Why do so many Pro Racing Cyclists now have Beards ?

[Anthony.R.Brown]

Yeah the riders dont give a toss about aerodynamic bikes, they know it's all a faff.

A rider and a bike is a bit like a lorry and it's wing mirrors. If the marketing department keeps promoting aero wing mirrors but the lorry itself is not as aero as possible, those little wing mirrors aren't going to make a difference. As long as the rider is in an aero position, having internal cable routing for "aerodynamic advantage" ain't gonna do much.

You need to start understanding Aerodynamics and just how much advantage there is...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9H0INZ2_s

 

[classic33]

You need to start understanding Aerodynamics and just how much advantage there is...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9H0INZ2_s

Is that with or without a beard?

 

[mustang1]

You need to start understanding Aerodynamics and just how much advantage there is...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9H0INZ2_s

Yes I know, a little, about Cd and CdA etc. But my point was concentrating on the aerodynamics of the bike is very minor in comparison to the aerodynamics of the rider. if the rider is not as aerodynamic as possible, just doing a tiny thing on a bike will make next to non-existent difference.

 

[Anthony.R.Brown]

Yes I know, a little, about Cd and CdA etc. But my point was concentrating on the aerodynamics of the bike is very minor in comparison to the aerodynamics of the rider. if the rider is not as aerodynamic as possible, just doing a tiny thing on a bike will make next to non-existent difference.

So you agree that a full beard will make a difference to the air flow regarding aerodynamics ?

 

[classic33]

So you agree that a full beard will make a difference to the air flow regarding aerodynamics ?

You'll gain more time shaving only the front of your legs and arms, leaving the hair on back, this will also promote a turbulent boundary layer behind, which helps the air stick to the surface and reduces drag.

 

[Andy in Germany]

You need to start understanding Aerodynamics and just how much advantage there is...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9H0INZ2_s

But then I'd have to start riding fast... and that sounds like hard work.

No, I don't see that happening...

 

[Edwardoka]

I realise that the thread is someone at the wind-up, but it has made me decide to never shave ever again. The idea that a hairy face can rile someone up is just too precious.

So you agree that a full beard will make a difference to the air flow regarding aerodynamics ?

Do you honestly think that in a field as dominated by "marginal gains" as pro cycling, the teams and manufacturers who do wind tunnel tests wouldn't have tested this parameter?

And that if it was demonstrated that a world-class athlete would lose meaningful power and time to aero drag by having a beard, any of them would have beards?

 

[MontyVeda]

...
And that if it was demonstrated that a world-class athlete would lose meaningful power and time to aero drag by having a beard, any of them would have beards?

It's been demonstrated that having a beard will infect other riders with bacteria though... which could slow them down, giving the illusion of the beardy rider going fasterer.

 

[rich p]

Why is this drivel in the Pro racing section?
Isn't there a complete load of cobblers section you could all discuss this?

 

[Anthony.R.Brown]

The paragraph from the article below needs to be read by any wanna be macho bearded men, who think the reason they like to show off they can grow a beard is because it's manly ?

"Because of this hormonal difference, the beard, or facial hair more broadly, is a classic secondary sexual characteristic — a trait that differs between the sexes, but does not directly contribute to reproduction like, for example, the genitals do."

Ask evolution: Why do men have beards?

https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/science/humans/article/2016/07/25/ask-evolution-why-do-men-have-beards

 

[classic33]

The paragraph from the article below needs to be read by any wanna be macho bearded men, who think the reason they like to show off they can grow a beard is because it's manly ?

"Because of this hormonal difference, the beard, or facial hair more broadly, is a classic secondary sexual characteristic — a trait that differs between the sexes, but does not directly contribute to reproduction like, for example, the genitals do."

Ask evolution: Why do men have beards?

https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/science/humans/article/2016/07/25/ask-evolution-why-do-men-have-beards

The piece referenced by you is five years old. Nowt newer to back up your claims on aerodynamic advantage?

 

[Anthony.R.Brown]

And if a man is going to have a beard ? just remember...

16 animals that have better beards than you...

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/animals-with-great-beards/

Although I must admit the Guy below takes some beating...

 

[lazybloke]

Surely in covid times, the pertinent question is : do beards compromise facemask function?

 

[classic33]

Surely in covid times, the pertinent question is : do beards compromise facemask function?

The facemask functions as an aero surface, assuming you fit it correctly. No extra drag whilst breathing.

 

[Andy in Germany]

The paragraph from the article below needs to be read by any wanna be macho bearded men, who think the reason they like to show off they can grow a beard is because it's manly ?

Ah, but you see, sirrah we know we are manly, not to mention suave, and generally awesome. Our identity is not in question; our wearing of beards is simply an expression of it.

After all, it would be selfish to keep such manlisuaveawesomeness to ourselves...