Secrets About Optimization of Aerodynamics

Bicycling.com has published an article worth reading (no longer available online, update 2021). It is about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology cycling team who train in the wind tunnel to optimize their aerodynamics. Wind tunnel optimization is used by many of the professional teams at the Pro Tour. Mark Cote worked with the former Team CSC captain Ivan Basso to optimize his aerodynamics through optimization in the wind tunnel.

In the interview Mark Cote answers questions related to wind tunnel optimization and team time trials:

On aerodynamic wheels :
“Most people don’t realize that a non-aero helmet creates four times the drag of a non-aero wheelset. So you can spend two thousand dollars on a wheelset, or spend two hundred on a helmet and be faster. How you put your race number on matters more than having an aero wheel; today, we glued on our numbers to get them to fit flatter. Then there’s water bottle placement: On a round-tubed frame, having a bottle on your seat tube is more aerodynamic than not having one at all, and it’s much more aero than putting it on the down tube. And wearing gloves in a time trial will slow you down more than using a non-aero front wheel.”

On shaved legs:
“Shaved legs? I think they’re faster, but we haven’t tested them in the tunnel. I did try to convince Ivan Basso to shave his head when he came to MIT. He wouldn’t do it, even though it was for science.”

Optimization of aerodynamics is no longer limited to pro cyclists. Take a look at my description of how you can optimize your body position using a power meter. It’s a comprehensive guide to your trials without visiting an expensive wind tunnel.