Aero Frame Real World Testing
07-12-18, 09:55 AM
#51
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"but don't you think lab testing would be more helpful than real world? How could you possibly isolate just aerodynamics in a meaningful way for testing on a moving bike outside a wind tunnel? I have a feeling the margin for error introduced by any number of factors would be greater even than the aero differences you're trying to test. You would never know how 'real' any result is. "
I think what I am after is how meaningful are aero dynamics of a frame when put to the test and all the elements of riding the road are incorporated. It is assumed it makes a difference, however it has not been proven outside of a laboratory environment. I know aero wheels make a difference as we comparison tested them over several time trials on the same course with similar weather conditions. Results were consistently huge. If it can be done with wheels, it can be done with a frame. Timed results will be small so It might be difficult to find consistency.
I think what I am after is how meaningful are aero dynamics of a frame when put to the test and all the elements of riding the road are incorporated. It is assumed it makes a difference, however it has not been proven outside of a laboratory environment. I know aero wheels make a difference as we comparison tested them over several time trials on the same course with similar weather conditions. Results were consistently huge. If it can be done with wheels, it can be done with a frame. Timed results will be small so It might be difficult to find consistency.
07-12-18, 10:48 AM
#52
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Also, you have to bear in mind, most of those Aero setups aren't practical for a lot of riders. 60+ mm wheels are great in perfect conditions, but try descending at 40 mph with crosswinds. They're great wheels, but very conditional (at least around here) and I'd rather get something with cheap training wheels and pick the brand (instead of using theirs).
07-12-18, 03:43 PM
#54
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Hoods vs drops is also not a very complete description of posture aggressiveness. Being near the ends of the drops with arms fairly outstretched tends to have me significantly more upright than if I'm in the hoods with my forearms level, for instance.
07-12-18, 04:12 PM
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07-12-18, 05:04 PM
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07-12-18, 05:40 PM
#63
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People make traditional road bikes more aero because they want a traditional road bike that's more aero.
Also, an extra hand position for long distance comfort and hand health. I've got a friend who recently trashed the ulnar nerves in both hands doing a long-distance ride on his mountain bike. He can't ride a road bike right now because of how his finger control was affected. An aerobar puts the load on the elbows rather than the hand, and he'll be using one in similar future rides.
Last edited by HTupolev; 07-12-18 at 05:43 PM.
07-12-18, 06:10 PM
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07-12-18, 06:25 PM
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You didn't seem to be talking about aero bars at the time, just hoods vs drops, stating that you needed to be in the drops to be aero and that people weren't in the drops 90% of the time. So confusing.
07-12-18, 06:45 PM
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Im sorry you are confused, but my position has been consistent from #45 onward. Your attempt at starting a mud flinging contest is rather tedious.
Lol. The extent to which people will squirm and contort is rather amusing. Dude - you were wrong in your "you need to be in the drops to be aero" statement and you got called on it. Own up to it and/or move on - don't play some, "well, what I REALLY meant..." game when your statement was rather unambiguous.
07-12-18, 09:53 PM
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But you'll be faster in an upright position on an aero bike than you will be in an upright position on a regular road bike or a MTB. You'll be even faster in an aggressive aero position on a TT bike, but you can have some of it without taking it. I mean, I have aero wheels, but I don't have the Spaceman Spiff helmet.
07-12-18, 10:00 PM
#71
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07-13-18, 07:56 AM
#72
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In plain English, it depends on how fast (your max power, FTP, power/weight ratio while climbing) you are. Say, if you're riding >10-15 mph and wind resistance becomes very significant, the benefit of an aero frame will offset the extra 1-2 lb of weight penalty.
Pros are fast (~6 watts/kg). For example, even retired pro Phil Gaimon made his KOM at GMR segment in Southern California (~5% grade x 8 mi) in 27 min, with an average speed of ~17 mph.
Cannondale/GCN claimed 6% grade is the threshold of their new aero bike, SystemSix. >6% --> climbing bike. <6% --> aero bike.
The 6% threshold will decrease for riders that are not in climbing shape (low power/weight ratio), and will likely to increase a bit for riders in excellent climbing shape (higher power to weight ratio).
Pros are fast (~6 watts/kg). For example, even retired pro Phil Gaimon made his KOM at GMR segment in Southern California (~5% grade x 8 mi) in 27 min, with an average speed of ~17 mph.
Cannondale/GCN claimed 6% grade is the threshold of their new aero bike, SystemSix. >6% --> climbing bike. <6% --> aero bike.
The 6% threshold will decrease for riders that are not in climbing shape (low power/weight ratio), and will likely to increase a bit for riders in excellent climbing shape (higher power to weight ratio).
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