Numerical Benefit of Drafting

Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

Philip W. Moore, Jr. wrote:

Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

The answer, even if you could articulate it, would be totally irrelevant
to your mountain biking acquaintance. If he asks again, tell him the
story about teaching pigs to sing...

Philip W. Moore, Jr. wrote:

Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

The answer, even if you could articulate it, would be totally irrelevant
to your mountain biking acquaintance. If he asks again, tell him the
story about teaching pigs to sing...

Alright then. Can anybody explain how this applies to roadies?

"Stewart Fleming" wrote in message
...


Philip W. Moore, Jr. wrote:

Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced
effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

The answer, even if you could articulate it, would be totally irrelevant
to your mountain biking acquaintance. If he asks again, tell him the
story about teaching pigs to sing...

Alright then. Can anybody explain how this applies to roadies?

"Stewart Fleming" wrote in message
...


Philip W. Moore, Jr. wrote:

Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced
effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

The answer, even if you could articulate it, would be totally irrelevant
to your mountain biking acquaintance. If he asks again, tell him the
story about teaching pigs to sing...

" Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced
effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.


Funny you should ask. Outside magazine recently published a brief article
on the effects of drafting (the recent issue with Gabrielle Reece on the
cover). According to the article, the second rider in line gets a 17%
advantage, the third rider a 38% advantage, and the fourth a 40% advantage
(assuming a race pace). Interestingly, the article claims the lead rider
gets a 3% advantage because the second rider breaks up the drag vortices
behind the lead rider.

" Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced
effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.


Funny you should ask. Outside magazine recently published a brief article
on the effects of drafting (the recent issue with Gabrielle Reece on the
cover). According to the article, the second rider in line gets a 17%
advantage, the third rider a 38% advantage, and the fourth a 40% advantage
(assuming a race pace). Interestingly, the article claims the lead rider
gets a 3% advantage because the second rider breaks up the drag vortices
behind the lead rider.

After reading the title, I honestly thought this was going to be politically
oriented...

"Philip W. Moore, Jr." wrote in message
...
Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

After reading the title, I honestly thought this was going to be politically
oriented...

"Philip W. Moore, Jr." wrote in message
...
Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.

"Philip W. Moore, Jr." wrote in message
...
Can anybody quantify the advantages of drafting in terms of reduced effort
while riding in the pack, whether in line or in an echelon? I was asked
this question by a mountain biker and could not answer it.



I've read some numbers before, but I think it's like the numbers I've read
about Lance's chances of surviving his cancer. One interview it was 20%,
the next it was 50%, etc.

Bob C.