Aerodynamics

[cpml123]

This is my first bent that has a handle bar which will accommodate internal routing of cables. Is there a brand or model you recommend? Also, is there a company that sells wheel covers? I’m guessing finding a 100mm axel disc is an issue.

This is a little pricy but will make you go extremely fast!

Rear Disc Wheel for Racing

Through axle, tubeless compatible carbon fiber disc wheels that will work with the rear drop-outs on the new Cruzbike V20c These are through axle and disc brake (center lock). also no rim brake track, for disc brakes only. Maria is planning to use one at the World Time Trial Championships in...

cruzbike.com

 

[GuytonMike]

Yes, that’s a little pricey

 

[GuytonMike]

Looking at pictures of V20 on line, I found this one. If I add the Moose pack and the frame fillers it would be less pricey than a disk wheel and be beneficial

 

[Frito Bandito]

It would save you a few watts here and there and help give you some free speed if you did those. It all just comes down to how much money or effort you want to put in. Disc wheels are great in some situations, but in others they might cost you some speed if the wind is either blowing the wrong direction or if the wind is blowing so hard that it keeps you from tracking straight. A disc wheel in back works well in almost all situations and is easy to control. A disc on the front of a V20 or V20C is even faster in many cases but can be a handful if the wind is blowing. I initially had a Monokote rear disc but now I just run Mavic CXR 60C (60mm deep clinchers) set up as tubeless and they are virtually as fast. In case you don't know, Monokote is a kind of heat activated shrink wrap that connects to your rim.

 

[GuytonMike]

My other bike is a Rans Rifle that I had 58 mm carbon wheels built for. I also have a disc wheel for that bike. In training for time trials I have found almost no difference. Carbon wheel weighs less and disc seems more aerodynamic depending on wind conditions.

 

[GuytonMike]

With Senior Games TT coming up, Is the bike considered to be more or less aerodynamic with Race cage installed?

 

[Mathew Fy]

With Senior Games TT coming up, Is the bike considered to be more or less aerodynamic with Race cage installed?

The Race Cage should provide better aerodynamics. Larry did some measurements with the (smaller) Race Case shown here:

Larry's Tailbox testing on V20 & Magic

I have been busy the last month acquiring and building some tailbones for the Vendetta. Today I tested: #1 - Stock V20 #2 - V20 with standard Cruzbike racecase #3 - V20 with M5 (21 ltr) tailbox #4 - V20 with M5 tailbox and water bottle pod All tests were conducted at the same avg power output...

forum.cruzbike.com

Also confirmed with a wind tunnel:

Cruzbike at the A2 Wind Tunnel

February 6, 2017/ Jim Parker After ten years of making bicycles, we decided to test our fastest model, the Cruzbike V20 performance recumbent bike, in a high-tech wind tunnel in one of the USA’s motorsport hubs, Charlotte, North Carolina. Cruzbike designer Jacob Bouchard flew in from Brooklyn...

cruzbike.com

 

[Andrew Wilson]

I'll chime in, These are my observations as to a disk rear wheel on a V20. a Couple years ago when I was doing the Sr games.
I did several back to back tests on my 10 mile test circuit in varying wind conditions with a power meter and saw no difference
with 55mm deep front and rear wheels, with and without the rear wheel covered. What I did notice was better stability in crosswinds with the rear disk as the cross winds would tend to push the rear harder than the front turning the bike into the crosswinds aiding in stability.

Now, a Disk on the rear of my old Baron did improve speed due to the rear disk being right behind my head and torso on the lowracer smoothing airflow.
On the V20, with my body and head sitting higher , the affect is less.

 

[GuytonMike]

Andrew, both of your bikes are beautiful! If you name the V20, I think it should be called the “Intimidator”.
Thanks for the information on testing with the disk wheel. I know that my performance at Florida Senior Games is about my ability not the bike. Having the most aerodynamic bike setup possible is my goal.