Aerodynamics / Aerodynamic Cost / Aero parts

This is the place of rad fixie skidderz. We don't need no aero talk.
Unless it involves chocolate.

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in one pic, from this month's Grinta (Belgium) magazine

1 = normal road bike

2 = aero wheels

3 = TT bars

4 = TT bike + helmet

5 = other TT bike, aero suit + helmet + rear disc wheel

What does the figure refer to Peter?

Wattage at a constant speed?

yes, they tested all kit at 42-45kmh and measured the power output. conclusion: the rider needed 155 watts less in step 5 kit and position than he did in step 1

Tell us something we don't know?

Thier figures, however, will be invalid as a genuine scientific test as there are no constants in the rest of the equipment or rider's position.

it's just a guideline for novices in this 'science' hoped that would be clear

but please tell us all you know then, in this thread preferrably ;-)

Tell us something we don't know?
Thier figures, however, will be invalid as a genuine scientific test as there are no constants in the rest of the equipment or rider's position.

I'm sure Wind Tunnel Monthly wouldn't make the same mistakes this mag did..

I read an article somewhere which looked at aero upgrades and what I remember from it is that cheap shoe covers make as much of a difference a an expensive rear disc, and a tt specific frame was about half that. I'll try to find the article because I don't remember much else.

I find it hard to believe that shoe covers make more difference than a TT frame. In fact, it's certainly bollocks.

Shoe covers actually increase your front area slightly but making your shoes slipperier does seem to compensate for that.

article: http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2010/04/biggest-bang-for-your-buck-in-time-trial-equipment/

I read that article a while ago. It's comparing a standard tubing TT frame to an aero tubing TT frame which could mean anything.

Also "* I don’t understand the rational of some of their wheel comparisons and why they didn’t calculate the difference between a standard rear wheel and a rear disc wheel. I tried calculating the numbers myself but couldn’t get them consistent with the numbers in the chart."

"testing shown here was done on a specially designed skinsuit for Nike, not a standard skinsuit. I’m sure this skinsuit costs in excess of $1000*"

Your body is the bulkiest thing you are pushing through the air. Getting your body into it's smallest form factor is more important than everything else you can buy but of course it all adds up.

^ this. according to the article to which the pic belongs it makes up 75% of the speed gain with same power output

Your body is the bulkiest thing you are pushing through the air. Getting your body into it's smallest form factor is more important than everything else you can buy but of course it all adds up.

Are you suggesting that losing mass off the rider/decreasing the rider size might be the best thing to do?

there is a difference between a stick and a wall on two wheels

Could Wiggo face post-ride sanctions for aero wires on TdF TT suit?

from the TdF thread. Don't get low, don't get little; just put wires up your selves.

Are you suggesting that losing mass off the rider/decreasing the rider size might be the best thing to do?

It's a contributing factor, yes. Less body fat is less size and also allows you to get lower without legs hitting stomach.

But there's more to it than that. Flexibility, the ability to hold your neck out down and low, etc. Shrug your shoulders and your arms are closer in. Raise and lower saddle to flatten back or reduce shoulders exposed to air. There's lots of things you can alter about your position whatever your body shape.

from the TdF thread. Don't get low, don't get little; just put wires up your selves.

Kinky.

but please tell us all you know then, in this thread preferrably ;-)

I could, but it would take time, which I can't afford to give for free. And some plonker would still misunderstand it or simply disagree (despite having no knowledge) because that's what the Internet is for.

The problem with Internet forums is that people are always looking for quick fixes, they leap onto the latest thing and hope it's a 'catch all' for their deficiencies, but nothing ever is.

I am 10kg overweight, eat and drink too much, didn't do any miles over winter, can't be bothered to train properly. What can I buy that will make me a winner?

A car?

Are you suggesting that losing mass off the rider/decreasing the rider size might be the best thing to do?

Eureka.

But, like all things, only up to the point before it becomes impractical/uncomfortable/unhealthy.

But why worry about diet, exercise, lifestyle and training when you can apparently 'buy speed'?

A car?

Give that man a banana.

Can I buy speed from you RPM?
My usual dealer is out of town.