Wager Mage
Photo by Brett Sayles Pexels Logo Photo: Brett Sayles

Why do bigger wheels go faster?

Push bikes with larger wheels can go faster than the ones with smaller wheels because the radius of the wheel is larger they are also more stable at higher speeds.

Has any team scored 100 goals in a season?
Has any team scored 100 goals in a season?

Bayern Munich hold the German record for most goals in a single season. The Bavarians netted 101 goals in the 1972-73 season, where Gerd Muller set...

Read More »
Do you get the money back that you bet?
Do you get the money back that you bet?

When you win a bet, you'll get back the amount of your stake plus a profit for winning. The amount of profit will vary and depend on the odds. To...

Read More »

SPECULATIVE SCIENCE

Do bikes with larger wheels go faster than ones with small wheels? Richard Gray, London, UK Yes; provided the wheels are turning at the same RPM. You have to put proportionately more effort into turning a big wheel but it will go faster if you can keep it spinning at the same rate as a small one. Now if you want bring in stuff like gearing and the size of the person riding it and the riding surface and and and - the answer is: it depends. Pete, Cambridge, UK Push bikes with larger wheels can go faster than the ones with smaller wheels because the radius of the wheel is larger they are also more stable at higher speeds. Finn Braaksma, Mittagong, Australia Yes and No. Small wheels spin at a higher RPM because of their smaller circumferance, but the tyre's speed depends on how fast you're travelling. VicTheBrit, Nara, Japan Why do you think penny-farthings had the pedals connected to the front wheel and not the rear one? Jonathan Parry, Valencia v Why do you think penny-farthings had the pedals connected to the front wheel and not the rear one? Jonathan Parry, Valencia Venezuela Bikes with smaller wheels are made with sprockets - the toothed wheels over which the chain fits- of sizes which cause the wheels to turn faster to compensate for their small size. But large wheels are better for speed, because their is less energy wasted through friction and tyre resistance, so you tend not to see small-wheel racing bikes. John Ramsey, St Martin, Guernsey This question can be answered by imagining a vehicle with both large wheels and small wheels, travelling along. For example, steam trains. The Drive wheels on steam locomotives are of large diameters, and the wheels of the carriages are of small diameter. The whole train travels at the same speed. Ergo!! The rotational speeds are different, but this is irrelevant, what is relevant is the linear speed of the circumfrence of the various wheels as they roll along the track. This will be the same for all wheels, but obviously the small wheels will rotate faster, having a higher angular speed than the larger wheels as the train in our example rolls along. Okay? C. Alexander Brown, Rockcliffe Park, Ontario Canada There's no definite answer. On smooth surfaces, small wheels have less aerodynamic drag due to a smaller frontal area. Smaller wheels can also be built lighter (therefore easier to propel uphill). However, larger wheels theoretically provide slightly better rolling resistance (the effect of this is incredibly small). On rough terrain, a larger wheel will roll more easily over obstacles/holes - imagine this - a tractor wheel will easily roll over a curb, but a rollerskate wheel would just bump into it. This begs the question - why do road bikes have bigger wheels than mountain bikes? The answer is probably due to an accident - mountain-bikes were pioneered in the United States by development of tough, rugged 'cruiser' bicycles - these happened to use 26" wheels, and the size stuck. However, the trend is reversing somewhat - 29"-wheeled mountain bikes are becoming popular, and small wheels are common on some road bikes e.g. Moulton bicycles, and especially recumbent bicycles. Lewis, Coventry UK

How many millionaires get audited?
How many millionaires get audited?

The IRS data clearly show that the audit rate on the 300,000-plus returns reporting incomes of more than $1 million was substantially down last...

Read More »
What cards should you not play in poker?
What cards should you not play in poker?

2 and 7. Holding 2 and 7 off suit is considered the worst hand in Texas Hold'em. They are the lowest two cards you can have that cannot make a...

Read More »

How has the most wins in football?
How has the most wins in football?

The men's Brazil football team has the most FIFA World Cup wins. Brazil have lifted the World Cup a record five times – 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and...

Read More »
How does handicap betting work in darts?
How does handicap betting work in darts?

If the match ends in four or three sets, you lose your bet. It's also possible to bet with a set handicap. If, in a best of five set match, you bet...

Read More »
What details does a scammer need?
What details does a scammer need?

Your name, address and date of birth provide enough information to create another 'you'. An identity thief can use a number of methods to find out...

Read More »
What fees does FanDuel charge?
What fees does FanDuel charge?

Monthly Fee $0 Cash Reload $0.00* Customer Service (automated or live agent) $0 Inactivity (monthly fee after six (6) months of no successful...

Read More »