Aerodynamics in Biking
Lets take two athletes. They are doing a 20 km Time Trial. Without being aero, Rider A takes 30 minutes, Rider B takes 40’. With an aerodynamic bike set up including body positioning, aerowheels, aerohelmet and aerodynamic bike set up, Rider A would be 1:26 minutes faster, Rider B would be 1:47 minutes faster. This is interesting: The SLOWER rider gains more than the faster rider!!
Further interesting to see was how body positioning, wheels, helmet and bike set up contribute to time savings during a 40 km TT:
Aerodynamic disc wheels save 40-60 seconds
Aerodynamic helmet saves 1.5 minutes
Aerodynamic body position saves 2.5 minutes
I conclude the following:
1. Slow riders gain more being aerodynamic than fast riders and deserve high-end TT products.
2. Buy an aero-helmet. Rudy Project has a excellent variety at different prices.
3. Get a Bike Positioning. Considering that a bike positioning not only makes you that much faster but also lets you push hard while being comfortable, it is worth getting one.
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