Did you do one run at 50 km/h with aero wheels at sphinx position to see the difference. This result shows to invest in skin suit and all than deep section wheels. It gets worst outside battling turbulenct air for deep wheels
You know what else would have been a good test? Testing another rider who is the same height as Charles but they are bigger than Charles. I am about the same height as Charles but I'm a gym junkie who is also a cyclist. I would love to know how much drag are these big arms and wide back and shoulders 😅
It's been tested indirectly. Can't recall who it was on YT, but shoulders + arms seem to make the biggest difference of everything your body has that can be changed. A thick back is not a big problem because of the shape when you're in an aero position. Thick legs aren't aero either, but they compensate by giving more power.
The disadvantage of track testing is that you have almost zero yaw. To see big improvements with deep sections on wheels or frames, you need yaw for the sailing effect.
I feel cramped when I get in the Sphinx position and my knees come very close to hitting my elbows. It's ok in the drops. Should I get a longer stem and/or bigger bike? (I can't slide my saddle back far enough to make a difference) I want to get a full out aero bike soon anyway.
Lots of factors ! Are you flexible enough ? Watch EP1 What’s your crank lenght? Maybe too long Do you rotate your hips forward ? A bike fitter can help you for sure !
For maximum power you need your wrists touching your hips. Imagine you are holding a skipping rope and its under your feet while standing. Now try to snap the rope. That's how we as cyclists put more force on the pedals than just our natural body weight. Now imagine trying to snap the rope in this sphinx position, its an aero advantage not a comfort/strength position. If you ride for comfort or aero choose your own stem ergonomics, if you want power tune for body to suit the bike.
The so called Aero expert is wrong. The best place to aero test is the wind tunnel when it comes to yaw angles. The track is not a real world scenario. Unless you’re riding exclusively on the velodrome then yes the track is good. But for the road, when is the wind at zero degree yaw. Very rare that there is no wind.
Meh in the classics you only see like 25% on 50mm+ wheels? So not so sure if you take deep wheels in race where you need to twist, turn, accelerate alot
