"Retro Bob" <[email hidden]> wrote: (clip) Is it just an illusion ? If
I hung a 5lb weight on me and then got on a light bike would I feel the
same as the heavy bike (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sprung vs. unsprung weight relates to handling. On a smooth, level surface,
it becomes irrelevant. The total weight affects your ability to accelerate
and to climb. On an irregular surface, low unsprung weight allows the
wheels to maintain contact, so you can roll at a higher speed with full
control.
On a rough surface, you will lift your butt off the seat, making your legs
into a suspension, improving handling. If you hang extra weight on your
body, you actually IMPROVE the ratio of sprung to unsprung weight slightly,
so handling should improve.
But, I believe any perception that top speed goes up as weight goes down is
mostly illusory.
I think it is similar to the illusion that wheels get "livelier" as the
spokes get tighter, in spite of the fact that tests don't back this up.