Wheel Aerodynamics in Cycling: Bridging Research and Performance
Cycling wheels are a key aerodynamic component of the bicycle–cyclist system, contributing approximately 5–10% of total drag. In addition, they experience an aerodynamic moment that can increase overall power demand by a further ~2–5%. Over time, various wheel designs, such as deep-section rims, tri-spoke and disc wheels, have been developed to optimise the aerodynamic performance of the wheels, particularly in crosswind conditions where the so-called sail effect can reduce their drag.
Today, these optimisations are increasingly supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, especially during early-stage design when physical prototypes are not yet available. However, ensuring reliable and reproducible CFD results requires a robust and carefully validated methodology.
This webinar presents recent research aimed at establishing a robust CFD framework for cycling wheel aerodynamics, highlighting best practices and key modelling considerations. An applied case study, developed by a collaboration between the professional cycling team Equipe Groupama–FDJ United and the high-end component manufacturer Miche, demonstrates how aerodynamic insights translate into measurable performance gains on the road.
