Legs
usually riding on Zwift...
- Location
- Staffordshire
No, there is definitely a component of the drag coefficient which is related to weight, so even on the flat bits Lee would have the advantage even if he weren't a short-arse.
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I had the fastest set up you could get for the flat so that wouldn't be any part of an explanation of why you were faster
Yeah, just did a bit of digging on this - good article here that backs up what you're saying - https://zwiftinsider.com/rider-weight-speed/. Form the article:
Effect of Rider Weight on Flat Roads
Flat tests were completed over two laps of the Tempus Fugit route.
Test Results
- 82kg @ 300 watts: 52 minutes, 17 seconds (39.7kph)
- 75kg @ 300 watts: 51 minutes, 26 seconds (40.4kph) – 51 seconds faster
While some Zwifters like to say “it’s all about pure watts on flat roads,” it’s not that simple. Weight does affect your speed on the flats in Zwift, since it changes your computed CdA. Or to put it another way: two riders of the same height but different weights will have different CdA values in Zwift, meaning the heavier rider will need to push more watts to keep up with the lighter rider, who is encountering less (virtual) air resistance.
Peter Salt
Bittersweet
- Location
- Yorkshire, UK
@Girafitti, on the W vs. W/kg debate: I think that the differences for the top guys yesterday were minimal but if you look at the difference between me and @steverob it was massive.
Steve is 97.1kg and did 249W - that's 2.57 W/kg. Did the course in 42:20
I'm 71.5kg and did 211W - that's 2.95 W/kg. Did the course in 42:48 - almost 30s behind Steve.
The KOM was only 1.9km and I was around 15s quicker than Steve on that section.
So yeah, definitely looks like pure watts is king on a flat TT.
@Spartak I think I might just sign up for that hill climb that you posted.
Steve is 97.1kg and did 249W - that's 2.57 W/kg. Did the course in 42:20
I'm 71.5kg and did 211W - that's 2.95 W/kg. Did the course in 42:48 - almost 30s behind Steve.
The KOM was only 1.9km and I was around 15s quicker than Steve on that section.
So yeah, definitely looks like pure watts is king on a flat TT.
@Spartak I think I might just sign up for that hill climb that you posted.
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Is Steve shorter than you?
Legs
usually riding on Zwift...
- Location
- Staffordshire
I'm tall (6'3") which penalises me, and I didn't deploy my power evenly, because I wanted to crush Michael's spirit with a fast start!
Peter Salt
Bittersweet
- Location
- Yorkshire, UK
No one on here is shorter than me
But one other thing to note would be the equipment difference. I was riding the free, basic lvl1 TT frame with DT Swiss 62s while I'm sure Steve has access to much better tech.
berty bassett
Legendary Member
- Location
- I'boro
I am definitely warming to you 😁😁No one on here is shorter than me
Aleman
Knees are FUBAR but I don't like to mention it
- Location
- Blackpool UK
Legs
usually riding on Zwift...
- Location
- Staffordshire
...and both Paul and Michael were using the DT Swiss Disc wheelset, which is 17.5s faster over 50 minutes (~12s faster over this course) than the Zipp 808s (which are the best I've got).
Brusgaard
Über Guru
- Location
- Skive, Denmark
Finish the DBR Cup first. The DZR team is closing in fast in the team rankings.
Peter Salt
Bittersweet
- Location
- Yorkshire, UK
Worry not. I will be supporting the C team so the number of baldies won't changeSplitter!!!
Yep, will doFinish the DBR Cup first. The DZR team is closing in fast in the team rankings.
It will be to your virtual CDA because of your lower weight and height. Zwift has calculated a better (lower) aero drag number
We need everyone who is C and D to ride the last event to fight off their winning waysFinish the DBR Cup first. The DZR team is closing in fast in the team rankings.
