In real world Ironman terms are there actually any rules on fairings etc.
Such as - a fairing around the front mech.
I remember something about a rule that fairings have to have a purpose, so you could have a nosecone stuck on if it was a hydration system etc.
I know this probably falls under the category of they won’t care, but roll up to the bike check in and get told to sort it is not something I fancy!
(b) Fairings are prohibited. Any device added or blended into the structure that may decrease, or that has the effect of decreasing, resistance to air penetration, or that may artificially accelerate propulsion, such as a protective screen, fuselage form fairing or the like, is prohibited; (DSQ)
Of course there are gray areas. Like HED and Flo wheels. Or strategically shaped and placed boxes and hydration.
The USAT rule is this, not sure if WTC apply same rule for IM:
(e) There must be no protective shield, fairing, or other device on any part of the bicycle (including frame, wheels, handlebars, chain wheel, and accessories) which has the effect of reducing resistance. Aerodynamic carriers for food, water, and or cycling provisions may be attached to or be an integral part of the aero-handlebars if they meet the following guidelines:
(i) The carrier can pass from front to rear, through a rectangular loop with dimensions of 10 inches (25 cm) in width and 8 inches (20 cm) in height. (ii) The front of the carrier is behind the cyclist’s hands when the hands are placed in their customary position on the end of the aerobars, and (iii) the length of the carrier is no greater than 10 inches (25 cm) front to rear.
When the carrier is an integral part of the aerobar, this integrated unit must be able to pass through the rectangular loop defined in (i) above and the carrier portion of the unit must meet criteria (ii) and (iii). In the event that compliance with this section is in doubt with respect to any particular carrier or integrated unit, a member of USA Triathlon may submit the carrier or integrated unit to USA Triathlon for evaluation.
then technically wouldnt that mean that a wheel cover would be against the rules?
My point exactly. The rules are there but we break them all the time, no one is sure where the line is.
But I don’t want to cross over into the realms of cheating as opposed to innovation
then technically wouldnt that mean that a wheel cover would be against the rules?
Wheel covers are specifically allowed:
(g) Except as otherwise determined by the race director in the interest of safety, the front wheel may be of a different diameter than the rear wheel, but the front wheel must be of spoke construction. The rear wheel may be either spoke or solid construction. Wheel covers shall only be permitted on the rear wheel.
I do agree there is some grey area in there for other components though. I remember questioning the brake fairing on a P5 when they first released and they were allowed for tri, probably because the brake fairing was part of the manufacturer’s design, although UCI would not allow it (reason for the P5-3 (UCI) v. P5-6 (tri) version). But apparently I can’t put a P5-6 style front brake cover on my P2 because that’s against the rules.
In the UCI world, Mavic was single handedly responsible for the allowance of covered wheels if the bits are permanently attached.
They had no PROPER deep section wheels as all of their deep wheels until very recently had a fairing glued on.
Mavic being good bedfellows with big races persuaded the UCI to let their wheels in. Hence the greyness introduced.
Canondale on the other hand were shut out of the peloten with their wide tubed frames as anything over 50mm (?) was deemed an aerodynamic advantage.
Obviously never had enough money or connections at that stage.
So according to these regs, non-structural carbon fairings on wheels as found on many alloy rimmed aero wheels such as HED, Flo and Swiss Side, are not actually permitted?
So according to these regs, non-structural carbon fairings on wheels as found on many alloy rimmed aero wheels such as HED, Flo and Swiss Side, are not actually permitted?
Also TriRig brakes.
So according to these regs, non-structural carbon fairings on wheels as found on many alloy rimmed aero wheels such as HED, Flo and Swiss Side, are not actually permitted?
The wheels you mentioned are permitted. The fairings they are referring to in the rules are added aftermarket… so you can’t buy a training wheel and duct tap something to it. If the wheel is OEM with the fairings you are ok.
So according to these regs, non-structural carbon fairings on wheels as found on many alloy rimmed aero wheels such as HED, Flo and Swiss Side, are not actually permitted?
The wheels you mentioned are permitted. The fairings they are referring to in the rules are added aftermarket… so you can’t buy a training wheel and duct tap something to it. If the wheel is OEM with the fairings you are ok.
On what basis do you think that’s the case? I’m purely going off the regs in Nickag’s post but if that’s the correct and complete text it doesn’t differentiate between stock and aftermarket fairings.
Finally managed to dig up the old post from 2012 where the P5-6 front brake fairing was discussed. Unfortunately it only refers to Cervelo having the P5 approved but no comment as to why this decision was made. It appears that some items such as brake fairings, and other non-structural, manufacturer produced components such as deep spoked wheels contravene the letter of the rules. The cynic in me says if a manufacturer does it, it OK, otherwise if I do it, it’s not.
So according to these regs, non-structural carbon fairings on wheels as found on many alloy rimmed aero wheels such as HED, Flo and Swiss Side, are not actually permitted?
The wheels you mentioned are permitted. The fairings they are referring to in the rules are added aftermarket… so you can’t buy a training wheel and duct tap something to it. If the wheel is OEM with the fairings you are ok.
On what basis do you think that’s the case? I’m purely going off the regs in Nickag’s post but if that’s the correct and complete text it doesn’t differentiate between stock and aftermarket fairings.
I spoke with USAT. I don’t have the doc in front of me but I thinks it’s in there somewhere.