Abstract
Aerodynamic drag constitutes over 96 per cent of the overall resistance to motion for a typical rider and bicycle combination. Although the rider of a typical track pursuit bicycle constitutes approximately two-thirds of the overall aerodynamic drag, the bicycle itself still contributes one-third. Any reduction in the drag generated by the bicycle can therefore have a significant effect on the maximum attainable speed for a given power input, and thus the time to cover a given race distance. At the same time it is important to optimize the riding position so as to minimize both the rider drag and any interference effects between the rider and bicycle.
Cross-wind conditions are also of vital importance to cyclists. For most conventional tubular framed bicycles any wind on a velodrome will result in significantly slower times due to the increased drag. For a properly designed monocoque aero bicycle, however, a cross-wind can mean faster times on a velodrome due to a ‘sail’ effect being generated.
The LotusSport monocoque pursuit cycle has been designed and developed to gain maximum benefit from aerodynamic drag reduction and sail effects. It was produced for, and used at, the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games where it was ridden to the gold medal in the 4000 metre individual pursuit event.
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