"Chris Zacho "The Wheelman"" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The largest aerodynamic drag on a bicycle is the rider (he/she IS thte biggest thing!).
>
> The difference in aerodynamics caused by a waterbottle may make a difference in a long time trial,
> but unless you're thinking about competing against Armstrong or Hincapie, I wouldn't worry about
> it much!
>
> May you have the wind at your back. And a really low gear for the hills! Chris
>
> Chris'Z Corner "The Website for the Common Bicyclist":
http://www.geocities.com/czcorner
I have to differ. If you're competing against somebody that's equal or very slightly better, all
else considered, then aerodynamics will make a huge difference. There's always going to be somebody
out there who's in that range (ok, maybe not if you're at the very top), and if you've got a 1% time
advantage because of aerodynamics, you've just beat him by about one minute in an hour long time
trial. Granted, water bottles are really cutting the hair fine, but if you've got an aero bike, aero
helmet/fairing, wear a skinsuit, wear shoe covers, have at least a rear disc wheel.... well, then
it'll make a difference. I've personally noticed that a guy I ride with that has ZIPP 404 wheels and
an aero Aegis frame (beautiful bike, btw), while being much fitter than I, will roll noticeably
faster down a hill with very similar tires. Side by side, if we start at the same speed, both in an
aero tuck position (also, I'm a beanpole, he's fit but not skinny), he will end up at the bottom of
the hill first going noticeably faster. Its kind of impressive.
Jon Bond