The First Ever Wind Tunnel Session: Finding Gains for a Time Trialist

🕐Testing different helmets showed small differences in performance, with the Specialized and Pock models performing the best.

🔄Lowering the position resulted in slower speeds, highlighting the importance of finding the optimal balance between power output and aerodynamics.

💨Using a bladder down the front and a 25° shim angle on the front proved to be effective in improving aerodynamics, providing free gains.

❓More research is needed on the impact of narrow elbows and the trade-off between aerodynamics and rider comfort and stability.

📈This wind tunnel session provided valuable insights and identified areas for improvement, allowing the time trialist to pursue his goals more effectively.

Did the wind tunnel session result in any groundbreaking findings?

—No, there were no groundbreaking findings. However, the session provided valuable insights and identified areas for improvement.

Which helmets performed the best during the testing?

—The Specialized and Pock helmets were found to perform the best, although the differences were relatively small.

What adjustments were made to improve aerodynamics?

—Two main adjustments were made: using a bladder down the front and a 25° shim angle on the front, both of which proved to be effective in improving aerodynamics.

What role did narrow elbows play in the wind tunnel session?

—Narrow elbows were tested, but further research is needed to determine their impact and the trade-off between aerodynamics and rider comfort and stability.

How will this wind tunnel session benefit the time trialist?

—The session provided valuable insights and identified specific areas for improvement, allowing the time trialist to pursue his goals more effectively.

00:01Introduction to the first ever wind tunnel session for a time trialist.

07:58Testing different helmets and finding small performance differences.

10:58Summary of the wind tunnel session results and the importance of finding the optimal balance between power output and aerodynamics.

12:52Explanation of the two main adjustments that improved aerodynamics: using a bladder down the front and a 25° shim angle on the front.

13:37Discussion of the need for more research on the impact of narrow elbows and the trade-off between aerodynamics and rider comfort and stability.

13:52Summary of the wind tunnel session as a valuable learning experience and a stepping stone for the time trialist's goals.