Originally Posted by
billridesbikes
This is unlikely to be true. Given the same mass the short stocky one will have less surface area and a lower CdA than a tall thin one. We can prove this with calculus to solve for a minimum area to enclose a volume, but as an example, take a sheet of paper and throw it. Now take the same sheet of paper and crumple it into a ball and throw it. Both have the same mass and volume of paper but which can you throw further?
More frontal area loses the CdA battle all the time.
Drop a sphere vs an elongated spheroid of the same mass. The sphere will have a larger frontal area AND a higher Cd.
Ever notice that TTT riders are generally tall and thin. How many short and stocky TTT riders at the world class level are there
If both riders hold the same power on flat ground, who would be faster? Our speed tests above show that, at 300W steady, Rider A would be faster on Zwift by approximately 2 minutes over an hour effort due to their reduced height.
But in an aero position with a flat back on a TT bike, Rider A would actually present more frontal area, and therefore be slower in real life. Zwift’s own graphics support this:
2 Minutes is a whole universe of difference......in the wrong direction
https://zwiftinsider.com/speed-tests-height/