CableRider
The Journal
How Cable Tension and Sag Work Together
Every ropeway cable sags a little under its own weight. This guide explains the parabolic sag model, why more tension pulls a cable straighter, and what that means for the towers.
Monocable, Bicable, and Tricable: The Differences Between Gondola Systems
Not every gondola works the same way. This guide explains monocable, bicable, and tricable (3S) ropeways, and why engineers trade cable count for speed, wind resistance, and cost.
Why Funiculars Barely Need a Motor
Two cars, one rope, one pulley — and a drive motor that barely has to work. This article explains the counterweight physics that makes funiculars one of the most energy-efficient transport designs ever built.
Fixed-Grip vs Detachable: How Cable Car Grips Actually Work
The grip is the small mechanical part that decides whether a whole lift line runs at a slow, steady crawl or a brisk clip with slow-loading stations. Here's how the two main types differ.
A Short History of the Aerial Tramway
From industrial ore-hauling ropeways to the first passenger aerial tramway over a Swiss glacier, this is a brief history of how cable cars in the sky became mainstream transport.
How Many People Can a Gondola Line Actually Move? Understanding Ropeway Throughput
Riders per hour isn't just about how big the cabins are — it's a function of spacing, speed, and load factor working together. This article breaks down the arithmetic planners actually use.
Grade, Angle, and the World's Steepest Funiculars
A 50% grade and a 45-degree angle sound similar but aren't. This article explains how funicular grades are measured and quoted, and what makes some of the world's steepest lines such remarkable engineering.