An automatic transmission for bicycles: a simulation

Abstract

A new design of an automatic transmission for bicycles was simulated. A sensitivity analysis found most environmental and bicycle variables had little effect but cycling velocity was very important while pedal rpm and gradient of the ground had some effect. The new design transmission therefore emphasizes velocity, pedal rpm and gradient of the ground when selecting the optimum gear ratios. Since the comfortable pedal rpm differs from cyclist to cyclist, this new automatic transmission continuously measures the pedal rpm and calculates an average to efficiently learn the cycling habit of different cyclists.