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Specialized goes aero.....big time.

Last Post 05/21/2013 02:17 AM by 79 pmooney. 9 Replies.

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Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

05/16/2013 10:15 PM
Not a bike, not new wheels, not a new helmet.....they built their own wind tunnel. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uCEGoSp7mgc[/url] That is some serious dedication to the science of aerodynamics.....

Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!

bobswire

Posts:304

05/16/2013 11:08 PM
LINK HERE Now if they can only do something about the rider, the most aero degrading component of a bike.

Bodynazi

Posts:51

05/16/2013 11:46 PM
Exactly Bob. A ultra form fitted jersey provides significantly more aero advantage than a s5, Venge or any other aero bike vs. a baggy jersey But hey it'll help sell bikes

Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

05/17/2013 12:47 AM
Why do you think they are only applying this wind tunnel to bikes? As they clearly state, drag is the single greatest force a cyclist has to overcome and it touches EVERYTHING. Having this at their disposal gives them the ability to get infinite variations and combinations of bikes, wheels, helmets, clothing, position, etc.

Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!

bobswire

Posts:304

05/17/2013 10:51 AM
CK, I'm not knocking aero bikes. All things being equal they are an advantage,especially in long efforts but for some reason only a few (I'm talking about the pros too) seem to exceed or are disciplined enough to learn correct aero positioning. We can name the top 10 after that it is anyone's guess. However I think Specialized is smart in building this facility to gain knowledge, to work with racers and use this as a springboard to their bikes. I like Specialized and their willingness to invest in R&D.

laurentja

Posts:122

05/17/2013 10:58 AM
Posted By bob etzler on 05/16/2013 11:08 PM LINK HERE Now if they can only do something about the rider, the most aero degrading component of a bike. True that. I was riding my local TT last year and a recumbent with a fairing blew by me like I was tied down. Scared the bejeezus out of me actually, as I didn't even know it was coming up on me.

Hoshie

Posts:134

05/17/2013 02:35 PM
You wrote recumbent - 10 demerits. j

Serotta94

Posts:25

05/17/2013 03:17 PM
Anyone remember those Zipper T Fairings back in the early 80's? I remember going out with guys who had those things and they would fly in a TTT.

PC_Rider

Posts:9

05/20/2013 12:34 AM
Dang. I REALLY wanted that zipper fairing.

79pmooney

Posts:3189

05/21/2013 02:17 AM
I used those Zippers for years, though primarily for warmth. (They are about a full layer of clothes warmer than without. A real blessing in the winter. You can also keep your glasses dry in the rail looking over the fairing if you are going fast enough. Against winter storm winds on the fixie, that's where the aero steps in! Now, riding in very strong winds from 45 degrees from behind; now that is fast! The fairing acts like a sailboat spinnaker and is much faster than riding with the wind at your back. I had some crazy rides in Michigan! I was looking through old stuff and I found a brand new fairing rolled up in its box. I forgot I stopped using them because 1) the hand position limitations get old and 2) in Portland I have never had the consistent storm headwinds in my commutes (I used to live in northwest Seattle and commute 6 to 15 miles directly into the winter storm winds in the morning. Alaska Way could be brutal.) Ben