Why are road bikes not aero?

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Gerrard

2008-11-30 1:29 AM

Extreme Veteran

428

Subject: Why are road bikes not aero?

And I don't mean no aero bars (I can see there's a good reason for that) but I mean frame tube shape. With all the effort that's gone into making tri bikes so aero surely road bikes would benefit from the same treatment? Maybe riding in a bunch negates any benefits of aero frame shapes?

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Rogillio

2008-11-30 5:59 AM

in reply to: #1830697

Champion

10154

Alabama

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

I think you answered your own question. Roadies draft and so don't need every ounce of aerodynamic sleekness that we strive for. You said you know why they don't use aerobars so think about how much aerodynamics they are sacrificing by not going into an areo position. Compared to body position, frame aerodynamics is negligible.

~Mike

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Daremo

2008-11-30 6:39 AM

in reply to: #1830717

Cycling Guru

15134

Fulton, MD

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

They are ....... more and more manufacturers are making their top road racing models with deeper section downtubes and cleaner lines in the back.

Aero helps everyone, regardless of whether you are in a pack or not. Same reason most of the pro cyclists also ride deep section rims in races now.

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ipull400watts

2008-11-30 9:03 AM

in reply to: #1830697

Expert

906

Brookings South Dakota

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

Aero used to be heavier. But with better tech now, they can make aero wheels and frames with out sacrificing a light bike.

Puppetmaster

2008-11-30 9:23 AM

in reply to: #1830697

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

I figure so they can sell more bikes!

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chriselam

2008-11-30 9:46 AM

in reply to: #1830697

Expert

939

Newton, MA

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

Gerrard - 2008-11-30 2:29 AM And I don't mean no aero bars (I can see there's a good reason for that) but I mean frame tube shape. With all the effort that's gone into making tri bikes so aero surely road bikes would benefit from the same treatment? Maybe riding in a bunch negates any benefits of aero frame shapes?

You mean like this?

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xcrunner2010

2008-11-30 11:14 AM

in reply to: #1830807

Expert

608

St. Louis

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

chriselam - 2008-11-30 9:46 AM

You mean like this?

As seen above the downtube is shaped but the zipps are about 55 cm. At least thats what I think they are. However, For at least 10 years many pro-teams have been wielding the deep rims even on the mountain stages. Theres a great picture of Jan Ullrich with his "lightweight" deep wheels, on one of the toughest stages of the ALPs. I think its the alps not the pyrenees. Its when Lance falls, and takes down Iban Mayo.

Also, road bikes are still pretty aero, and when the man who is pulling puts the fore arms on the tops, it is just as good as aerobars. Also, with drafting, its makes breakaways' much more interesting than anything in a IM, also it better when CSC takes the lead in a crosswind and blows the pack apart... Happened in this years TDF.

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Daremo

2008-11-30 1:29 PM

in reply to: #1830867

Cycling Guru

15134

Fulton, MD

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

xcrunner2010 - 2008-11-30 12:14 PM ....... also it better when CSC takes the lead in a crosswind and blows the pack apart... Happened in this years TDF.

Every team does it when they are either in the lead or trying to take it from someone else. Nothing special about CSC doing it. Especially considering the above Felt is Garmin Chipotle's Team bike ...... yes, Cervelo makes a decent aero road frame, but last time I checked King Doper (Riis for the uneducated) himself wanted too much moolah from Cervelo and CSC ain't riding them anymore. And oh yeah ...... forgot, this year's Tour winner doesn't ride for CSC anymore .......

Edited by Daremo 2008-11-30 1:31 PM

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xcrunner2010

2008-11-30 2:27 PM

in reply to: #1830697

Expert

608

St. Louis

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

I wasn't making a statement about CSC cervelo or about the aero-ness, I was just stating that was taking full advantage of the crosswinds using the draft to their advantage and putting everybody in the gutter... I know others do it too, just Tom ligget went crazy this time.

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Daremo

2008-11-30 2:39 PM

in reply to: #1831031

Cycling Guru

15134

Fulton, MD

Subject: RE: Why are road bikes not aero?

It's "Phil Liggett" and you obviously haven't watched bike racing for long, he has been going crazy over teams hammering a split in the field for the 20 years I've heard him broadcasting ...... well before any aero frames were out for TT or road bikes.