After reading the wind tunnel results on CEP compression socks saving 73.8 seconds on a 40K TT at 225 watts here.
http://www.powertri-blog.com/biking/preliminary-wind-tunnel-results-on-apparell.html
I am starting to wonder if it’s a good idea to wear these compression socks during road racing also. Would compression effect hurt or help me on the bike?
I didn’t read your link, but 73s is a lot of time. It doesn’t pass the laugh test. But if if it proves true, I’ll buy them tomorrow.
I just watched Xterra on TV and the Xterra World Champion - Lesley Patterson - wears the compression sleeves for the whole race.
Umm…thats a lot of time saved on something so, whats the word.
Per the original article, the baseline rider had “badly shaved” legs. Could the socks just be compensating for failure to shave before the test?
Dude… the test showed a 2:39 difference between a DeSoto LiftFoil and a DeSoto Forza suit over 40k. There has to be something off in his testing. He is not holding the same position or something. There is no way. (if they both fit properly)
Also, his water bottle testing shows very different results than Cervelo. I think I will trust Cervelo and Foam Dave Z.
They also say they found that CEP calf sleeves saved 73.8secs compared to 2XU calf sleeves which cost you 23.4secs! That’s 97.2secs between two different brand of calf sleeve…not convinced.
Part of the reason that I think there maybe some creditably behind this information is because there are papers showing that different types of textured fabric wrapped around a steel cylinder will produce a lower coefficient of drag over the smooth steel cylinder (around 40% in some studies). I may be assumed that the calfs are semi cylindrical objects in the wind so this may hold.
Take the results with a grain of salt as he never posted a follow up as he said he would.
The data looks pretty ridiculous. I’m going to stick with my super aero skinny shaved legs.
If this data is real, then I am going to wear this at my next race:
The way I’ve seen this explained is that the rough texturing trips a turbulence layer leading to longer attached airflow similar to that of zipp dimples. This may work as it is very difficult for airflow to stay attached to cylinders.
If this was the case, wouldn’t Castelli include it into their very fast Body Paint TT suit?
It’s called a boundary layer and surface texture can control where it starts. I took fluid mechanics in college. I still don’t buy it. His position is changing.
If this data is real, then I am going to wear this at my next race:
Not if its 2xu you wont! Thad be throwing time away, CEPs might make a patterned one
If this was the case, wouldn’t Castelli include it into their very fast Body Paint TT suit?
Tall socks, and certain textured fabrics are banned by the UCI.
Personally, I use Zoot (CEP) calf sleeves for the bike for the aero advantage. Adds no transition time under the wetsuit.
The way I’ve seen this explained is that the rough texturing trips a turbulence layer leading to longer attached airflow similar to that of zipp dimples. This may work as it is very difficult for airflow to stay attached to cylinders.
This is exactly the advantage. Calves stay pretty vertical through the pedal stroke, and are much larger than the tubes on a bike.
Also, his water bottle testing shows very different results than Cervelo. I think I will trust Cervelo and Foam Dave Z.
…because cervelo have no interest in selling expensive bikes and just want to give us the real data.
They probably have little financial interest in saying that a water bottle between the aero bars saves time…
Here in the UK they help alot…because most of the time it’s bl00dy freezing.