Physical Science in Cycling Sports

Physical Science in Cycling Sports is part of Crabtree’s “Science Gets Physical” series. Author Enzo George effectively shows how physical science applies to cycling whether you are a beginning cyclist, a stunt rider, or a competitor in the Tour de France.

Races like the Tour [de France] are a good example of the basic science behind cycling. A bike is a machine that changes the energy the rider gains from food into kinetic energy. The bike multiplies the rider’s effort into forward speed. There are many forces that slow down the bike. When cycling uphill, the force of gravity pulls in the bike. When cycling quickly, air resistance pushes against the cyclist’s body. As the wheels turn, parts of the tire squish against the road. This is known as rolling resistance. Keeping the bike moving requires a lot of energy.

The physics tie-ins in this book involve the shape and components of a bike, generating power, braking, aerodynamics, and the science involved in staying upright on two wheels.

The main body of text is mostly black on white. The many photographs show both male and female cyclists. There is some diversity of races, but the protective helmets and equipment worn by most cyclists make it difficult to determine the visible ethnicity of many of the riders.

Two types of text boxes, “Science Wins!” and “Getting Physical”, provide additional information. “Science Wins!” highlights stars of cycling and how science works to enhance their performance. “Getting Physical” explains the physics behind different aspects of the sport.

Science Wins!
The Einstein Flip
In 2005, Helen Czerski of Cambridge University used physics to design a BMX stunt. She called this stunt the Einstein flip. She used computer models to study what would happen if a rider hit ramps at different angles and speeds. She learned how fast a rider would need to do a rolling backward somersault. This is when the rider tucks in the bike while upside-down.

Ben Wallace tried the stunt. Before he did, Czerski calculated that he had to cycle at 20 miles per hour (32 kph) from a 6-foot (1.8 m) ramp to complete the loop. Ben did it and landed safely on the first try!

Each book in the “Science Gets Physical” series ends with an activity section titled “Get Physical!” In Physical Science in Cycling Sports, readers investigate “what happens to a bike’s wheels when you steer around a corner”. This activity includes a list of materials you will need, instructions, an analysis consisting of two questions, and a conclusion.

Physical Science in Cycling Sports incorporates physics principles to demonstrate Newton’s Laws of Motion and topics in an engaging discussion, well supported by colourful photos. This should be a popular book with an enduring appeal to students.