Bicycle aerodynamics: an experimental evaluation methodology

Aerodynamically efficient sports equipment/accessories and athlete body postures are considered to be the fundamental aspect to achieve superior performance. Like other speed sports, the aerodynamic optimisation is more crucial in cycling. A standard full-scale testing methodology for the aerodynamic optimisation of a cyclist along with all accessories (e.g., bicycle, helmet, cycling suit, shoes and goggle) is not well developed, documented, and standardised. This paper describes a design and development of a full-scale testing methodology for the measurement of aerodynamic properties as a function of cyclist body positions along with various accessories over a range of wind speeds. The experimental findings indicate that the methodology can be used for aerodynamic optimisation of all cycling sports.
© Copyright 2012 Sports Engineering. The Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:technical and natural sciences endurance sports training science
Tagging:Sitzposition
Published in:Sports Engineering
Language:English
Published: 2012
Online Access:http://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-012-0090-y
Volume:15
Issue:2
Pages:73-80
Document types:article
Level:advanced