Drafting the Automobile=Not smart??

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

10-09-10 | 12:08 PM

#51

Yaniel

SLO-1

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 2,691

Likes: 1

From: Miami, FL

Bikes: '09 BMC Road Racer SL01

I draft cars whenever possible, but it's also not like drafting a cyclist, you don't need to be 6 inches off the bumper. you can leave a nice safety buffer and still get most of the effect.

I think the best thing I've ever drafted was a landscapers enclosed trailer. It was super low to the ground, but still about 8 feet high. This thing was the greatest draft I've ever experienced, and I wasn't anywhere close to a dangerous distance behind it.

10-09-10 | 12:12 PM

#52

Yaniel

SLO-1

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 2,691

Likes: 1

From: Miami, FL

Bikes: '09 BMC Road Racer SL01

Quote:

Originally Posted by kleinboogie

I don't ride to cheat so I don't even though I've been tempted. Just not worth it.

cheat? would you be drafting a car in a race? maybe a time trial? or do your solo rides have "rules"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by goose70

Improving your conditioning to where you no longer need the drafting help of a car is an alternative path to cycling enjoyment that you may wish to consider.

you do realize that no matter what "conditioning" you reach, drafting a car will still make you faster than you would be without the car right?

10-09-10 | 01:09 PM

#53

dykim90

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 153

Likes: 0

i always draft cars. just need some good brake calipers and brake pads thats all. and a good responsive time.

10-09-10 | 03:35 PM

#54

DannoXYZ

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 11,754

Likes: 26

From: Mesa, AZ

Bikes: Moots RCS, tandem, beach-cruiser, MTB, Specialized-Allez road-bike, custom track-bike

I usually don't draft cars, but vans, trucks and buses are fair game. They don't have the braking power of cars and if they slam on their brakes, I still have sufficient time to swerve out of the way.

10-10-10 | 07:32 AM

#55

surgeonstone

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 11,222

Likes: 30

From: South Bend IN

Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BengeBoy

I think it's completely relevant.

Lots of angry drivers out there, cab drivers in a hurry, etc. etc.

Just the other night on the way home from work I found myself behind a car and I intentionally slowed down to give myself more room in case he came to a sudden stop. Not 30 seconds later, he slams on his brakes, and then makes a sudden (unanticipated) right turn into a parking lot. Another bike commuter filters up alongside me and says, "Wow, you saw that coming..."

I agree. Completely relevant. You just don't know what the person in front of you is going to do. I ride a motorcycle and for this reason give a lot of space between myself and the guy in front.