Drafting Question
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Drafting Question
Does sitting on someone's wheel cause them to work harder than if they were out there on their own? I don't mean by being a "wheelsucker" and not helping them. I am talking about the physics of their aerodynamics. I heard hat it somehow wrecks their drag and creates a larger envelope of air for them to pull or something on those lines. I heard that teams will do this to someone who is a contender when they try to do a solo break. Anyone ever hear of this?
#2
Meow!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Riverside, California
Posts: 6,019
Bikes: Trek 2100 Road Bike, Full DA10, Cervelo P2K TT bike, Full DA10, Giant Boulder Steel Commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have never heard this but I figure that it is possible to disrupt the air flow slightly. Of course the disruption would be so small in comparison to the frontal force that it is not nearly an issue...
__________________
Just your average club rider... :)
Just your average club rider... :)
#3
Lance Hater
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,403
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It doesn't make it any more difficult for the lead rider. There's even been some evidence that it makes it slightly easier for him/her.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Nothing scientific, but it feels easier to hold pace while taking your turn pulling the line.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 179
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Text quoted from the linked page
https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics2.html
Suprisingly drafting not only helps the bicyclist following the leader, but the lead cyclist gains an advantage as well. Paul explained, "The interesting thing is by filling in her eddy you improve the front person's performance as well. So two people who are drafting can put out less energy than two individuals (who are not drafting) would covering the same distance in the same time." While the lead cyclist gains some advantage in this situation she still needs to expend much more energy than the cyclist who is following.
https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics2.html
Suprisingly drafting not only helps the bicyclist following the leader, but the lead cyclist gains an advantage as well. Paul explained, "The interesting thing is by filling in her eddy you improve the front person's performance as well. So two people who are drafting can put out less energy than two individuals (who are not drafting) would covering the same distance in the same time." While the lead cyclist gains some advantage in this situation she still needs to expend much more energy than the cyclist who is following.
#6
Announcer
It makes a HUGE difference in NASCAR, but in cycling, it's negligable.
So if you're sitting on some guy's wheel and you're using this as an excuse for not pulling through, shame on you.
But then again, if the guy buys your argument and allows you to sit there, go for it.
So if you're sitting on some guy's wheel and you're using this as an excuse for not pulling through, shame on you.
But then again, if the guy buys your argument and allows you to sit there, go for it.
#7
@ Checkmate Cycling
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,617
Bikes: CAAD 8 - Ultegra
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It makes a HUGE difference when someone is in front of you (about 30% less effort). There is a very slight advantage to the guy in the front compared to when he is by himself. I would say its less than 5%. The reason it different from nascar is the the front end of a stock car is very aerodynamic compared to its back side. Tucking a car in behind makes a big difference. With a cyclist, the front end is very NOT aerodynamic - the back end isn't either, but its also more difficult for human behind you to help reduce the eddy.
I would imagine the effect is higher in team track events or team time trials where so much focus is on aero.
I would imagine the effect is higher in team track events or team time trials where so much focus is on aero.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Posts: 8,521
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The size of the vehicle and the speed are extremly different between stock car racing and cycling, but the drafting principle is the same.