What. On Earth. Is this? We’ve seen some unconventional bikes, equipment and clothing intended to improve aerodynamic performance but we’ve never seen anything as bizarre as this design included in a just-published patent application. Essentially, it’s aero clothing with a tail that’s hooked to an adjustable subframe that’s fitted to your bike. And yes, it’s, um, unorthodox. To say the least.
> Have you ever seen a crazier time trial helmet than this?
There’s a whole lot going on in this patent application filed by a chap called Ara Ohanian – loads, in fact – all of it designed to achieve “higher speed at the same propelling force” by reducing drag.
First, you have the subframe that fixes to your bike. It’s telescopic so the amount of rearward extension can be adjusted. Straightforward enough.
Then things start getting weird. The clothing itself features a tail that extends backwards and hooks to the subframe “to obtain an adjustable aerodynamic posture.”
Okay.
Clothing can clearly have a big effect on aerodynamics, that's no secret, but this is something else altogether.
Not only that, the patent application describes a hood – or a “hoodie member”, as it's described – that’s designed “to create a sharp edge between the head and shoulders of [the] rider for making the shoulders of the rider aerodynamic by streamlining”.
“The hoodie member overcomes the problems of streamline in helmets which do not streamline the shoulders of chin/throat area,” says that patent application. “The hoodie member may prevent the air from hitting directly onto the shoulders and reduces the air from passing between the arms.”
There’s a “supporting element” inside the clothing – it could be a string or foam – that “extends diagonally between the head and the shoulders of the rider” to shape the clothing and thereby improve the overall aero performance.
It's a strong look.
You want more?
The clothing can also include “shield” sections at the shoulders that extend down the rider’s arms and feature finger holes.
“The shield portion is held by the fingers of the rider to provide an aerodynamic profile between the shoulder and hand of the rider for guiding airflow,” says the patent application.
“The shield portion may be an arm fairing that may be utilised for the purpose of diverting the air around the rider like a wind shield.”
All of this clothing may be stretchable and it could include sections for the lower body, but you get the gist, right?
Would the design work in terms of reducing drag? No wind tunnel statistics are provided in the patent application; there's no obligation to provide evidence that it would be successful.
We've seen loads of bizarre aero concepts over the years, from Graeme Obree's ski-tuck and Superman positions to Specialized's aero snood, and many of them have proved to be effective. This one could be the strangest of the lot, though. We're getting hazmat suit vibes with a hint of Minion thrown in.
The likelihood of this ever being available on the market? Okay, there are a few issues here. The UCI (cycle sport’s world governing body) throws its weight around on sock length so adjustable subframes and arm fairings? You've got to be kidding. The UCI is going to insist on an approved helmet too.
Triathlon? Same deal there, and no one is going to get out of the water and get all that clobber on in transition.
Recreational users, then? Well, would you go out for a ride dressed like that? It's not going to happen.
It's a 'no' from the road.cc jury. We have a feeling this will be the first and last time we see this extraordinary setup, but who are we to judge? What do you think?
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It's not too aero until you need a spoiler on the back to keep the back wheel firml on the ground.
This idea isn't new. Here's friend's setup from about 30-35 years ago. A Zzipper fairing with home made additions, fairings on the DT and in front of and behind the derailleur, mudguard mounted backwards over the front wheel. Another friend (not a racing cyclist) rode this in an unofficial 40km TT - from memory his time was just over 50 minutes.
For real? The guy is a legend!
Please, Road.cc you need to test this in a video 😂
Zwift were there first.
... and then there were sidewinds :o0
I think we had most of this back when I started cycling, it was called a cape and sou'wester.
I used that when I was a teenager in the 1960s. Worked well in light rain, heavy rain or puddles and you not only got wet from underneath, there was no clean rain to wash off the dirt and road grime.
If you're ready to throw all dignity out the window, why not go with a faired recumbent?
Well the UCI certainly don’t stand for recumbents of any kind - since the 1930s!
https://bikeroute.com/NationalBicycleGreenwayNews/2013/06/30/best-histor...
How much dignity? Asking for Graeme Obree.
isn't that just bagged to send on the plane?
He looks more decent than this at least. Something about the legs sticking out looks wrong to me...
I presume yellow was the go-faster colour of the 90s - at least I had a Kingcycle and they seem to be banana themed.
At least it gives extra stowage space.
If I copy this with an old broomstick, zip ties and my baggy tee shirt,am I at risk of patent infringement?
Only when you sell it to someone.