With my interest in vehicle aerodynamics and efficiency I wondered about how effective simple partial streamling would be for conventional diamond frame road bikes. I decided to apply the same approach that I have used with my Silveraero/aerotrunk moto. I made a handlebar windscreen of coroplast over a wire framework and a tailtrunk of coroplast and doorskin ( very thin plywood). The tailbox was a bit of a challenge to finally get mounted rigidly enough so that it stayed in alignment behind the rider. I was finally able to test it last week and found that it worked fairly well. The improvement was most notable as I cruised at higher speeds (15 mph + ) and particularly on a downhill run where I exceeded 34 mph. The only downside was on steep uphill climbs where the added wieght ( 2-3 lbs) was a factor. I rate this project a success and will keep working to refine and improve it. Like my aerotrunk project , the tailbox can carry a lot of stuff without increasing air drag.
The reaction from other bicyclists was mixed; some shaking thiers heads , others suprised. I usually get a wave or a thumbs up from other motorcyclists
but I haven't received that feedback yet from another bicyclist. What do you think?
