Re:Aerodynamics of Gravel Bikes
by jrf6 on Tuesday September 20, 2022 @08:00AM
(#32910521)
The rider is a much bigger factor, of course. But that’s not the problem being addressed here. You’re not suggesting the bike should not be optimized are you?
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It makes no sense to optimize the bike in isolation. There is complex airflow interaction between the bike and rider. There are changes that aerodynamicists could do to reduce bike drag that would actually increase drag on the complete bike plus rider system.
The problem is that there are so many variables with riders. For example, just a slight change in head position can increase drag more than any improvement in frame tube shape could save.
For sure, and the bike industry tricks huge numbers of slow people into vastly overspending on their bikes with no real benefit.
They basically never test these aero bike gadgets on a rider.
Aero helmets and clothes are probably the only ones that get tested on riders in a valid way.
Just be careful not to use "illegal" aero socks.
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/check-illegal-sock...