Tawk
Noun, Verb
Torque is the twisting force applied to the cranks of a bicycle.
Example usage: The cyclist applied torque to the pedals to increase their speed.
Most used in: Time Trial and road racing cycling.
Most used by: Professional and amateur cyclists who are time trial focussed.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Cadence, Torsion, Pedal Pressure, Crank Torque,
What is Torque in Time Trial Cycling?
Torque is a key metric for cyclists participating in Time Trial events. It is a measure of the amount of force produced by the legs as they turn the cranks. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the cranks by the length of the crank arm. As such, it is a product of the power output of the cyclist and the leverage of the crank arm.
Time Trial cyclists use torque to determine the most efficient and effective way to generate power. By measuring the torque output, riders can make adjustments to their technique to ensure they are getting the most out of their effort. For example, a cyclist with a longer crank arm will be able to generate more torque than one with a shorter crank arm.
In addition, torque is an important statistic for Time Trial riders when they are looking to improve their performance. By tracking their torque output over time, cyclists can identify areas where they can make adjustments to their technique to increase their output. For example, a cyclist may find that their torque output is highest when they cycle at a cadence of 90-100 RPM, so they can adjust their technique accordingly.
Overall, torque is an important metric for Time Trial cyclists. By measuring and tracking their torque output, riders can identify areas of improvement and make adjustments to their technique to maximize their performance.
.The Origin of the Term 'Torque' in Time Trial Cycling
The term 'torque' has been used in the context of time trial cycling since the early 1960s. It was first used by the French cycling magazine 'Vélo-Vélocio' in an article written by the French cycling coach Bernard Petitjean. The article was published in 1961 and discussed the importance of torque in terms of cycling performance.
The term 'torque' was later popularized by the British cycling coach and author, David Duffield. Duffield wrote extensively about the importance of torque in cycling in his book 'Cycling Science' which was published in 1964. He wrote about the need for cyclists to apply torque to the pedals in order to maximize power output and cycling performance.
Since then, the term 'torque' has become widely used in the context of time trial cycling. It is used to refer to the amount of force that a cyclist applies to the pedals in order to generate power and increase cycling performance. Torque is an important concept for cyclists to understand in order to maximize their performance in time trial cycling.
