The Impact of Tyre Width, Pressure and Surface Condition on Rolling Resistance and Vibration Transmission of Bicycle Tyres

• Autores: Jens Buder, Esteban Fouchard, Stepan Schwanitz
• Localización: Journal of Science & Cycling: Breakthroughs in Cycling & Triathlon Sciences, ISSN-e 2254-7053, Vol. 14, Nº. Extra 2, 2025 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Special Issue of the 2025 Science & Cycling Congress | Lille - June)
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Rolling resistance and vibration transmission are critical parameters influencing the mechanical efficiency and comfort in competitive cycling. Optimising a tyre setup requires the consideration various metrics such as rider-system mass, tyre width, tyre filling pressure, and surface conditions in parallel. In this study, the combined effects of tyre width and tyre filling pressure on rolling resistance and frame-transmitted vibrations were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Five tyre widths of one tyre model were tested across four rider-system weights, two surface condition (tarmac and cobblestones), and multiple filling pressures. The experiments showed significant non-linear relationships between tyre width, filling pressure, and rolling resistance, with surface conditions contributing a secondary effect. A Vibration analysis revealed that wider tyres substantially reduce surface-induced accelerations, whereas tyre pressure showed a minor but detectable influence. These findings support the development of rider-specific optimisation indices that balance rolling resistance and vibration sensitivity. Further research should integrate physiological responses to vibratory stimuli to refine setup recommendations for individual athletes.