Originally Posted by
veganbikes
If you read what he wrote, he explains the whole thing. While yes aerodynamics are going to be different on a gravel bike they are still important while racing at least to some degree and improving things even if slightly will be an advantage to those who haven't. The reason that Team Sky/Ineos whatever had such boring wins is the marginal gains, they do help even if boring or maybe a touch silly to some.
He explained the rando bag being faster then having a bunch of bike packing bags as it is an easy carry all with easy access rather than fiddling around with where you will put something during a control or stop. Plus at least according to him it might help a bit simply because it is blocking your pedaling so less turbulent air.
If he actually wants marginal gains, then ride a bike that is designed to reduce drag more than the bike he is riding there. And use wheels that are more aero. And use tires that are more aero.
Etc etc.
But anyways, to address your comments in red...
- I agree that a bag in front of your bars is easier to access while riding. One could just fill their jersey pockets and use a top tube be to bag as well to get the same eay access benefit.
- Saying something might help a bit is far from saying something will help and showing it helps thru actually good testing. Jan struggles from time to time with the actual good testing part of things.
- Is that rando bag actually blocking his pedal motion? I have a 139 basket and bag that hovers as close to the front tire(fender, really) as is possible and that massive setup doesn't block my pedal motion at all because the basket and bag are well above where my feet are.
- a rando bag can improve aerodynamics in very specific instances and comparisons. Getting into a super compact tuck is one such instance...
but you then look like this guy...
Jan talks about the aero benefit and limited application in an edit to a post on his site. Of course it's an edit instead of just in the initial article...it's Jan and he is a modern day salesman who only clarifies once enough push back is felt(by way of responses which no longer exist for his articles).
https://www.renehersecycles.com/aero...ando-vs-racer/
The fairing effect of the handlebar bag acts has been shown only in the aero tuck. When you look at the second photo with the rider in a more upright position, you see that the bag is much further from the rider’s body, so it’s ability to act as a fairing is reduced. Our wind tunnel testing showed that a bag or small fairing adds drag in that position, especially in a crosswind.