Originally Posted by
SCTinkering
Do the above numbers take in consideration that just being on gravel itself can require 10-30% more power just from the resistance/efficiency of the surface?
Granted Aero is Aero no matter the surface, but if we're already handing over 10-30% by choosing gravel, we'd really need some serious aero to even get back to zero?
Again, aero penalty starts really building at 10mph based on a ton of actual data and testing. It doesn't matter if the surface is paved or unpaved- if you are riding over 10mph then wind resistance increases exponentially as your speed increases.
Having to create more power to go the same speed on gravel as you would on pavement is of no consequence here.
From an earlier post-
https://blog.trekbikes.com/en/2020/0...really-matter/
The slower you ride, the longer it takes you to complete a course. That means you have more time for aerodynamic savings to compound, even though a smaller percentage of your pedaling power is working to overcome aerodynamics.