That was very interesting. It was something I was trying to fathom out a few days ago on this Forum.
I made a complete 'mess' of understanding what the calculator was driving at. Of course, it's Human Power only. One could use it for motor power: just use the final answer of weight that can be carried - when it comes up positive (just), one has reached the limitation of grade/speed.That was very interesting. It was something I was trying to fathom out a few days ago on this Forum.
Into the calculator I entered:
Speed 10 mph (that is where the torq produces some useful power).
My weight 200lbs
Weight of Bike, Trailer, etc 44lbs (a torqs weight)
Grade.........that became the answer since I put in Zero Cargo weight.
Exertion rate..... I guessed 0.2 HP (about 150 watts) I'd feel better with just 0.1 HP (75 watts)
I could not get above 2% grade anything steeper was not possible.
Try it!
(Actually I can get up about 5% with the Torq for about 300 metres, possibly 6.5%).
Peter
Yes, thats an area that's always interested me, but I've never gone beyond two trailers, and my loads don't reach those levels due to having to climb hills. The other problem is braking of course, not brake power but the bike weight to load weight relationship. It's dead easy to have the trailer run over the bike through going too far in weight towing downhill.
once had a very 'interesting' experience with a Pelican trailer coming down a steep hill in Colchester, both brakes full on and both feet firmly planted in the road just about did the trick. The trailer weighed 250lbs+ the bike weighed 22lbs, i weighed 160lbs, incline about 11% ... big laundry billThe other problem is braking of course, not brake power but the bike weight to load weight relationship. It's dead easy to have the trailer run over the bike through going too far in weight towing downhill.
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Yes, i have fond memories of 'gritting' a fairly substantial mini roundabout, whilst attempting to dispose of 300Lbs of 'previously-enjoyed' cat litter at the local dump, exactly the same thing, i hit a sunken drain with the near side wheel, trailer came suddenly to life, dis-engaged from the cycle and careened off into the traffic, discharging its' fragrant cargo, i still see that in slow motion.Also terrified some car drivers one day, took a corner too fast with the trailer empty, it took to one wheel, detached the ball joint coupling and went it's own way across the main road.
Solo riders don't know what they're missing.
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i still have the Pelican, trailers can make colourful if slightly contrary companions