Drafting world record, faster on a Cruzbike?

[Kufman]

Do you think that some one on a Cruzbike or other recumbent could do this even faster? Would there still be an aero advantage riding a recumbent?

https://cyclingtips.com/2020/10/a-m...HyUoNUFETtXHcA4VMHbX7PEjnsXEOjpJWY4VMiPoPXBzg

 

[Frito Bandito]

My first thought is that any recumbent that had the feet at least higher than the rear bumper would yield better aerodynamics than a road cyclist because the latter's feet are below the draft at the bottom of each pedal stroke.
As far as the other factors, those are way above my pay grade.

 

[LarryOz]

Do you think that some one on a Cruzbike or other recumbent could do this even faster? Would there still be an aero advantage riding a recumbent?

https://cyclingtips.com/2020/10/a-m...HyUoNUFETtXHcA4VMHbX7PEjnsXEOjpJWY4VMiPoPXBzg

I am not really sure why this guy is trying claim he set some kind of drafting speed record. I am the Records Chair for WUCA and in 1990 Michael Secrets set a 24-hour record while drafting and averaged 50.7 mph - https://ultracycling.com/record/24-hour-outdoor-track-michael-secrest/
I just can't imagine what kind of focus it must have take to go that fast for that long. Maybe the adrenaline rush kept him alert!
WUCA does not certify drafting records any longer. They are just too dangerous and we believe all records should be done under your own power.

However to answer your question - sure if something is more aero it can probably draft a similar vehicle faster. But, having riding my Vendetta over 50mph many time on a decent, I would consider it foolhardy to draft behind something that fast and for that long. I have had flats at 35+ mph and the resulting road rash and damage to my body was not fun to deal with. I could not imagine what would happen at 50+

 

[bladderhead]

He broke his olecranon. I did the same thing. I cannot straighten my right arm. Riding DF makes my elbow hurt. He is lucky he can still ride so far.

Years ago some bloke on the radio said he wanted to cycle at 140mph. He said he could do the ton but the car could not go any faster.

Anyway you do not need a car. You just need a 'bent with a fairing.

 

[CruzLike]

1990 Michael Secrets set a 24-hour record while drafting and averaged 50.7 mph

Thanks Larry for that post. After reading that article, I was ready to get on the trainer and prepare to smash 42 mph. It was neat to read the article but expected a larger number. Looking a the pics, I noticed normal size ring gears. That has only taken me to the 40+ range.

 

[ed72]

I am trying not to be rude but riding behind a minivan is stupid dangerous. A recumbent enclosed in a shell aka velomobile could break that record but it would take a special velo and very strong rider without needing a minivan to draft. I seem to remember that US Road Champ John Howard did 100 miles in a hour but memory is foggy, he did it on a special long wheel base upright bike behind a big truck.

Nonetheless, I do believe a recumbent like V20 would get better draft off the minivan and would be faster than an upright. At those speeds, rolling resistance paradoxically becomes very, very important because Crr is not a constant as has been proven over and over in the velomobile community. Crr on some tires gets quite a bit higher at say 40-50 mph than at 20-30 mph. It is also enough a factor for a fast recumbent TT racer to consider. Anyway, at one time I was toying with trying for 60 mph on Battle Mountain in a velo and a chainring like 90 or even 100 teeth is needed and the tire comment was something I learned. Looking at the photo, it seems he would be spinning at 130 rpm....should have had probably 65 tooth ring.

 

[McWheels]

Oh good, the first mention of Battle Mountain, a place our Mr Larrington frequents as a volunteer routinely. However it was on his last but one holibobs that he spotted Something Going On at the salt flats but didn't investigate. It was Denise Mueller-Korenek setting records. He wasn't terribly impressed with himself.

I maintain that aerodynamic coupling is every bit as powerful and meaningful as a tow hitch. However I dispute that a recumbent in this situation would be any help. In many ways the vortex around the fairing favours a more upright rider.

 

[ed72]

Denise Mueller-Korenek was towed to 100 mph and then pedaled from there. The enclosure behind the dragster is not the same as behind the minivan. Very interesting gear development on her 7 foot long bike....what was it 130 feet per revolution. At that speed there had to have been a "vortex" sucking the bike along.

 

[bladderhead]

She said she gets a tailwind when she is near top speed. What is really scary is that she said the car suddenly slowed down and she slammed into it.