Understanding the Magic of the Bicycle

The bicycle is a common, yet unique mechanical contraption in our world. In spite of this, the bike's physical and mechanical principles are understood by a select few. You do not have to be a genius to join this small group of people who understand the physics of cycling. This is your guide to fundamental principles (such as Newton's laws) and the book provides intuitive, basic explanations for the bicycle's behaviour. Each concept is introduced and illustrated with simple, everyday examples.

Although cycling is viewed by most as a fun activity, and almost everyone acquires the basic skills at a young age, few understand the laws of nature that give magic to the ride. This is a closer look at some of these fun, exhilarating, and magical aspects of cycling. In the reading, you will also understand other physical principles such as motion, force, energy, power, heat, and temperature.

The author, Joseph W Connolly, is a Professor of Physics/EE at the University of Scranton. He has a BS degree from the University of Scranton, a MS degree from the University of Illinois and a PhD from the Pennsylvania State University. In a teaching career spanning five decades, he has taught close to four dozen different courses, many tailored for the non-science major. He served in the United States Army, Signal Corps, with an honorable discharge as a Captain. Other professional activities include several years in industry and two decades of industrial consulting in computer aided design and digital image processing.

At present, his spare time is occupied playing with grandchildren, woodworking and riding a tandem with his wife, Evelyn.