is not needed. Secondly, rolling resistance and gravity remain constant over paths.  And if we are dealing with riding at a constant velocity, so too is aerodynamic drag a constant along the path.

Cycling Modeling Fundamentals

While it may seem we may never get to actual riding scenarios, we are close. But we do need to cover some cycling specific fundamentals. These include a survey of the cycling forces, along with an overview of how we will approach the various cycling models we will be using.

Next Topic:   Cycling Model Types