We here at Podium Spot were one of the first to get our hands on some of the latest training information available and we wanted to share it with you, because who doesn't want to be faster?!?
Abstract:
A comparative study on the effect of increased turbulent air in specialized areas to aid in drag coefficient reduction yielding increased power output while cycling. This study is compiled to define the best possible ratio of a cyclist's size in critical areas to aid in a decrease in drag coefficient thus allowing the cyclist to move faster with the same amount of effort. Analysis has been performed using wind tunnel testing and power output has been measured using a watt meter. The same bicycle, helmet and skinsuit has been used to maintain consistency throughout the study. The measurable variables included the weight of the cyclist, power output and drag coefficient relative to the yaw angle in the wind tunnel. This study will test the theory as to whether or not an increase in weight and size of the cyclist will decrease the drag coefficient at the same power output. The study was performed at the University of Jyväskylä under the guidance of professors Bert and Ernie, both of whom hold Phd's in their respective fields.
After reading this very scientific paper (982 pages of it), the sampling group included more than 300 participants over the course of 5 years, found that if a cyclist uses targeted weight gain they could be more aerodynamic on the bike which helped to increase the slipstream effect over the rear wheel by an average of 9.25%. Most cyclists used in the study found a 8% increase in their performance. In a straight headwind the highest results were found, however theorized mechanics claim this would only be large benefit to cyclists who specialize in "time trial" type events. When the road begins to turn upward of 3-5% gradient, the effects of targeted weight gain decreased performance significantly (to be more precise it was the square of the drag coefficient minus 1.2).
By the numbers, here is the interesting information, a cyclist in a headwind with a targeted weight gain in the mid section created a balloon like effect helping to increase their slipstream over the rear wheel. At a yaw angle ranging between 0 and 20 degrees a cyclist in the control group had to maintain 20mph, averaging 325 watts over the course of one hour. If that same cyclist increased their torso size by roughly 25% they were able to maintain 20mph between 0 and 20 degrees yaw, averaging 295 watts over one hour. Thats nearly 30 watts less output for the "improved" cyclist.
Bikes are getting better everyday with aerodynamics, weight savings, targeted stiffness, it only begs the question: why aren't we trying to make ourselves the best athletes we can be? By making yourself more aerodynamic it will not only help to store fuel in terms of fat which will be ready for use, never allowing you to bonk while riding but you will be faster. At an elite level a 9.25% gain in performance is astronomical, could you imagine if Fabian Cancellara or Chris Froome were nearly 10% faster on the bike?!? All they would have to do is alter where they store fat in their bodies and they would have the potential to become the ultimate athlete.
We were able to obtain some of the charts and diagrams used in this study, which give a very clear visual representation of exactly where the targeted weight gain would need to be in order to boost performance. Using very advanced IBM 9000 Ti2 supercomputers, professors Bert and Ernie were able to create life-like images using photographs of professional cyclists.
Abstract:
A comparative study on the effect of increased turbulent air in specialized areas to aid in drag coefficient reduction yielding increased power output while cycling. This study is compiled to define the best possible ratio of a cyclist's size in critical areas to aid in a decrease in drag coefficient thus allowing the cyclist to move faster with the same amount of effort. Analysis has been performed using wind tunnel testing and power output has been measured using a watt meter. The same bicycle, helmet and skinsuit has been used to maintain consistency throughout the study. The measurable variables included the weight of the cyclist, power output and drag coefficient relative to the yaw angle in the wind tunnel. This study will test the theory as to whether or not an increase in weight and size of the cyclist will decrease the drag coefficient at the same power output. The study was performed at the University of Jyväskylä under the guidance of professors Bert and Ernie, both of whom hold Phd's in their respective fields.
After reading this very scientific paper (982 pages of it), the sampling group included more than 300 participants over the course of 5 years, found that if a cyclist uses targeted weight gain they could be more aerodynamic on the bike which helped to increase the slipstream effect over the rear wheel by an average of 9.25%. Most cyclists used in the study found a 8% increase in their performance. In a straight headwind the highest results were found, however theorized mechanics claim this would only be large benefit to cyclists who specialize in "time trial" type events. When the road begins to turn upward of 3-5% gradient, the effects of targeted weight gain decreased performance significantly (to be more precise it was the square of the drag coefficient minus 1.2).
By the numbers, here is the interesting information, a cyclist in a headwind with a targeted weight gain in the mid section created a balloon like effect helping to increase their slipstream over the rear wheel. At a yaw angle ranging between 0 and 20 degrees a cyclist in the control group had to maintain 20mph, averaging 325 watts over the course of one hour. If that same cyclist increased their torso size by roughly 25% they were able to maintain 20mph between 0 and 20 degrees yaw, averaging 295 watts over one hour. Thats nearly 30 watts less output for the "improved" cyclist.
Bikes are getting better everyday with aerodynamics, weight savings, targeted stiffness, it only begs the question: why aren't we trying to make ourselves the best athletes we can be? By making yourself more aerodynamic it will not only help to store fuel in terms of fat which will be ready for use, never allowing you to bonk while riding but you will be faster. At an elite level a 9.25% gain in performance is astronomical, could you imagine if Fabian Cancellara or Chris Froome were nearly 10% faster on the bike?!? All they would have to do is alter where they store fat in their bodies and they would have the potential to become the ultimate athlete.
We were able to obtain some of the charts and diagrams used in this study, which give a very clear visual representation of exactly where the targeted weight gain would need to be in order to boost performance. Using very advanced IBM 9000 Ti2 supercomputers, professors Bert and Ernie were able to create life-like images using photographs of professional cyclists.
Persons mentioned in this article including photographs have not been used with permission, Podiumspot.weebly.com does not own the rights to these images. The views and perspectives in this article do not reflect the views of those mentioned, no animals or humans were harmed in the making of this study. If you think this is serious, you need a reality check.