A Measurement System to Characterize the Effects of Tires on Bicycle Vibrations

In recent years, the evolution of competitive road cycling has included the use of larger tires inflated at lower pressure compared to the thin, high-pressure tires used previously. This trend is also emerging in non-competitive cycling, where comfort is more important. An issue often reported by cyclist concerns discomfort in the hands and upper limbs due to handlebar vibrations. To evaluate the effect of certain tire characteristics on vibrations in the handlebar and the bicycle seat-post, a small, portable, wireless connected, measurement system has been developed and tested on the road. Experimental conditions included tire-related factors, such as pressure, width, and the presence of an internal air chamber, as well as two speed conditions, while keeping all the other factors constant and under strict control. Results confirm that lower pressure reduces vibration levels, and tire width is also an important factor.