check it out here http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/training-for-cyclists-cycling-aerodynamics-and-stamina-33073
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nice read. Here are some highlights:
There are a number of other potential gains to be had by utilising low-drag components over standard. Over 40kms the following components can produce significant time savings (7): Aero frame vs standard frame 1-2.5mins; Aero forks vs round forks 0.5mins; Disk + tri spoke vs spoked wheels 1-1.5mins; Aero position vs standard position up to 6mins.
You might find Kraig Willett’s, article, Speed for Sale, interesting.
It has good info re: the best bang for your buck for faster bike splits when it comes to you (the engine), your bike, positioning, equipment, and aerodynamics.
Would the aero frame vs. standard frame have different frame geometries?
I’m also a little confused by some of the wheel numbers:
“For example, a box rim with 20-30 spokes is around 30 seconds slower over 40km than a deep-rimmed or composite wheel.”
…
“A box-section set of wheels (18 spokes front/ 20 rear) requires 312 watts for a rider to speed along at 25mph. Throw some cash at some aero wheels and the effort gets easier; our test rider cruised at 25mph using just 294 watts.”
…
“An 18 watt saving might not sound much, but it could mean finishing over two minutes ahead of a less technologically aware but equally talented rider.”
So, it went from 30" to 2’?? It seems as they keep a 40k/25mi distance throughout.
I thought this part was pretty interesting:
"For every watt that the rider puts out (approx 300 to get 25mph) the aero helmet gives an extra 5.38 metres, or to put it another way, enables the rider to go 1,614metres (1.002 miles) further in an hour. A 4% gain sounds small until you realise that it equates to around 2mins to 2mins 20secs over 25 miles. "
+1 MPH for an aero helmet over a standard one (at 25 mph) is impressive. Haven’t seen such specific info before.