Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
The drag difference between pedaling and pedals level is negligible.
The bigger issue is being able to tuck in tighter when you don't need to pedal.
With a 75kg combined rider + bike weight and 0.004 Crr:
You could coast down a 4.63% grade at 34.4 MPH in the "back down 2" position, or pedal in the drops at 141 Watts. In the same position that would produce 19.7 MPH solo on flat ground which would be a bit much for a recreational rider at an endurance pace.
You could coast down an 8% grade in the Alps at 46.3 MPH, or pedal in the drops at 341W which is professional territory on long rides.
I'm missing the responses to the OP question.
Originally Posted by
woodcraft
... added drag from pedaling vs coasting with cranks level?
Same position. Pedaling vs coasting with cranks level. I have seen little data on this, although a wind-tunnel would certainly do the trick.
I understand that if you give up pedaling, you can also assume another more aero position. But I'd be curious about just the drag increase pedaling - say 90 RPM vs cranks level.
I do think some of this could be used a bit for a TT, but the TT bike would not support many of those positions.