Wind tunnels have long been a key research tool used in aerodynamic research, and is a way to study the effects of air moving past solid objects. Among the most common uses has been for airplanes, although the first wind tunnels actually date back to the 18th century – long before man believed it possible to achieve flight. But without a wind tunnel the Wright brothers probably couldn’t have developed their first aeroplane.
Today computer models have begun to replicate much of what a wind tunnel can do, but despite this fact wind tunnels remain relevant tools for testing. This is notable in the fitness world with bicycles. In fact, according to some developers wind tunnel testing is actually becoming more and more important. Canadian bicycle manufacturer Cervélo has released its latest findings from tunnel testing of its latest line of bikes.
The company reportedly has 14 years of wind tunnel experience, and called in JT Lyons of Slowtwitch.com to watch, document and input all of the testing procedures, which the company has since published online. According to these findings the Cervélo P4 is the fastest bike available – with or without its proprietary areo bottle. The study is interesting, and despite being somewhat detailed, certainly isn’t long winded in the least.