| Title: | Bicycling |
| Notice: | Bicycling for Fun |
| Moderator: | JAMIN::WASSER |
| Created: | Mon Apr 14 1986 |
| Last Modified: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Last Successful Update: | Fri Jun 06 1997 |
| Number of topics: | 3214 |
| Total number of notes: | 31946 |
In note 51, we had an interesting discussion on time trial wheels. We did
discuss the relationship of aerodynamics to bike performance to some degree.
However, this is such a wide topic that I felt it deserves a seperate note.
Below is some interesting information from the July '86 issue of TRIATHLETE
magazine:
AERO ITEM COST DRAG REDUCTION COST/SEC TIME SAVINGS
30 MPH SAVED 25 miles
24 inch front wheel $175 30 gms **** ****
Spoked aero wheels $350 120 gms $8.95 39 sec.
Front disk wheels $350-$1100 42 gms $25.00-$78.57 14 sec.
Rear disk wheel $350-$1100 40 gms $25.00-$78.57 14 sec.
Aero bike frame $400-$600 130 gms $9.52-$14.18 42 sec.
Aero handle bars $350 90 gms $12.06 29 sec.
Aero Helmet $70 40-130 gms $5.00 14 sec.
Aero Clothing $120 40-120 gms $8.57 14 sec.
Aero water bottle $30 40 gms $2.14 14 sec.
Quick release pedals $80 25 gms $8.88 9 sec.
Aero cranks $120 17 gms $20.00 6 sec.
-------
Total 195 sec.
The 24 inch wheel has a lower wind resistance compared to 700c wheels but
has a higher rolling resistance. The 2 cancel each other out. However, the
24 inch wheel is lighter and thus accelerates better. Almost any helmet is
better than a bare head (unless the head is shaved).
While watching the Tour de France on Sunday, I noticed many of the riders
using new aero equipment in the time trials. However, many did not. The 34
mile team time trial was won by the System U team. All team members used
aero bikes, aero helmets, disk wheels etc. The Vie La Claire (Spelling ?)
team used what looked like standard racing bikes with spoked wheels and no
helmets. The System U team beat the Vie La Claire team by 2:00 min. Since
Vie La Claire is made up of super bikers like Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault,
it is hard to believe that System U is that much better. When I look at the
above statistics, I come to the conclusion that the much of the difference
was in the equipment used and that Vie La Claire made a big mistake.
Has the look of world class bike racing changed for good?
Will we see more aero equipment used in road races in addition to time
trials ?
Will world class racers give up the macho image of hair blowing in the wind for
space age aero helmets ?
Let's use this note for any discussion concerning aerodynamics and bikes.
Keith
| T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95.1 | Amen, and next ... | EUCLID::PAULHUS | Wed Jul 09 1986 12:48 | 12 | |
Amen to the base note! And, someday, maybe recumbents and fairings
will be allowed too. In the meanwhile, you can see these advanced
(illegal in bike racing) items in recreational riding and IHPVA
racing. It was so good to see everyone in hard shell helmets at
the races in Fitchburg last weekend! I know, insurance made it
happen, but at least it has happened. Someday, maybe, the bike
racers will have two classes: Classic and Modern. 1982 or earlier
designs (same size wheels, dropped handlebars, etc) will run in
the classic class, while faired bikes run modern.
I'm finally at the point where there's something interesting to
see on the streamliner. Anyone wanting to see a full-tilt aero
bike is welcome to drop by some evening. Call first. - Chris
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| 95.2 | SUPER::CONNELL | Mon Jul 14 1986 16:59 | 14 | ||
RE: Tour de France..
The System U team did look good in the aero equipment, and I'm sure
it helped somewhat. By looking at them vs. La Vie Claire however
there was also a very big difference in coordination and team effort.
I bet that accounted for 90% of the time difference.
Not knocking the aero stuff, just commenting that the film showed
other differences as well.
Can you believe Phinney? Right on Davis !!!
Chuck
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