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The understanding and development of cycling aerodynamics

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Abstract

In elite cycling the resistive force is dominated by aerodynamics. Be it on the roads or in the velodrome, the sport has many examples where aerodynamics has won and lost races. Since the invention of the bicycle, engineers have strived to improve performance, often by reducing aerodynamic drag. Over the last 50 years a number of authors have presented their efforts in journals, books and magazines. This review summarises the publications that show the continued development in the aerodynamics of cycling. The review concludes by examining the shortcomings of the current understanding and making suggestions for future research and development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sports Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, UK

    R. A. Lukes & S. J. Haake

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sir Fredrick Mappin Building Mappin Street, S1 3JD, Sheffield, UK

    S. B. Chin

Authors
  1. R. A. Lukes
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  2. S. B. Chin
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  3. S. J. Haake
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Correspondence to R. A. Lukes.

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Lukes, R.A., Chin, S.B. & Haake, S.J. The understanding and development of cycling aerodynamics. Sports Eng 8, 59–74 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02844004

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