AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BICYCLE AERODYNAMICS

The primary objective of this research is to measure aerodynamic drag of cyclist using a full scale experimental testing methodology. A full scale testing can provide detailed information about the cyclist along with all gears (bicycle, helmet, cycling suit, shoes, goggle and so on). This paper describes full scale measurements of aerodynamic forces of different bicycles and cyclist’s body positions along with various gears under a range of wind speeds. The experimental findings indicate that the time trial bicycle has lower drag than road racing and mountain bicycles. Time trial bicycle has about 36% and road racing bicycle has about 21% less drag than the mountain bicycle. The results also show that the time trial position has the lowest CD value. About 30% and 45% drag reduction are possible in road racing and time trial positions respectively compared to the recreational position.