We’re back on the Zipp Speed Podcast for another in-depth interview on Zipp’s Total System Efficiency approach for wheel design. This episode is Part 2 of a 4 part podcast series on the four barriers of speed identified and attacked by Zipp’s TSE approach. In Part 1, we talked with Zipp senior design engineer John Leachman about wind resistance. In this episode, Part 2, we talk with Zipp advanced development engineer Ruan Trouw about the second barrier of speed: Rolling Resistance.

 

TSE defines Rolling Resistance as Power loss created by the friction of the tires on the ground. It depends on tire performance but also tire patch and tire pressure.

 

Ruan talks expertly about how Zipp engineers approach decreasing rolling resistance through innovations to rim design. He details what increases or decreases rolling resistance on the bike. He also talks about the balance required to optimize rolling resistance with other essential components to speed, including aero efficiency and vibration loss. At the end of our conversation, Ruan discusses how cyclists should consider rolling resistance when selecting the best wheel.

 

If you have not already, please return to our last episode, Part 1 on TSE, with John Leachman on Wind Resistance.