Aerodinámica referente al cuerpo (aún sin dispositivos)

Principalmente buscamos algún dispositivo que nos permita mejorar la aerodinámica de la bicicleta, es decir, con la cual podamos disminuir la fuerza del aire actuando sobre la bicicleta o el ciclista, con el fin de obtener mayores velocidades, producir menos cansancio, etc.

Para comenzar a entender por donde debemos abordar el tema de la aerodinamica con un dispositivo, primero debemos pensar en donde lo colocaremos, y esto está ligado en primer lugar al efecto del cuerpo sobre la bicicleta. Entonces comenzaremos de una manera amplia a ver como afecta la posición del cuerpo (brazos, torso, rodilla,etc) para luego comenzar un análisis sobre donde implementar el dispositivo.

Este es un extracto de la página http://home.hia.no/~stephens/aero.htm, la cual hace referencia a un experimento con ciclistas profesionales bajo circunstancias similares y como afectaban las posiciones de su cuerpo con los tiempos y velocidades.(Se puede visitar la página para ver detalladamente las tablas)

"...the most important aerodynamic consideration for a bike and rider combination is the rider. A typical 70 kg rider on a regular bike with standard wheels will have a drag of about 8 lb., a better position will reduce drag to about 7 lb., and an excellent position will yield a drag of 6 lb.. Based on these drag numbers, and the power outputs estimated above, equation (Power (watts) = 60 * Body weight (lb.) /10k run time (minutes).) can be used to predict the effects of these positions on cycling performance on a flat course with no wind. The differences in performance with no change on power are remarkable, ranging to about 6 minutes when changing from a typical to an excellent position."

"The key elements of a good aero position are:
1. Horizontal torso. Defined by having your chest, or better yet, your back parallel to the ground, this is absolutely the most important element, as it can result in large magnitude changes in aerodynamic drag.

2. Narrowly spaced elbow pads. Narrow elbows are an essential detail of an aero position. However, the magnitude of improvement is much less than what is achieved by adopting a horizontal torso position.

3. Knee Width can change aerodynamic drag by up to half a pound. Pedaling with your knees close to the top tube is an essential part of good aerodynamics.

The effects of aerodynamic wheels can be substantial. They can lower the aerodynamic drag by about 0.4 lb. compared with standard wheels with round-wire spokes and require about half the power to rotate. "