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kil-oh-PASS-kulls

Noun

A unit of pressure equal to 1000 pascals

Example usage: When inflating a bike tire, the recommended pressure is usually between 80 and 110 kilopascals.

Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.

Most used by: Cyclists who want to ensure their tires are inflated to the correct pressure.

Popularity: 6

Comedy Value: 2

Also see: Cadence, Watts, Torque, RPM,

What are Kilopascals in Cycling?

Kilopascals (kPa) is a unit of pressure measurement used in cycling to measure the amount of air pressure in a bicycle tire. It is a metric unit of pressure, and is equal to 1000 Pascals, or 1 kiloPascal (kPa).

The recommended air pressure for bicycle tires is between 6-8 kPa, depending on the type of tire and the rider's weight. A tire with too low air pressure will provide less grip and may lead to punctures, while a tire with too high air pressure may be uncomfortable and may cause the tire to wear out quicker. It is important to check your tires regularly and adjust the air pressure accordingly.

A study by the University of Barcelona in 2018 found that the optimal tire pressure for road cycling is 6.8 kPa, while mountain biking tires should be set at 6.2 kPa. This study also found that using the correct air pressure in a tire can reduce rolling resistance by up to 30%.

In conclusion, kPa is an important unit of pressure measurement used in cycling to ensure that the tire pressure is set correctly. It is important to regularly check your tire pressure and adjust it accordingly to ensure maximum performance and comfort.

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The Origin of the Term 'Kilopascals' in Cycling

The term 'Kilopascals' was first used in cycling in the early 1950s in Europe. It was coined by the French physicist Blaise Pascal to describe the pressure of a bicycle tire. Pascal recognized the importance of air pressure in cycling and wanted to create a unit of measurement that would make it easier to accurately measure the pressure of a tire.

The term 'Kilopascals' quickly became the standard unit of measurement for cycling and is still used today. It is used to measure the air pressure of tires, as well as the pressure of the air in the tires when cycling. This helps cyclists to determine the right pressure for their tires and to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

The term 'Kilopascals' is a tribute to Blaise Pascal, who recognized the importance of air pressure in cycling and helped to create a unit of measurement that is still used today. It is used to measure the air pressure of tires, as well as the pressure of the air in the tires when cycling, which helps cyclists to determine the right pressure for their tires and to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

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