Turbulence describes the chaotic and irregular flow of air as it passes over a cyclist and their bicycle. When air hits a flat surface or a sharp edge, it breaks away and creates small, swirling eddies of wind. This messy air creates a lot of drag, which acts like an invisible wall pushing against the rider’s progress.
The goal of aerodynamic design is to keep the air moving smoothly to avoid this energy-sapping turbulence. For example, a rider wearing baggy clothes will create much more turbulence than one wearing a tight, smooth racing kit. This is why high-end bikes have rounded or teardrop-shaped tubes to help the air slide past without tumbling.
You can feel the effect of turbulent air when a large truck passes you closely on a busy road. Even small changes in your posture can help reduce the turbulence you create while you are pedaling. Professional teams spend thousands of hours in wind tunnels to find ways to minimize this effect.
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