We just did the testing a few weeks ago. You can see the results that Jim wrote up.
http://www.premierholding.org/pages/quality-control
Edit: to add Jim Manton's conclusion: There is limited data publicly available for the aerodynamic differences a 1X Drivetrain offers over a traditional 2X Drivetrain. To be clear, a 1X Drivetrain setup is referring to a single chainring on the drive side crank arm with no front derailleur on the bike; a 2X Drivetrain is a traditional double chainring on the drive side with a front derailleur. The results are interesting as there’s a small reduction in drag at yaw angles below 7.5, but quite clearly a significant reduction in drag on the non-drive side of the bike at higher yaw angles. It’s speculative, but not overly so, to presume this reduction at higher yaw is due to the missing smaller chainring, as it’s exposure is significant on the non-drive side at higher yaw angles. More tests on different bike models and drivetrain setups would be warranted to come to a more decisive conclusion. Also, it should be noted a rider would likely influence these numbers as the movement of legs, crank, shoes, pedals, etc. would all alter the airflow through the drivetrain area. Still, the results are worthy of further discussion and testing.
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
http://www.premierholding.org/pages/quality-control
Edit: to add Jim Manton's conclusion: There is limited data publicly available for the aerodynamic differences a 1X Drivetrain offers over a traditional 2X Drivetrain. To be clear, a 1X Drivetrain setup is referring to a single chainring on the drive side crank arm with no front derailleur on the bike; a 2X Drivetrain is a traditional double chainring on the drive side with a front derailleur. The results are interesting as there’s a small reduction in drag at yaw angles below 7.5, but quite clearly a significant reduction in drag on the non-drive side of the bike at higher yaw angles. It’s speculative, but not overly so, to presume this reduction at higher yaw is due to the missing smaller chainring, as it’s exposure is significant on the non-drive side at higher yaw angles. More tests on different bike models and drivetrain setups would be warranted to come to a more decisive conclusion. Also, it should be noted a rider would likely influence these numbers as the movement of legs, crank, shoes, pedals, etc. would all alter the airflow through the drivetrain area. Still, the results are worthy of further discussion and testing.
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com