In the context of cycling, torque refers to the twisting force applied to the pedals. It's an essential factor in determining how much power a cyclist can generate to propel the bike forward. Torque is measured in Newton-meters (Nm) and is the product of the force applied to the pedals and the distance from the pedal's axis to the point where the force is applied.
Mathematically, torque (τ) is represented as:
�=Force×Lever Armτ=Force×Lever Arm
Where:
- �τ is the torque,
- ForceForce is the force applied to the pedals, and
- Lever ArmLever Arm is the distance from the pedal's axis to the point where the force is applied.
In cycling, torque is closely related to the concept of cadence and gear ratios. Cyclists can adjust the torque they apply to the pedals by changing gears or altering their cadence (pedal revolutions per minute). Different riding conditions, such as climbing hills or riding on flat terrain, may require adjustments in torque and cadence to optimize performance and efficiency.
