Would it be possible to draft off from their cars?

Question

I ride a “Trek Madone 4.5 WSD” road bicycle. Last year, I rode 4563 miles. She is a 50 cm carbon frame, with a Shimano 105 50/39/30 crank / Shimano 105 12-27, 10-speed cassette.

This might be a bit silly, as I enjoy pedaling; I often choose to try to keep up with my friends while they drive their cars. This is the best option, especially since I’m the only cyclist in the group. So, every time we have an outing, they will drive and I’ll ride.

As long as I could keep up with my friends’ cars, I would try to stay in line with them. Would it be possible to draft off from their cars?

Answer 1

Pepperdine University is obviously an expert in Aerodynamics !  (50ft indeed!!!!)

Kate we all know it's possible. - The fastest speed I have been is 48mph (at a recent event a couple of guys rode over 50+mph - I may have too, but my computer faulted in the wet)

This is downhill, of course, and it's as exhilarating as it is scarey!!  (taking sweeping corners on wet roads at around 50mph IS scarey!)

I've checked out the pic's , you look good on your bike and no doubt you're a competent rider but if for any reason the car had to brake(or indeed just laid off the gas) - you could not compensate at that speed or distance from the rear of the car!  You would end up eating rear windscreen then tarmac!!

You're a pretty girl - lets keep it that way - eh?

Enough said!

.

Answer 2

yes, you need to be within 50ft from the rear of their car when they are driving to make the most efficient drafting.