Aerodynamics / Aerodynamic Cost / Aero parts

Who said they're not fast? Uncomfortable, I can understand.

Tops reckons he's field tested them and uses Empires, Irwin I'd also on Empires... But then D2Z use them.

I thought Tops ditched them for comfort reasons.

Did the new Speedplay aero pedals in CFD:

https://www.facebook.com/AeroCoach/posts/1098380433529928

There might be differences when the shoe is flailing around but I'd expect it to be similar to be honest. They are mega expensive though! And if you get just the cleats you don't get the tiny rubber thing which closes off the gap underneath the cleat so you have to buy the whole system really.

So, in the realm of specially coated chains, ceramic bearings, oversized jockey wheels, aero derailler cages, etc?

It's pretty minimal but if you have the dosh why not!

I'm still working on coated chains, I have enough kit to be able to test any differences but not got round to it.

Yeah, I know, but unless you're at the sharp end of the field or very close to some major personal goal, I feel less inclined to throw big money at a low wattage saving. Gimme big gains!

Spending less money on beer would probably make me a lot faster than spending more money on pedals.

Maybe I can get you aero testing my bikepacking setup later in the year? :)

Re: Bont aeros.

The vaypor + is meant to be almost as aero as the tt shoes. But the extra boa knob makes them loads more comfy.

Yeah I've just got them a few days ago and because of the boa dial being on the tongue you can only tighten them up so much before the sides are hitting the dial.

I might try mould them and see how much I like them on a quick spin, otherwise I'll sell them on and make do with my old vaypors and giro empires.

New aerocoach/nopinz skinsuits are available to order now. They look great.

The team ones look even better ;)

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If you've got any questions let me know, we spent an insane amount of time on the development which is how we've been able to create aero position tuned suits. The custom CFD suits which AeroCoach do (you get 3D scanned by us, analysed in CFD and then NoPinz make you a bespoke suit with individual ATS) are an extension of the standard tripsuit and save another few watts.

Compared them with the bioracer suits?

Defs faster

How much faster?

How much faster?

0.454s/mile at 30mph

We've compared them on a range of people and a range of suits including the BioRacer ones, yes.

Of course suits are going to be individual, but that's why we've got the options based on your aero position (which no one else does). That means that the wrong choice TripSuit might be marginally slower than another super suit, but the right one will beat it. The full custom option is mega as we can put the ATS exactly where you personally need it, most of the work there is done on the back and sides.

canttellifseriouz.jpg

Anyone know of anyone selling Zipp clincher disc?

Is there much / any value in a very basic roll-down test to check the advantage between wheels, helmets, positions etc.

Thinking I would fit a freewheel, ride at 20mph then time how long it takes to roll down to 5mph on the same stretch of road. That'll give me some idea as long as it's a still day won't it?

You would want to do the tests all on the same day within as tight a time period as possible and when wind is lowest (as pressure, temp etc all play a big part). You will need to disregard any tests when you are passed by a car (in either direction)

Early morning is best - wind is lowest and so is traffic. You'll need to repeat the different runs a few times to help factor out error.

Why not find a suitable place to start doing Aerolab testing? It's probably easier to get results if you can work to eliminate variables such as wind, riding different lines around corners.

http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=81745&hl=aerolab

Thanks both

I'll certainly do several reps of each test, maybe even work out the mean of all the runs. The test as I imagine it would be: Get to the top of the gentle hill at the industrial estate on a windless day at 20 mph. Stop pedalling at a set point and start a timer. Roll down the other side of the hill until it levels out and I roll to a stop, stop the timer and chalk a line on the floor. Repeat a couple of times. Make setup change, repeat. If the weather changes go home.

That Aerolab stuff looks great, alas I am way, way too lazy to look all that stuff up and do all those calculations. I'm just looking for something slightly better than a subjective feeling in competition which is what my setup is based on so far.

There aren't really any calculations. You just google some air pressure value, estimate Crr value and then move sliders up and down.

But sure, the roll down tests, if you can get them repeatable will give you some idea about whether a change is working. Still need to keep an eye on the weather though - air pressure or wind changes during it might throw your results - I don't know how quickly air pressure changes. Xav might be able to give you more hints on doing roll down tests. The slevless forum and TTF probably have some decent discussions too.