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Subject: Bike Aerodynamics-- what's the real deal?

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Posted:4/11/2006 6:46:44 PM

I don't think I'm going to get any faster based upon my long history of racing; so now I'm starting to try and analyze equipment and am having trouble finding REAL data on frame configurations.

The things I'm looking at:
>> Rear wheel cutout-- okay, tons of manufacturers cut out the rear wheel at the seat tube. How much time does a Cervelo P3 really save? Does it? What about distance between seat tube and wheel? Is a tight rear wheel any faster than a big gap like the Specialized Transition, for instance?

>> Internal cables-- does exposing a 1mm strand of wire really slow you down at all?

>> Bladed seatpost-- check out Javelin's Barolo (bladed post like the Cervelos) versus the Arcole. Basically, the same frame except for the rear end and round post on the Arcole.

>> Bladed seat stays versus round or how bladed does the down tube need to be?

>> Anything else the aero geeks (I'm one too) can think of?

Thanks,
Gary Z

gtingley
Posts:63

Posted:4/11/2006 8:26:41 PM
Changing aero frames can help, a little. Most speed gains can be found in position improvements and in training improvements. It takes time to get faster. Parasitic drag can be a factor, however it is very difficult to detect changes in items such as internal cables and seatposts. Look to position improvements and to improved training for the most bang for your buck.

EspenBjorgan
Posts:4

Posted:5/29/2006 7:28:34 AM
Everything helps, in one way or another. Thou one little change might not help alot, ten small changes can save you half a minute.

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