First foray into electric bikes, need advice - Page 6 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

NeilBlanchard · 07-23-2017, 07:46 AM

I like the upper wheel fairings - this is the first time I have seen this idea:

The claim is 20% faster with the same effort - that is a LOT of gain. The top of a wheel is moving forward at 2X the speed of the vehicle.

California98Civic · 07-23-2017, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

... The claim is 20% faster with the same effort - that is a LOT of gain. The top of a wheel is moving forward at 2X the speed of the vehicle.

That 20%, though, is dependent on headwinds. Other riders reported only 3%. I like if for the front, where headwinds are most important. But the back, behind my churning legs? Will that have as good an effect as a full wheel cover? Maybe this fairing on the front and a full wheel cover on the back is best?

Ecky · 07-23-2017, 10:51 AM

Last night I was "ambushed" by a group of motley strangers riding a bizarre mix of ebikes. They took me to their secret lair, "the lab", above a warehouse dockside. Apparently they're the Burlington Electric Bike Collective, and they have a hackerspace where they build all sorts of nonsense. I'll post pictures next time I'm there.

Grant-53 · 07-23-2017, 06:01 PM

The proven set up is to build up the rim cross section in the front with bladed spokes. A solid disc only in the rear. The oval frame tubing is common. Cross wind is an issue for safety. The big effort on a commuter is the body shell around the rider. This is not permitted in most races. I use a shell from the shoulders to just below the knees. That way I can put a foot down when I stop. The shape is like a sailplane or a Vetter challenge machine with a Kamm square back 18" behind the seat. The shell must be securely attached to the frame and not the steering gear.