another cycling forum
=> The Knowledge => Topic started by: Agony Guy on March 03, 2013
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Styrrell of Weight Weenies writes: (http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=112808)
So why do I need and how do I get permission to talk about bike wheels?
Actually a Weenies forum point of order, but the question is of larger concern to the cycling confraternity: What is so special about wheels? Why did nature choose this form over all others to roll?
A refresher course in Euclidean geometry teaches us that triangles, isosceles or otherwise, while a useful construct for intellectual exercises, are unsuitable as wheels. The Greek mathematician's fifth proposition in Book 1 of Elements, known as the "Bridge of asses," is particularly bracing in its analytical clarity ("only an ass would attempt this").
(https://www.notanothercyclingforum.net/acf/pics/euclidwiki.jpg)
Polyglons in general are problematic, though squares enjoyed a brief period of favour during the reign of King Dubious IX who ruled the Assyrians for a while before losing interest and being devoured by a lion who had little trouble overtaking his clunkily departing chariot.
(https://www.notanothercyclingforum.net/acf/pics/dubious.jpg)
Circles are good for manhole covers, pies, and wheels, because all of these things have been shaped by evolution to be of equal service along their leading edge; in the case of the wheel, this is known as "where the rubber meets the road."