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Old 10-19-07 | 08:35 PM
  #21  
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supcom
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Originally Posted by hotbike
Did they test the bikes with a rider on them? That makes a big difference. And was the rider in spandex or regular clothes.
The tests all had a rider. Tests were done in multiple riding positions (no aero bars), different types of jerseys and jackets. Except for one mountaineering jacket, all tests were cycling clothes, primarily to check the effects of various jerseys and jackets. No street clothes were tested.

Other things tested were the effects of a handlebar bag or large saddle bag and the effects of various types of fenders.

Tests were primarily done at 22 mph, as I recall. Lower speeds are hardly worth testing as wind effects drop off pretty quickly as speed decreases. Tests were also done for cross wind conditions.

The article is fairly comprehensive at testing the typical kinds of equipment a randonneur might use. Racing, or "aero" equipment was not tested. It's well worth purchasing a copy of the magazine (www.vintagebicyclepress.com) or getting a subscription to read the results of the tests.
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