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Cycling Beyond the Pedals

Cycling Beyond the Pedals 7 Episodes Sep 21, 2026

Cycling Beyond the Pedals is a show about the technical and strategic side of cycling. Episodes dig into engineering, aerodynamics, track geometry, equipment choices, and the tactics teams use in competition. The goal is to make the mechanics of the sport accessible and understandable to curious fans and riders. The podcast deliberately avoids individualized training advice and makes no promises about performance results.

Episodes

How Tire Pressure Changes Grip and Rolling Resistance Sep 21, 2026 578 Tire pressure changes how a bicycle responds to load, roughness and cornering forces. Explore why the best setting depends on the tire, rider, surface and conditions rather than one universal number. Inside this episode: - Pressure supports the load - Casing loss - The rough-road penalty - Grip on uneven surfaces - The contact patch changes shape Sources include Field study of bicycle tire pres

How Disc Brakes Slow a Bicycle Sep 21, 2026 565 Trace braking force from the lever to the caliper, rotor and tire contact patch. Friction turns motion into heat, while grip and weight transfer determine how effectively the bicycle slows. Inside this episode: - The brake does not push on the ground - Leverage at the handlebar - Friction creates torque - Kinetic energy becomes heat - Why brakes can fade Sources include ISO 4210-4:2023 summary,

Why Bicycle Wheels Use Tensioned Spokes Sep 21, 2026 568 A bicycle wheel stays light and strong by keeping slender spokes under tension. Explore how the hub, rim and changing spoke forces carry a rider's load across the wheel. Inside this episode: - A wheel built from pulling - What happens under the rider - The rim shares the load - Why even tension matters - Why spokes cross Sources include University of California dissertation, mechanics of the bi

How Bicycle Gears Changed Racing Strategy Sep 20, 2026 580 This episode explores the relationship among gearing ranges, terrain and tactical options across cycling history. The story keeps the mechanisms clear and the research grounded for a casual listener. Inside this episode: - A gear trades force for rotation - Fixed ratios force a compromise - Early riders could reverse the wheel - The derailleur moved the chain - Racing culture did not accept it i

What Track Banking Changes Sep 20, 2026 546 This episode explores Geometry, speed and force on a velodrome explained for listeners rather than as riding instruction. The story keeps the mechanisms clear and the research grounded for a casual listener. Inside this episode: - Turning requires an inward force - The surface pushes up and in - Short tracks need tighter bends - Banking changes continuously - Speed changes how the angle feels S

How a Team Time Trial Coordinates Effort Sep 20, 2026 567 This episode explores Rotation, pacing and communication as race strategy, without promising performance gains. The story keeps the mechanisms clear and the research grounded for a casual listener. Inside this episode: - One clock, several riders - The paceline shares air resistance - The front position is a shift - Equal turns are not always equal work - The group must pace the whole course So

Why Riders Draft in a Group Sep 20, 2026 550 This episode explores Air resistance, position and cooperative movement without offering individualized training advice. The story keeps the mechanisms clear and the research grounded for a casual listener. Inside this episode: - Air becomes a major opponent - The rider ahead creates shelter - A peloton creates an aerodynamic interior - The front pays more - Position is never free Sources inclu

Cycling Beyond the Pedals

Episodes

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