Aerodynamics

WHAT IS AERODYNAMICS?

aerodynamics (noun) // aero-dy-nam-ics // A branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air and with the forces acting on bodies in motion relative to air.

When you ride your bike into a headwind, you can feel the air hitting your face, pushing against you and making it harder to pedal. It's like pushing through a thick, resisting force that slows you down and requires more effort. And even on calm days, the air still creates a subtle resistance that you have to push through with every pedal stroke.

But that's where aerodynamics comes in. Our engineers at Felt are experts at reducing this drag, making your bike more streamlined and efficient. They craft frames and components that slice through the air, minimizing turbulence and resistance. The result? Riding an aerodynamic bike feels like having a constant tailwind. It's like a boost of speed, making you feel like you're effortlessly gliding through the air with less energy expenditure.

And the benefits go beyond just going faster. It means you have more energy left for that final sprint or challenging climb. It's the confidence of knowing that you're riding at your best, leaving others in your wake. So, whether you're a seasoned racer or just love cruising on your bike, lowering your bike's aerodynamic drag can help you ride faster, easier, and more efficiently.

AERODYNAMICS - WHAT IS DRAG?

Aerodynamic drag is the resistance that air puts up against a moving bicycle, slowing you down and draining your energy. Minimizing drag is crucial for cyclists to ride faster and more efficiently through the air, enhancing performance and stability. Optimizing bicycle aerodynamics unlocks your full cycling potential, allowing you to cut through the air with minimal drag and experience the thrill of efficient, high-speed riding.

HOW DO ENGINEERS IMPROVE A BIKE’S AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY?

There are many tools, aids, and computer programs that give engineers the ability to combat aerodynamic drag. But having the right tools is only part of the equation—case in point, having a pipe wrench doesn’t automatically make you a plumber. Read more to learn about the tools our engineers use and, more importantly, how they design bikes which satisfy our desire for FAST.

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS (CFD)

CFD, short for Computational Fluid Dynamics, is like a "virtual wind tunnel" - a computer modeling software that simulates the effects of aerodynamic drag. It's widely used in engineering and aerodynamics because it's cost-effective compared to actual wind tunnel testing and allows for quick testing of various permutations of designs.

However, real-world wind tunnel testing is still valuable and used in bike development alongside CFD simulations. By combining CFD simulations with real-world wind tunnel testing, Felt is able to fine-tune their bike designs for optimal performance, ensuring that their bikes are aerodynamically efficient and deliver superior performance on the road.

THE WIND TUNNEL

The wind tunnel is an incredibly valuable tool when it comes to testing the aerodynamics of vehicles—including bikes. It's like a secret weapon for automakers, motor sports teams, and aerospace companies to fine-tune their designs and make sure their products are as efficient as possible.

But here's the thing: not all bike brands use the wind tunnel to its full potential. Some of them just make a quick pit stop at the wind tunnel to slap on a "wind tunnel-tested" label on their bikes without putting in the real effort to optimize their designs. It's like taking a shortcut to claim bragging rights, but it's not how we do things.

At Felt, we're all about true aerodynamic development. We've been using the wind tunnel as a critical part of our design process since 1991. Our engineers and designers work closely with aerodynamic experts to squeeze every last bit of performance out of our bikes in the wind tunnel. We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerodynamics to create bikes that are truly fast and efficient on the road.

DEVELOPED, NOT JUST TESTED

We're all about doing things the right way, even if it's not the easy way. We know that working with independent wind tunnels can be exhausting and expensive, but we believe it's worth it. That's why we actively use the wind tunnel in combination with CFD software to validate the aerodynamic efficiency of our prototype frames and components.

But we don't stop there. Instead of sending our prototypes straight to dealers for sale, we first deliver them to Felt’s core family of key test riders. These riders include pro cyclists, triathletes, Olympians, and our passionate in-house staff. Their feedback is invaluable, and we incorporate it back into the development process to further refine and modify the bike as needed. It's a rigorous cycle of testing and refinement that ensures we're delivering a finished product that's truly top-notch.

So when you finally get your hands on a Felt, you can trust that it's been developed, not just tested. We've put in the time, effort, and expertise to create a product that's optimized for performance and ready to hit the market.

A MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF ROAD CYCLING AERODYNAMICS

So, here's the scoop! Felt’s engineers have been diving deep into the world of road cycling aerodynamics, and guess what? They found out that road cyclists, unlike triathletes, spend most of their time riding in conditions of relatively low yaw angles. In other words, they face head-on wind resistance most of the time, instead of crosswinds.

This discovery has challenged some conventional thinking in the industry, but it's been validated by reputable frame manufacturers, including us at Felt, in recent product cycles. Armed with this newfound awareness, our engineers have been hard at work creating all sorts of virtual permutations of airfoil shapes and designs for our new bike projects.

But it's not just about making a bike sleek and fast. Our engineers also carefully evaluate the structural characteristics of each potential airfoil design and how it fits with the rest of the frame. They use fancy finite element analysis (FEA) software to project stiffness outputs and ensure that the bike not only cuts through the wind but also maximizes the power output of the rider.

It's a holistic process that aims to blend the art and science of aerodynamics with the performance of the rider. We want our bikes to be not only fast but also efficient in utilizing every single watt of power that a rider puts into the pedals. After all, when it comes to road cycling, every second and every watt counts.

WHAT IS YAW ANGLE?

Picture this: you're pedaling hard on your road bike, leaning into the curves, and feeling the thrill of the ride. But have you ever wondered about the science behind it all? Enter the "yaw angle" – the secret sauce that determines how you slice through the wind. It's the angle between your direction of motion and the apparent wind direction, influenced by your speed and the wind's whims. Recent research has unveiled that road cyclists usually ride at low yaw angles, typically ranging from -10 to 10 degrees. This intriguing insight has spurred the development of cutting-edge airfoil designs, like our sleek and innovative AR road bike. Who knows what exciting advancements await in the future of cycling technology? Get ready to ride with the wind on your side!

BETTER. #NOTJUSTFASTER.

At Felt, we take a comprehensive approach to aerodynamics, combining virtual testing, wind tunnel experiments, and real-world trials. We know that it's not just about being the fastest, but also delivering the best cycling experience. Our obsession with speed goes hand in hand with our commitment to ride quality, component integration, and frame construction. We're always pushing the limits to create bikes that are not only faster, but better. Join us on the road to experience the ultimate cycling thrill with Felt.