Hornet dave
10 mW
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2011
- Messages
- 27
Making a one off mini fairing should be pretty easy. Fiberglass over foam. Heck, lost foam would work too.
Aero Windscreen becoming accepted?
- Thread starter etard
- Start date
friendly1uk
1 MW
Hornet dave said:
How about an inflatable dolphin? lol
Wire basket with a beach ball in it?
I will think of something soon I'm sure. I like the $49 offering with the lights in it, and the hat so far. The hat is acceptable in the ghetto, but most other options will draw ridicule if your disguised as a push bike(unless a racing bike)
www.recumbents.com
10 kW
Luke, fairings on upright bikes are going to have limited effectiveness. By the time you make them big enough to make a difference, side winds start to become a problem. If you are to the point where you don't care about what the bike looks like, I can suggest some bikes for you to try that will be fun and comfortable and not hurt your back and may even be faster than what you are riding now. No curb jumping though...
-Warren.
-Warren.
This is probably the most ideal fairing for us upright ebikers. It may be a tad bigger than it needs to be, depending on rider size and position. The article I got it from said it increased top speed on a steady downhill from 29mph unfaired, to ..... quite a bit faster. I'm trying to find the website, it was related to Craig Vetter's site.
I don't have a CAD system, but I could make up some measurements that would be close to this.
The second pic is my ebike with my homemade fairing made of 1.5mm plastic. The front of it needs to be redone to be more rounded at the bottom. It is noticeably more efficient than my non faired ebike. Crosswinds aren't much of an issue, you just lean into them a bit. Never had problems controlling the bike. Note: the fairing is attached to the frame, not the steering. I get a lot of comments at bike racks. Some guys love it. I'm sure a lot think it looks ridiculous, but they are clueless persons anyway.
I don't have a CAD system, but I could make up some measurements that would be close to this.
The second pic is my ebike with my homemade fairing made of 1.5mm plastic. The front of it needs to be redone to be more rounded at the bottom. It is noticeably more efficient than my non faired ebike. Crosswinds aren't much of an issue, you just lean into them a bit. Never had problems controlling the bike. Note: the fairing is attached to the frame, not the steering. I get a lot of comments at bike racks. Some guys love it. I'm sure a lot think it looks ridiculous, but they are clueless persons anyway.
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Kent
1 kW
AirTech Streamlining http://www.airtech-streamlining.com offers a variety of after market universal fiberglass fairings including some in a "vintage" slim road racer style. Many mount with universal handlebar/fork mounts:
Fairings come rough fiberglass which require final finishing by the customer.
Fairings come rough fiberglass which require final finishing by the customer.
cal3thousand
10 MW
Based on Gogo's linked article, it would suggest that most realizable gains will be from fixing the aero properties of the "tail" to reduce the eddie currents (since air drag can be thought of in terms of the difference between air pressure in front and behind.
So instead of just a Speed up bag in front, there should also be a speed up box in the back!
So instead of just a Speed up bag in front, there should also be a speed up box in the back!
Hillhater
100 TW
This is not the first time a fairing has been debated but some folk have been testing for a long time to optimize the shape...
http://www.zzipper.com/Products/prod_upright.php
but i guess it depends whether you are trying to get the best aero shape, or the most comfort for the rider ?
http://www.zzipper.com/Products/prod_upright.php
but i guess it depends whether you are trying to get the best aero shape, or the most comfort for the rider ?
speedmd
10 MW
liveforphysics said:
Hi luke
Best I have found for a allaround bar to help reduce aero drag are the spinaci style clip ons. I posted about them also on the bbs02 thread. Easily good for one or two gears taller speeds on the flats. They allow many hand positions and would be a perfect place to mount a compact wind screen. A must try if you have not tried a set just for researching best designs in controls, hand positions and displays.
liveforphysics
100 TW
Excellent ideas brewing in this thread. 
I'm thinking we could make gains with wheel covers as well. Perhaps an aero fairing with integrated fenders and/or wheel cowling (like an a fixed landing gear aircraft).
Anyone else also like the idea of integrated phone holder and charger, with integrated CA mounting bracket etc? Maybe design the part to mount on a popular bolt-on racing bar setup like shown above.
Are there other folks interested in this? Does someone out there have CAD skills they can help make a model for me to print and get testing what methods perform the best?
I will be able to get models printing the same day I get CAD for them, and then mount them up and coast down the same hill while GPS logging speed and see what designs work best.
I'm thinking we could make gains with wheel covers as well. Perhaps an aero fairing with integrated fenders and/or wheel cowling (like an a fixed landing gear aircraft).
Anyone else also like the idea of integrated phone holder and charger, with integrated CA mounting bracket etc? Maybe design the part to mount on a popular bolt-on racing bar setup like shown above.
Are there other folks interested in this? Does someone out there have CAD skills they can help make a model for me to print and get testing what methods perform the best?
I will be able to get models printing the same day I get CAD for them, and then mount them up and coast down the same hill while GPS logging speed and see what designs work best.
speedmd
10 MW
I started a center bar / dashboard design to hold a cell phone/ ipad, but gave up with all the changes coming so quick. Injection molds are way too expensive to invest in / change. 3D printing has some potential and also I see some potential to make center section in light metal parts that can be stamped out and clam shelled together with foam cores.
Be careful with wheel covers or disk wheels. Having spent a bit of time on them, they are not safe with any cross winds. Forget using one on the front especially on a light build. Best are 50 - 80 mm deep profile rims with fewer spokes as a good overall compromise.
Been wanting to find a test set of the mad fiber wheels that look to be a super design Just to try. They are super strong and available in tubular or clincher.
Be careful with wheel covers or disk wheels. Having spent a bit of time on them, they are not safe with any cross winds. Forget using one on the front especially on a light build. Best are 50 - 80 mm deep profile rims with fewer spokes as a good overall compromise.
Been wanting to find a test set of the mad fiber wheels that look to be a super design Just to try. They are super strong and available in tubular or clincher.
cal3thousand
10 MW
liveforphysics said:Excellent ideas brewing in this thread.
I'm thinking we could make gains with wheel covers as well. Perhaps an aero fairing with integrated fenders and/or wheel cowling (like an a fixed landing gear aircraft).
Anyone else also like the idea of integrated phone holder and charger, with integrated CA mounting bracket etc? Maybe design the part to mount on a popular bolt-on racing bar setup like shown above.
Are there other folks interested in this? Does someone out there have CAD skills they can help make a model for me to print and get testing what methods perform the best?
I will be able to get models printing the same day I get CAD for them, and then mount them up and coast down the same hill while GPS logging speed and see what designs work best.
The phone holder is a great idea... as long is it's large enough for a Note II
Great of you to offer up the printing. I wish I had the CAD skills.
liveforphysics
100 TW
I've got a 3d scanner, and personally have examples of note1,2,3, as well as galaxy s 3 and 4 that can be scanned for use in modeling in a custom holder printed into the fairing.
I was imagining the inside part of the shell being a print-to-fit-your-needs setup. So, if you want nothing but a CA and power switch/contactor/precharge for a race bike or something, you can have it. If you want a key-switch and CA and speedict and headlight/taillight LED drivers and DC/DC for phone charger, and a holder for your note2, it just becomes a matter of configuring your CAD model with the features you want before printing.
I was imagining the inside part of the shell being a print-to-fit-your-needs setup. So, if you want nothing but a CA and power switch/contactor/precharge for a race bike or something, you can have it. If you want a key-switch and CA and speedict and headlight/taillight LED drivers and DC/DC for phone charger, and a holder for your note2, it just becomes a matter of configuring your CAD model with the features you want before printing.
Kingfish
100 MW
Luke, you bring up a good point about making the faring in parts.
What is the size of your printer; what are max dimensions and possible materials?
Curious, KF
What is the size of your printer; what are max dimensions and possible materials?
Curious, KF
briangv99
1 kW
Not exactly practical everyday transport but here's one that Zappy started but didn't get to finish.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46072&hilit=100kph+wood
Hard to argue with the aerodynamic efficiency. Cleaning up the airflow behind the rider might be more important than a fairing up front.
Now Zappy's moved to his yatch, I'd better do something to get it rolling.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46072&hilit=100kph+wood
Hard to argue with the aerodynamic efficiency. Cleaning up the airflow behind the rider might be more important than a fairing up front.
Now Zappy's moved to his yatch, I'd better do something to get it rolling.
speedmd
10 MW
Love the barketta (little boat) design.
What I had in mind was a F1 type dash. Velcro holding stuff down on it. With controls at your finger tips.
What I had in mind was a F1 type dash. Velcro holding stuff down on it. With controls at your finger tips.
liveforphysics
100 TW
Kingfish said:
14"x14"x12" single part build area with very precise resolution and quick build times. For making larger parts, like a full wheel cover set for testing or something, it's no big deal, just print it in 4 sections or whatever, and glue them together into a larger part.
ABS, PLA, all color options.
Kingfish
100 MW
^ Good to know. 8)
I've been struggling with a DIY wheel cover for the front, but you've given me new insight on how it can be had. The trick will be in the mounting. On the printer, what CAD format can you accept?
Interested, KF
I've been struggling with a DIY wheel cover for the front, but you've given me new insight on how it can be had. The trick will be in the mounting. On the printer, what CAD format can you accept?
Interested, KF
liveforphysics
100 TW
Kingfish said:
A solidworks model would be an easy form to import. As would any 3d model file type solidworks can open.
Kingfish
100 MW
I have AutoCAD 2014, though I believe it can export to SolidWorks; they use the latter at the Circle-M Ranch here in Redmond. I'll go sort it out with the MEs.
Inspired; the gerbils in my brain are spinning cartwheels... 8)
Dusting off the micrometers, KF
Inspired; the gerbils in my brain are spinning cartwheels... 8)
Dusting off the micrometers, KF
liveforphysics
100 TW
Kingfish said:
Excellent my friend! I'm excited to see what you come up with!
I have many CAD guru's I work with, so I'm thinking if you make it in autoCAD 2014 and export the file in most any file type, I will likely be able to print it.
At this stage my focus is getting designs to print, and throw on my roadbike to do hill-coast-speed comparison testing.
I'm also totally interested in a rearward fairing as well if we can get real performance from it. Perhaps something that both acts as weather protection for a battery on a rear rack, and functions as a streamlined tail section.
Hillhater
100 TW
Whilst perhaps dated, and not considering a fairing, Sheldon Brown highlights some key ideas for aerodynamics..
http://sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/aerodynamics.htm
Note that the biggest gains were from disc front wheels, and an Aero helmet ! ... and removing the drink bottle !!
Also... i assume you are following the "aerodynamics" thread in the Ebikes General forum
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=52981&start=25
There is another interesting data chart for riding positions posted there.
http://sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/aerodynamics.htm
Note that the biggest gains were from disc front wheels, and an Aero helmet ! ... and removing the drink bottle !!
Also... i assume you are following the "aerodynamics" thread in the Ebikes General forum
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=52981&start=25
There is another interesting data chart for riding positions posted there.
Perhaps a moderator can combine these two threads?
Building a disc cover for a rear wheel should be quite simple. There are instructions for such online. Just use something like corrugated plastic, or any flexible plastic sheeting. No need for 3D printing that kind of stuff. The parabolic nose cones are what are tricky to make.
Here's a pic I saved from the Hanebrink speed bmx era.
Building a disc cover for a rear wheel should be quite simple. There are instructions for such online. Just use something like corrugated plastic, or any flexible plastic sheeting. No need for 3D printing that kind of stuff. The parabolic nose cones are what are tricky to make.
Here's a pic I saved from the Hanebrink speed bmx era.
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speedmd
10 MW
Cross winds are deadly with disks. Not recommended for anything but racing in calm winds. Even granny passing you in her motor home will send you way off line and potentially into the ditch. It gets much worse on bumpy roads with the wheels loosing contact with the pavement momentarily allowing sudden winds to take the whole bike out from under you if your not hyper vigilant. Weight and suspension would help, but if disks are on the front, winds will still steer you around and make the shimmy feel pale in comparison. Mavic has done tons of work on the topic and a good source for data. They have a new wheel they claim is very stable. Very welcome research.
