More aerodynamic MTB Ideas custom rear panel. keywords: Cycling commuter hybrid aero?

Question

Hey I'm really interested in aerodynamics. I've been studying a lot of the aerodynamics effects on race cars, like the closed top Le Mans racers of the early 2000's. Obviously I know most of those aerodynamic elements are designed to push the car into the road, and I'm not trying to like put a wing on the back of my bike or any stupid siht like that. Got this aero-biking obsession after looking at my Gf's almost tear drop shaped Cervelo tri bike (the diagonal bar).

now I'd like to start fiddling with my moutainbike. I'm too cheap to by a road bike, and I'm comfortable looking ridiculous

I've found a place that sells carbon fiber blade forks that fit a disc brake set-up, aerobars, and low rolling resistance tires.

But that isn't satisfying enough. Ideas

1. I was thinking of custom molding a light weight plexi glass pannel to the rear triangle of my frame (frame is two triangles, so the rear one - hope that makes sense). I'm thinking this might cut down on turbulence.

2. getting close-fitting fenders for the front/rear tires

3. perhaps custom making a "disc" wheel like triathlon or time trial bikes for my front wheel. essentially a guard over my spokes.

what do you think? waste of time? which of those 3 will be most helpful? have any ideas yourself?

I'm going to be riding it a lot (trying to start commuting to work <10mi) and own a Marin Palisades Trail '04

Answer 1

Doing it for fun:  OK

Doing it for performance purposes:  Ridiculous

A few thoughts in no particular order.

1.  Mountain bike geometry does not lend itself to aerodynamics.  To get in proper aero position, you need to have the bars lower than your saddle.  Not easy to do with the typical MTB frame, and even tougher to generate horsepower pedaling in that position.   You better have no gut and really flexible hammies.  

2. Disc wheel on the front is dangerous.   That&#039;s why tri-bikes only put them on the rear.  Even then, its a trip trying to hang onto one in a stiff crosswind.  

3.  There are commercially available partial fairings (Zipper)

4.  There are (or were....) commercially available aerospoke wheels suitable for MTB use.   Spinergy, Hed.....

5.   The time you save on such a short commute via aerodynamics will be minimal.   A decent roadie will still blow you away, if for no other reason than gearing.   I can&#039;t get much more than 28 mph out of my MTB simply because I can&#039;t spin any faster.   I can approach 40 mph on my tribike for short distances.

6.  If you want to see what aero is REALLY about, google &quot;human powered vehicle&quot;

7.  The crossection you save with an aero fork is dwarfed by the aero you&#039;re still giving up with slick mtb tires compared to 19c racing tubulars.  

Yes, aero is important for speed,   but starting with an MTB frame will severely limit your ultimate results.   If you want to get to work faster, work on your motor.  (put in the saddle time!!)

Answer 2

If you live in a windy area, do NOT make an aero wheel, you will just get blown around and it will be huge pain in the ***. The Plexi panel might work, but from what I have found is that aerodynamics are not as important as weight. Get a lighter bike and you will be much faster than someone with a heavier aerodynamic bike.

Good luck with whatever you end up doing!

Answer 3

Waste of time, a guy on a road bike would blow you away with the cheapest bike he could find.