Does wind affect lighter riders more?
09-16-08 | 12:38 PM
#51
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09-16-08 | 02:08 PM
#52
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09-16-08 | 02:14 PM
#53
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Who would lose? I cannot tell what you are saying here.
If I lose weight and retain power, i.e. I lose fat, then at 180 pounds versus 200 pounds, I would have to be faster. I would have a better power to weight ratio and less wind resistance due to a smaller frontal area and probably a more aerodynamic profile.
One of the racers at the training ride said that when he lost 20 pounds his speed went up dramatically. We are riding a very flat course.
If I lose weight and retain power, i.e. I lose fat, then at 180 pounds versus 200 pounds, I would have to be faster. I would have a better power to weight ratio and less wind resistance due to a smaller frontal area and probably a more aerodynamic profile.
One of the racers at the training ride said that when he lost 20 pounds his speed went up dramatically. We are riding a very flat course.
The OP did not ask a stupid question which would deserve a stupid answer. Rather the OP asked a hypothetical question which does deserve a hypothetical (albeit completely useless) answer.
So...how many angels can dance on the headset of a Pinarello?
09-16-08 | 02:15 PM
#54
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I could have said it better and you did. Thanks.
09-16-08 | 02:54 PM
#55
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Assuming frontal area is the same for both riders, which is the assumption we use to say a heavier rider coasts down a hill faster, a headwind will affect each equally. The wind won't slow a heavier rider as much, but it takes the same amount of energy for both to re-acquire the same speed.
09-16-08 | 03:03 PM
#56
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From: Near Hershey...TMI...not in Central PA ;)
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Assuming frontal area is the same for both riders, which is the assumption we use to say a heavier rider coasts down a hill faster, a headwind will affect each equally. The wind won't slow a heavier rider as much, but it takes the same amount of energy for both to re-acquire the same speed.
This doesn't make sense. If the heavier rider isn't slowed down as much as the lighter rider, then it doesn't matter if it takes the same amount of energy to get back to speed. The heavier rider doesn't have as far to go accelerate to the same speed both were maintaining. The little guy has to work harder/longer to get there.
Need more coffee.
Beth
09-16-08 | 03:13 PM
#57
Assuming frontal area is the same for both riders, which is the assumption we use to say a heavier rider coasts down a hill faster, a headwind will affect each equally. The wind won't slow a heavier rider as much, but it takes the same amount of energy for both to re-acquire the same speed.
If you scale it up, a rider that is twice as tall, twice as wide, has 4 times the frontal area but will have 8 times the weight, 8 times the muscle mass.
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