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Old 04-24-2009, 12:59 AM   #10 (permalink)
Bicycle Bob
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: N. Saskatchewan, CA
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Appliance White - '93 Geo Metro 4-Dr. Auto
Last 3: 42.35 mpg (US)

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The notion that wheel weight counts twice as much as chassis weight comes from rotational inertia - the tire tread has to move faster than the car, but the lug nuts, much less so. There is also some effect from unsprung weight, but I'd much rather have a heavier, higher-pressure setup than a lighter one, for overall effiiency. The losses from accelerating steel wheels are usually quite minor.
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