Posted 06.28.2012 at 5:17 pm
8 Comments
Cervélo P5
Claire Benoist
At the Olympic level, where cyclists are in roughly the same physical condition, the difference between victory and defeat often boils down to a bike’s aerodynamics. The more smoothly air flows over a frame and rider, the less wind resistance he will feel and the faster he’ll go. Engineers at Cervélo used aerospace-grade computational fluid dynamics software and virtual wind-tunnel tests to design the P5, the most aerodynamic bike ever.
With the software, the team at Cervélo designed, rendered and wind-tunnel-tested dozens of P5 prototypes, before ever constructing a physical model. They identified and refined drag-causing areas. For example, they lowered the handlebars and added internal hydraulic brake cables. They also created a tapered rear edge on the seat post, which reduces turbulence off the rider’s backside, allowing air to flow more fluidly around him. The changes translate to 75 grams less drag than on the P5’s predecessor, a reduction that could result in gains of 1.6 seconds per mile—and a gold-medal run in the 44-kilometer Olympic time trial.
CERVELO P5
Weight 18 pounds
Price From $6,500
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I guess the difference in who wins the race is the bike not the rider. After all 2.6 oz will make all the difference.
I prefer to watch the kids\teenage sports events. It seems all adult sports is a compitition of advance technology and illegal drugs.
Though, the bike for the home user seems very COOL!
I have got to get one! How much?
Next they will have us riding sideways to reduce drag.
Do I need four arms to use it?
How much more is one with pedals?
I can't believe they needed "aerospace-grade computational fluid dynamics" to realize that lowering the handlebars and routing the cables in the frame would reduce drag.
Isn't that bloody obvious?
The bottom of the article displays the weight and the price of the bike.
Will this bike help a guy win the first time trial at the Tour de France tomorrow or does it still come down to the rider? I am guessing the rider matters more, but a more aerodynamic bike couldn't hurt.
Still looks really cool!
I would love to try riding one of these "high end" bikes. My bike weighs a ton compared to this thing.
So the pedals thing is build into their shoes?
And a recumbent would still beat it. They just beat Chris Boardman's record.
That's why they were outlawed for racing back in the 30's, for the now clearly ironic reaon: "unfair aerodynamic advantage".
Meanwhile, racers are forced to ride on their nuts and their elbows.
http://www.recumbents.com/home/?view=plink&id=147
glorybe2 If they just ate one less piece of bacon or toast on the morning of the race it might make all the difference. An ounce here, an ounce there, all in all it sounds like a great hobby for an anorexic.