Streamlined designs help the air close more smoothly around these bodies and reduce pressure drag. Direct friction occurs when wind comes into contact with the outer surface of the rider and the bicycle. Direction friction is less of a factor than air pressure drag. On a flat road, aerodynamic drag is by far the greatest barrier to a cyclist's speed, accounting for 70 to 90 percent of the resistance felt when pedaling. Calculate the Aerodynamic Drag and Propulsive Power of a Bicyclist Fill in the information in the boxes.
Weight is in pounds.
Grade is the angle of the slope. Notice the drag force and power required to keep you moving at a constant velocity. This calculation requires a JavaScript-capable browser. In addition, other factors, such as the coefficient of friction are fixed. Reducing resistance Frame builders and designers have been working on creating more aerodynamically efficient designs.