Originally Posted by
RChung
If only it were somehow possible to measure differences in drag between two bikes while a rider's legs are moving.
Isn't that exactly what Giant had done back in 2012 during the development of the Propel. They used an articulating manikin on competing manufacturer's aero frames(bikes) in a Formula 1 testing company's wind tunnel???
OOPS, just found ----
https://www.velonews.com/2017/08/new...o-bikes_446744
"....The frameset
Since this is an aero bike, aero came first. Giant designed the bike at Aero Concept Engineering’s (ACE) wind tunnel at the Magny-Cours formula 1 racetrack in Nevers, France. The tunnel was originally designed for low-speed testing and operates on a closed loop circuit — both important to acquiring reliable data on a bicycle.
Giant’s relationship with ACE dates back to the first edition rim-brake Propel. With a mannequin mounted to the bike, Giant has what it believes is the best model for optimizing the design of the frame for real world conditions. Giant tested against the Trek Madone, Specialized Venge, and other top frames, and claims the Propel is fastest using its testing methods. Giant also claimed that its new Propel is faster than the old Propel. As of press time, Giant had not yet provided the actual data to back up these claims, though it says it’s coming....."
Not sure if actual data has been released yet but method was employed for comparison.