Bike Forums - View Single Post - Same Wattage: Headwind vs Tailwind

05-13-25 | 04:12 AM

#29

flangehead

Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,020

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From: Houston, TX

Bikes: 2017 Co-op ADV 1.1; ~1991 Novara Arriba; 1990 Fuji Palisade; mid-90's Moots Tandem; 1985 Performance Superbe

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duragrouch

…Power required to overcome aero drag is a function of velocity cubed….

And the applicable velocity is the airspeed, not the ground speed.

For a ground speed of 20 mph and a wind of 10 mph:

Into wind: air speed 30 mph
With wind: air speed 10 mph

Relative power required for aerodynamic drag; factor of 27.

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