Aerodynamics in cycling

The importance at high speeds

While traditional mechanical engineering has palyed an improtant role in the manufacturing and development of bikes kinematics and aerodynamics has also played a huge role in how modern day top level bikes have developed. You need a machine to be as efficent as possibel and aerodynamics plays a huge role in competative cycling.

Aerodynamics in cycling requires the study to account for the relationship and interaction of the whole man-machine requires incorporating other technology should consider learning processes, bioenergy and force production in the musculo-skeletal system.

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the sport biking from a biomechanical perspective. We are referring to health and scientific study respecting the rules proposed by the International Cycling Union (UCI). It is therefore mandatory that we can not jump the rules dictate that institution in relation to the design and construction of the bicycle. Not only is it important to think about air resistance and areodynamics also weight reduction is incredible important you should look at reducing weight where ever possible ever a Carbon Saddle will significantly reduce the weight of a bike

The scientific production related to applied biomechanics of cycling is evident in relation to other studies in other sporting areas, probably related to the importance that the bike has always had as therapy and rehabilitation, the use of the cycle-ergometer exercise test and finally by the notorious economic interests surrounding the professional cycling race.

From all this scientific production in relation to biomechanics, one can argue the multidisciplinary nature of the same, ranging from mechanical engineering, through the bicycle aerodynamics (wind tunnel) to reach the muscle dynamics.

This kinematic and kinetic studies on the application of force on the pedal and the variables that influence their effectiveness, in order to improve aerodynamics on the bike performed.

Regarding the bicycle rider-set, three external forces acting displacement resistance: air friction, mechanical friction, and gravity in the case of displacement in costs.

In relation to the internal strength of the joint, the friction of the wheels and the entire mechanical system of the mill, although it does not reach, or 5% of the total friction forces.

Only be considered as external forces to gravity propulsion own when the man-machine system down a slope.

The rest of these forces are considered internal type system as exerted on the handlebars, saddle and especially the pedals. Given that the source is in the same muscle contraction and moment exerted on the joints.

Without taking into account the internal friction of the machine, when the man-machine system moves up on a slope, the two great forces are the friction of the tire on the firm and own their own friction with the air.

It is the latter that is more resistant, especially if you increase the speed. We can not forget that wind resistance increases with the square of speed, a circumstance that forces optimized aerodynamics on the bike as we increase the speed.

To illustrate this latter phenomenon, the speed record cycling sports is 71.29 Km / h, which was established by the Adamshvili in 1990, The American Howard, got the 245.08 Km / h running behind a shield vuwbri.
Another test where you can also see the importance of bicycle aerodynamics is the record of the official record hora.vMientras got in November 1994 the Swiss Rominger at 55,291 km, the hour record indoor, after bike, got it, in 1987, the Russian Romanov at 91.131 km, something impossible to cover in normal situations. Modern day bikes that are commercially available to the public also allow great perfromances such as these. If you want a great custom made carbon fibre bike look at www.azione.cc for some inspiration

The displacement force produced in the same direction of movement opposing the same, and the lift force, perperdicular to the direction of travel, although it assumes some importance only in specific situations, such as the viewing. You can sign the most important aerodynamic force that opposes it is the force exerted by the air as opposed to displacement.

Thus the viscous friction force originates from the displacement that occurs between the layers closer to the surface of the cyclist and bicycle air being higher while the rate increase.

A low friction coefficient causes air layers to slide across the surface, rather than moving with it, reducing viscous drag force. In this regard, very tight suits, one-piece soft materials and fibers
can reduce the friction as much as 30% compared with the same cycling jersey and wearing tight trousers.

When the man-machine assembly moves air through a frictional force an air friction with said surface, which is a force that slows the rider called viscous force is generated or surface displacement. Greater or lesser intensity is related to the fluid viscosity and the sliding friction of the air through the surface.
The viscosity is seen the force needed to slide a fluid layer over another, in this sense, when the viscosity increase, the forces may also increase resistance to displacement, and considering that a rider travels at a certain speed through still air, the layers of air will move closer to him producing a gradual change in speed between
layers and consequently a slip resulting in the increase of the viscous drag or surface. Because of the lower air density, speed records achieved by experienced cyclists in the city of Mexico (2,260 m. Altitude) are between 3% and 5% better than those made on the

When the body has an elongated, slim contour with respect to the wind direction and the friction coefficient is relatively small, the air layers change their course gradually, reducing the size of the vortices on the back and the differences between the front positive pressures and negative flow is reduced. All these elements contribute to significantly improve aerodynamics on the bike.
The aerodynamic profile-shaped hulls with water droplet has reduced the resistance force 1 Newton to 48 Km / h, with respect to the normal integral helmets
road, which would earn 16 sec. per 10 km This reduction is mainly due to the fact the smooth airflow over the head.
A more complex is the study of aerodynamic wheel because the rotation produced some changes that produce turbulence and pressure vortices change position. Studies developed by Kyle (1990) in wind tunnels on the aerodynamics of the wheels, reports on the aerodynamic advantages that the current three-spoke wheels, behaving well or better than the disc wheels. Both three-spoke wheels as lenticular better than all tested with steel spokes, including 16 radios behave.
An interesting curiosity about the effect of aerodynamics on the bike puts Kyle (1989) in a study where he developed a simulation on the time trial that was decisive for LeMond's victory over Fignon in the 1989 Tour de France. The results indicated that the fact of using a standard bicycle Fignon without aerodynamic helmet, take the long, hanging hair and goat horn handle, would have meant a loss of 1 minute and 30 seconds. in the last 24 km, although the outdated technology used by LeMond bike and especially the use of 32-spoke wheels will also meant a loss of approximately 32 s.