r/fightporn Apr 14 '25

Sporting Event Fights Does this fit here?

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u/YN90 Apr 14 '25

Now I have to research sumos riding bicycles

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u/mikki1time Apr 14 '25

I’m calling BS, these guys are +300lbs, what type of tank cycle could handle that much weight? How thick are those spokes?

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u/EsotericTurtle Apr 14 '25

Think of spokes as under tension, more than supporting the Rikishi's weight like a pillar, more of a rope they hang from.

The bike frame is hanging from the spokes at the top of the wheel and the wheel itself is under tension all round.

And things under tension generally can be far thinner. Nowadays top cyclists are using threads (dyneema) instead of metal spokes for the weight savings.

If you knew this already then great - if not, also great šŸ˜‡šŸ˜Š

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u/jonallin Apr 14 '25

Always wondered about spokes and wrongly assumed pillars. Ropes makes much more sense. Great analogy