What is the pressure exerted on bicycle pedals?

The pressure exerted on bicycle pedals depends on several factors, including the weight of the cyclist, the gear ratio of the bike, and the amount of force applied to the pedals.

Here's a general formula that can be used to estimate the pressure exerted on the pedals:

```

Pressure = (Force) / (Area)

```

Where:

- Pressure is measured in pascals (Pa)

- Force is the force applied to the pedals in newtons (N)

- Area is the contact area between the pedals and the cyclist's shoes in square meters (m²)

To calculate the force applied to the pedals, you can multiply the weight of the cyclist (in newtons) by the gear ratio of the bike. The gear ratio is the ratio of the number of teeth on the front chainring to the number of teeth on the rear cog.

For example, if a cyclist weighs 700 newtons (154 pounds) and is using a bike with a gear ratio of 2:1, the force applied to the pedals would be:

```

Force = 700 N x 2 = 1400 N

```

If the contact area between the pedals and the cyclist's shoes is 0.02 square meters (200 square centimeters), the pressure exerted on the pedals would be:

```

Pressure = 1400 N / 0.02 m² = 70,000 Pa

```

This is approximately 0.7 atmospheres or 10 pounds per square inch (psi).

It's important to note that the pressure exerted on the pedals can vary significantly depending on the pedaling style and technique of the cyclist. Additionally, the pressure may be higher or lower depending on the specific design of the pedals and the type of shoes worn by the cyclist.