Twisting torque – A simplified theoretical model for bicycle tyres

In this paper, the twisting torque of bicycle tyres is studied. The twisting torque is just the self-aligning torque for null lateral slip and non-null camber. The relationship between twisting torque and contact patch area has been analyzed. As the latter increases, twisting torque increases as well. A theoretical model to evaluate twisting torque has been implemented. Since twisting torque is mainly due to longitudinal slip in cambered wheel, increasing the contact patch area the stresses are located at a larger distance from the median plane of the contact patch. The resulting torque will be higher in magnitude. Finally, the model has been validated comparing the outcomes with the experimental data, with a mean error less than 3% for camber angles less than 10 degrees.