#areodynamics

[trolledu]

[pawspurses]

Words of Wisdom by Mary Kay Ash February 11

RECOGNITIONPERHAPS THE MOST COVETED MARY KAY AWARD IS A DIAMOND PIN THAT'S THE SHAPE OF A BUMBLEBEE. THE STORY BEHIND THE AWARD IS WHAT MAKES IT SO MEANINGFUL. YEARS AGO, AERODYNAMICS ENGINEERS STUDIED THIS AMAZING INSECT AND CONCLUDED IT COULD NOT BE AIRBORNE - BUT THEY FORGOT TO TELL THE BUMBLEBEE, AND HE WENT RIGHT ON FLYING! MY INTUITION TOLD ME THAT THE BUMBLEBEE WAS A PERFECT SYMBOL FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE FLOWN TO THE TOP. Read the full article

[keystonecycling]

Are wider rims better?

There has been a lot of hype this past year that wider rims are “better”.  All of the benefits stems from the change of the tire’s profile on a wide rim.  A wider rim creates a “U” shape rather than a light bulb.  

Below are the claimed benefits.

More aerodynamic - The airflow is smoother transition from the tire to the rim resulting in less drag. 

Ride smoother - The load of the sidewalls is greatly reduced allowing you to run lower 5-15 psi in your tires without getting a pinch flat.

Better cornering - The sidewalls will defect less allowing for better grip while cornering.

I am build up a set of wheels in the next week so I will have some real power data to see if item number is true.  The other will be more subjective but stay tuned for my results.