Recumbent - Does a windsock add much drag

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View Full Version : Does a windsock add much drag


megaman
05-01-05, 01:11 AM
Kind of curious about that. I've seen them before. Do they add much more drag than a small flag?


elect7222
05-01-05, 09:55 AM
I would place the flag and wind sock outside a car window . I would then drive 15,20 mph and see what the drag was. If you can,report back with your findings. Bruce

JenM
05-01-05, 10:31 PM
I'd imagine a windsock would add a lot less drag and sluggishness to the performance than a rider who was injured because he didn't attract enough attention. It's your call, but I would err on the side of safety.


beowoulfe
05-02-05, 05:11 AM
I ran with a "Hypnotwister" for awhile. Yes it does add drag. If you are a slow rider, you would never recognize it. The faster you go, the more pronounced it becomes. I've switched over to streamers. Found some surveyers tape at Home Depot and bought several colors. Measure off some of each color and tie them to the mast. Still generates a little drag, but not like the hypnotwister. They swirl around up there pretty good. People who manage to catch up to me say that I'm very visable. ;) :lol:

cjs1948
05-02-05, 12:06 PM
Kind of curious about that. I've seen them before. Do they add much more drag than a small flag?
Here are a couple of flags that don't have much drag and/or you can limit drag (and wind noise) by slipping off the long fringe section and using only the parts at the tip:

http://cjschip.smugmug.com/gallery/385391

The staff is a fishing pole, the ball is a nerf with a center pin like a bobber and painted glo orange, and the streamers can be cut from ripstop or use surveyors tape. They are easily visible at a quarter mile.

A good do-it-yourself project.

Chip