Aerodynamics and Cycling: the Basics for Recreational Riding

Most recreational cyclists don't give aerodynamics much thought. Sure, we 're all used to seeing our favorites in the Tour de France time trials looking like beings from the future with their skin suits, teardrop aerodynamic helmets and super sleek bicycles. But is all that geeky science of speed stuff only for the professionals?

Well, if you have ever had to battle a headwind on a day when you just didn't need anymore difficulties, you know that aerodynamics affect everyone, not just those with a pro contract.

More: The Principles of an Aerodynamic Bike Fit

With that being said, there are differing levels of concern from your recreational cyclists to your pro tour professional. The Tour riders look at the most minute details of everything, from bike design to the wind drag from a pair of sunglasses. While on the other hand recreational cyclists don't need to drill down to that same level of minutia. There are however some easy and obvious things one can do to become more efficient at avoiding the wind, and it might help make you faster.

Clothing and Body Position

First off, flappy wind jackets, especially those which billow like a sail as one moves forward are to be avoided. If a jacket must be worn, find one that is form fitting and reduces the amount of extra material. In fact, all flappy clothing is an aerodynamic nightmare. Form fit if you want to be fast.

More: Buying Time: Which Aero Equipement Offers the Most Benefits

Seat Position

The more upright you sit the more comfortable you'll tend to be, but that's not very "aero" so to speak. With today's more accommodating frame designs (including longer head tubes) using the lower position on the handlebars, or getting in the drops as it is called, is much easier than before. At moderate to high speeds I find that getting in the drops gives me about 1/2-mile an hour more speed for the same amount of effort.

The data and suggestions I am making are just my observations. Clearly, if you want to do real, scientific testing, the only way to go about it is by using a wind tunnel. Up until recently, there really weren't a lot cycling specific wind tunnels in the United States. For those wishing to do this type of testing, athletes had to use facilities designed to do aerodynamic testing for rockets, airplanes or automobiles, all forms of transportation which go much faster than a bicycle (especially when I am riding one).

More: The age old Debate: Weight vs. Aerodynamics

What a Wind Tunnel Offers

Several weeks ago, Specialized Bicycle Components unveiled their own wind tunnel built close to their world headquarters in Morgan Hill, California. This facility was specifically designed for the lower speeds of bicycles and provides Specialized and their sponsored athletes a testing platform with which they are able to maximize the aerodynamic benefits of equipment and rider position.

The wind tunnel took about seven months to build and utilizes six fans to pull air from the front of the tunnel to the back, simulating what a rider experiences on the road. The wind tunnel also utilizes the drag measurement system, which is at the heart of what the wind tunnel was designed for. And speaking of designing, Chuck Teixeira one of the four Specialized engineers, along with Marc Cote, Chris Yu and Chris D'Aluisio are all among the team who set up and test in the wind tunnel—and with degrees from MIT, Cal Tech and Stanford, these guys aren't fooling around.

More: The age-old Debate: Weight vs Aerodynamics

What Does This Mean for you?

So, what does the new Specialized wind tunnel mean to recreational cyclists? Certainly, if you adopt the two suggestions I made above you will improve your aerodynamics when you want or need to.

It may also make some sense for you to be concerned about aerodynamics with the equipment you ride. I am not talking about going out and buying a full aerodynamic time trial bike for your next century, but if you can afford to purchase a bike which combines the best aerodynamic properties and comfort, that just makes sense. You can opt to instead buy extra speed with high-priced add-ons, but having a bicycle with good aerodynamic properties is the best place to start.

We will have to wait a bit to see how Specialized's new wind tunnel will affect its product offerings, but rest assured the engineers at the facility will be utilizing their new play toy to maximum effect. And sooner or later, the wind tunnel might have a spot reserved for you too.

More: 5 Things I Learned in the Wind Tunnel