Neuvation Newsletter Tuesday April 30 th.

Aerodynamics And Power 101 Every day we have customers come in and want bikes that are both comfortable and fast.  My job is to tell them the dynamics of both.  At high speed (25 mph) 85% of the drag (or energy you exert) is due to aerodynamics.  And 85% of that is due to your position on the bike.  Sit up tall and you will catch wind like a wind block.  Put your back parallel to the ground and you will slice through the air. Your body position over the pedals is also critical.  The best power position is normally when your torso and upper leg form a 90 degree angle (or thereabouts).  Sit up tall and you lose that angle and power. The problem is that to be comfortable you give up lots of speed.  So most people compromise. On the next group ride (race) move into the “race position” of back parallel to the ground and notice how much easier it is to lead, and how  much more pain you feel in you lower back, neck and hands.  Often this change can mean all the difference between hanging on and being at the front – albeit in discomfort. We always want to buy our way into speed when, in fact, making a few changes in our body positions would be much more effective and cost nothing. Thanks for reading – John Neugent You can prebook any of the new 2014 model wheels now.  Your credit card will not be charged until we ship (in a few weeks).  Also new for 2014 is a new CX Ray model SL wheel that we sell online for $495 – the best stockwheels we have ever offered – with our new red hubs.