Equipment science and data

[danielovichdk2]

The narrative in professional cycling and the perception from commentators and experts are constantly changing.

We are being taught to believe that equipment today is what makes the races so fast. But no where is this narrative being backed up with scientific evidence and objective data.

So instead of starting a discussion where your, and my, subjective opinion and bias is in play, share the papers and reviewed science you have stumbled upon. It makes it a lot easier to follow.

Even though there might not any evidence as such please consider what you are sharing and where it comes from.

Let's see what we can find.

 

[danielovichdk2]

Published 2011.

Wind tunnel testing of cyclists

Dr Mark Jermy and his team are using the Canterbury University wind tunnel to analyse airflow and drag as high-speed wind moves over cyclists. For cyclists to reach their potential, each one needs wind tunnel time to find what works for them in terms of body position, equipment and bike set-up.

www.sciencelearn.org.nz

 

[Volderke]

The narrative in professional cycling and the perception from commentators and experts are constantly changing.

We are being taught to believe that equipment today is what makes the races so fast. But no where is this narrative being backed up with scientific evidence and objective data.

the reduction in resistance through aerodynamic improvements of bikes / wheels and clothes, together with the reduction in rolling resistance of tires due to compound, wider rims combined with better roundness of tires (not tubulars) either with latex innertubes or tubeless, has been proven through real-life tests with riders on bikes with power meters, having to push less power going as fast, with the above mentioned aerodynamic / rolling resistance improvements.
Are you saying this isn't backed up with scientific evidence?

So instead of starting a discussion where your, and my, subjective opinion and bias is in play, share the papers and reviewed science you have stumbled upon. It makes it a lot easier to follow.

Even though there might not any evidence as such please consider what you are sharing and where it comes from.

Let's see what we can find.

Notwithstanding the improvements mentioned above, the main reason races are fast or faster, is the way it is raced. I would say that training and racing with power meters is the biggest single reason why races are fast or faster. Another reason is the wind. Whenever there is a strong tailwind, a record is broken, e.g. Paris-Roubaix 2024.

 

[scribers]

Everything said above is true and contributing, but I personally think races are faster mostly because of on the bike race feeding. These guys don’t carb load off the bike like they used to. And certainly didn’t takes carbs to the extent they do now during the race

 

[Elos Anjos]

I don't understand this thread.

The encroachment of science and technology into everyday life via gadgets, design and commodities is undeniable. Of course that also translates into every major sport. Hell, even running shoes have their own laboratories whils some years ago I frowned at the mere possibility of having shoes *just* for running. I cannot see how procycling could be left out. In fact, it's the drive for innovation that makes sponsors interested in the first place, as what thrives in the peloton will soon have an edge in the market. Races are won by riders but *duh*, they have to ride a bicycle which always has a brand and a huge team of craftsmen and technicians.

Now, if I somehow understood correctly, the OP's stand ist that somehow top notch and state-of-the art equipment is not the only causal factor for races being so fast nowadays. I reckon that's a pretty good explanation though.

I cannot remember where I read it, it certainly wasn't in a scientific paper, but when Pogacar won RVV someone stated that improvements in bicycle frames and tires could be an explanation on why a small built athlete like Pogi could have won there: some tires reduce trepidation, allowing riders to "float" through pavé, thus sidelining the power and control advantages of having a bigger built.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

If the purpose is to find out why races have become faster, there are multiple things to consider. Advancements in technology, aero frames, lighter frames, smoother gears, better aero helmets and suits etc. Better training practices, better nutrition. The introduction of powermeters, as Volderke said, is a big one. Riders can manage their efforts so they dig as deep as possible without bonking. Before this, riders had to guess and feel how deep they could go, either leaving something in the tank, or bonking. Also race tactics have evolved.

Or is the purpose just to search for improvements in equipment alone?

 

[Slavique Nuke]

The main thing is that teams now know exactly what their riders are capable of. In the past, they were mostly going by feel and couldn't maximise the team's performance. Now the riders were told exactly in watts, and it was agreed in advance what the they would do during a stage.

 

[roundabout]

Probably not very scientific, but also closer to the intention of the OP than most of the replies

Why does the Tour de France keep getting faster? Sonny Colbrelli and Bahrain Victorious find out

Four bikes from across the eras go head-to-head with some curious results

www.cyclingnews.com