Wondering about the aerodynamics? We've tested our Signature model against some of the major players in the aero frame market and Tiemeyer compares favorably indeed. As crosswinds increase, the advantage of a Tiemeyer becomes even more pronounced.
Comparative Wind Tunnel Testing Results
The power required to move an object through air is significant and above 25 mph can require most of a cyclist’s energy just to maintain their speed. The problem can be compounded when there are strong, gusty cross winds. This is why it is so important to choose equipment that minimizes drag so that you can ride faster down the road with less effort. Wind tunnel testing is the best way to simulate and measure these aerodynamic forces on a bicycle to quantify the power requirements needed under various conditions.
Tiemeyer Cycles conducted a series of wind tunnel tests on a number of late model road and time trial bicycles to compare their aerodynamic qualities in various crosswind conditions. Power requirements to propel the bicycles at 30 mph in Standard Atmospheric Conditions (at sea level and 20°C) are measured here in watts. The cross wind component is expressed as Yaw Angle in degrees and describes the apparent direction of a head wind with zero being in the direction of travel.
Results indicate that with
no cross wind (0 degree Yaw Angle) the Cervelo, Specialized and Felt
bicycles required 60 to 65 watts compared to 79 watts for the Tiemeyer.
That advantage diminished as the cross wind component increased until
at about 8 degrees there was no difference in power. Beyond 8 degrees
the Tiemeyer had the least drag throughout the remaining range. With
a cross wind in the range of 20 to 30 degrees the Tiemeyer needs
only 24 watts to maintain speed, about 30% less power than its closest
competitor. Note the power shown does not include contribution from
the rider. It should also be noted that the UCI has ruled against
thin bladed seatposts, something that the carbon frames tested here
had in common. Drag results for bikes with UCI legal seatposts would
probably be higher in a head on wind condition than those shown here.
The Tiemeyer remains UCI legal and aerodynamically very competitive.
Comparative Power Requirements (watts) vs. Yaw
Angle for Various Time Trial Bicycles
Yaw (deg)
|
Specialized Road
|
Teschner
|
Felt
|
Specialized
|
Cervelo
|
Tiemeyer
|
0
|
106
|
86
|
64
|
61
|
61
|
79
|
5
|
106
|
84
|
63
|
60
|
61
|
68
|
10
|
123
|
101
|
74
|
68
|
66
|
63
|
15
|
121
|
103
|
75
|
83
|
67
|
49
|
20
|
99
|
76
|
64
|
61
|
47
|
23
|
25
|
101
|
74
|
64
|
61
|
46
|
23
|
30
|
84
|
77
|
66
|
60
|
43
|
24
|
