Pyöränliukuminen

Pyöränliukuminen, often translated as bicycle skidding or wheel slip, refers to the phenomenon where a bicycle's wheel loses traction with the ground. This can occur due to various factors, including excessive braking, acceleration, or turning on a slippery surface. When a wheel skids, it stops rotating or rotates at a significantly different speed than it would under normal circumstances, leading to a loss of control.

The most common cause of pyöränliukuminen is sudden or hard braking, particularly with the rear wheel. If the braking force exceeds the available traction, the wheel will lock up and slide. Similarly, rapid acceleration can cause the rear wheel to spin, especially on loose or wet surfaces. Cornering at excessive speed or on a surface with low friction, such as ice, gravel, or wet leaves, can also induce wheel slip.

Consequences of pyöränliukuminen can range from a minor loss of balance to a complete fall. It can significantly increase braking distances and make steering difficult or impossible. In competitive cycling, controlled pyöränliukuminen, such as power sliding in cyclocross or dirt track racing, is sometimes used as a technique to navigate tight corners at speed, but this requires advanced skill and specific conditions. For most cyclists, pyöränliukuminen is an undesirable event that increases the risk of accidents. Understanding the causes and how to prevent it, such as by modulating braking and acceleration, and being aware of surface conditions, is crucial for safe cycling.