Fifty Plus (50+) - Another benefit to the Aerobelly!

A recent charity ride was well documented and I managed to get in a few shots. Despite riding 100+ mi a week, the ole "Budweiser Tumor" is still pretty evident, particularly in a bike kit while riding. I'm #183.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs458.ash1/25212_1285284826201_1652573607_702574_42950_n.jpg
It immediately occurred to me that the smooth, rounded shape must present a very aerodynamic front to the oncoming rush of wind, hence The Aerobelly.

At first I though the only advantage over the inefficient rippled abs was the smooth rounded form. However on the ride this morning I realized another benefit while in the drops.

I noticed that my thighs were bouncing off the resilient Aerobelly. When I sucked it up, the bounce back was gone.

So is this an excuse to down a few more pints?

Hey, Bob.

Not even in my class.

Sorry.

But have one on me.

Ahsposo, what's the bottom line? Is your aerobelly indeed a wind cheating asset? Not to mention the rebound effect powering each pedal stroke.

Problem with the aerobelly is the weight disadvantage that ensues. Causes a problem on the up slope bits but mostly they don't cause a problem. So when you are watching the TDF or Vuelta you can always see those riders that have had too much Pie- They are the ones that get down off the mountains first.

I have been losing weight recently by eating more correctly. Not much riding at present so it can't be the exercise and the belly is still there.. One thing I do know- I have so much money invested in growing the Aerobelly over the years that I do not wish to lose an expensive asset.

Call me curious but if you are in Florida why the leg and arm warmers?
Is this a recent picture or in a cooler time of year? or even in Florida?

Call me curious but if you are in Florida why the leg and arm warmers?
Is this a recent picture or in a cooler time of year? or even in Florida?

LOL, that is the first thing I noticed! Palm trees and leg warmers. lol It was probably 60º.

It's primary asset is the downhill portion of the ride.

Helps with a lower center of gravity and greater inertia potential without the extra surface area.

It seems our colleagues in the recumbent camp have known of the benefits of the Aerobelly for some time.

You'll have to forgive me for not posting a picture. It would require a very wide angle lens.

The areobelly provides a well documented advantage in cycling, especially during fast descents. The advantage is so great that the UCI has banned the use of the aerobelly in professional competition, hence you never see the pros employing this accessory. I on the other hand, am not a member of UCI, I have quite a large aerobelly, use it constantly, and am by a large margin the fastest descender of my peers.

The aerodynamic advantages must work well on Harleys, too. :)

Jeez, if the aerobelly is a real advantage, I must be the fastest man on the road.

The advantage extends to high speeds and headwinds also. There is a smoother air flow around the aerobelly. Those six pack abs guys and gals are so envious and tuck in behind us in the winds.

Six pack? I've got the full two-four.

Call me curious but if you are in Florida why the leg and arm warmers?
Is this a recent picture or in a cooler time of year? or even in Florida?

KR32, good call. The pic was from the Tour de Broward, a charity ride. It was in Feb. We had a very cold winter. I think it had warmed to the 50s about the time it was taken.

KR32, good call. The pic was from the Tour de Broward, a charity ride. It was in Feb. We had a very cold winter. I think it had warmed to the 50s about the time it was taken.

That's gonna get a lot of sympathy from the guys in the mid West and Canada...

That's gonna get a lot of sympathy from the guys in the mid West and Canada...

Let them come enjoy the summer rides - 90 deg, 90% humidity.

Let them come enjoy the summer rides - 90 deg, 90% humidity.

That was 2 weeks ago here in Nebraska. I rode today 68 degrees when I got home and blustery winds from the north. Back to the 90's on Monday.

I can't let my Squeeze see this post. He is always looking for midsection excuses! I mean advantages.

Aero works indeed.

http://www.lightningbikes.com/f40.htm