Jay Prasuhn
Road Magazine
Issue 32, pages 42-44
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Aerodynamics
Although there's no substitute for training, aerodynamics is where equipment has the greatest affect on your performance. That's why the wind tunnel is so important, but there's a difference between testing wheels in the wind tunnel and actually developing them there. Zipp's unrivaled wind tunnel development process is more than just a glorified photo shoot. We start with literally dozens of non-structural SLA prototypes that we can reshape on the spot to hone in on the fastest design. The ones that make the cut return as structurally sound prototypes that we re-test to confirm our original findings before we ever make a production quality molding tool. Zipp's mission is to help you go faster. That's why our wheels are race-ready before they're camera-ready. Articles
Zipp Wheels going the distance, going for speed [pdf]
Revolutionary Speed: Zipp's Wind-Tunnel test [pdf]
Jay Prasuhn Featured Zipcasts on aerodynamics
ZippCast #32
optimizing tire and rims in the wind tunnel makes for faster wheels. Understand why it is important to match tire and rim width for optimum aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance and improved road holding.
ZippCast #31
explicates the rationale behind dimples on discs, rims, hubs and tires. It's all about surface roughness, boundary layers, laminar flow, stalling angles, yaw and air movement. Dimples on hubs deliver 1-3 watts and dimples Zipp's rim shapes help extend the yaw angle (from 11 to 15 degrees) at which riders still gain aero advantage.
ZippCast #30
explores the role of aero-bars, gives the rationale for Zipp's Vuka bar line and looks at the trade-offs between fit, power and drag. Listen to Josh Poertner take the mystery out aerodynamics when looking at the bike system as a hositic unit.
ZippCast #29
examines the relative importance of bearings, the power savings, the costs and answers the question what you really get when you invest in ceramics, where those bearings should best be located ( wheels, BB or derailleur pulley) and sets forth the advantages and power savings of true aero-wheels.
ZippCast #28
explains why investing in aero-wheels can make a major difference to your performance, looks at the relative contribution of front vs. rear wheels and the importance of proper bike fit for comfort and power. |


