Cycling does impact on the environment...

[Glow worm]

Just another demented moton. He's probably not seen his feet since 1976 and can't bear to be held up for 5 seconds by someone fitter, leaner, better looking and most probably a lot less stressed than he is. It won't of course occur to him to walk, or ride the half a mile or so to the shops for his beer, fags and chips for once instead, thereby avoiding the planet threatening hold ups caused by cyclists! It never does occur to these idiots which is why I couldn't give a flying f**k about what any driver thinks.

 

[TheJDog]

It does in a engine that use centripetal forces to help sealing, and hence less leakage as the rpm increases.

Yes, I understand what you are saying, but the engine is not the only factor. I am certain that your car will do fewer mpg in third gear at 3000rpm than 2000rpm due to increased air resistance, mechanical friction, etc. etc..

 

[al78]

This might be of interest:

 

[Brandane]

Braking wastes no fuel - and on some hybrids, it transfers power to the electrical engine. It's the acceleration after passing that's eating up all the fuel.

Pedant mode on (although it is actually true, I think!): Braking does waste fuel, it is converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy through the friction of brake pads on the discs. You have to generate the kinetic energy in the first place, before you can convert it into heat. Accelerating afterwards does use up fuel, but that is not wasted until you have to brake again (apart from the stuff used to overcome gravity, wind resistance, and rolling resistance of the tyres).

 

[mr_cellophane]

Wankels still a comparative rarity though?

Don't know, I saw quite a few driving this morning.