Representing a significant investment in aerodynamic testing, Specialized this week unveiled its own on-site bicycle-specific wind tunnel, enabling the company to apply aero principles across its full product line.
Due to expense, off-site wind tunnel testing has been almost exclusively the domain of high-end road race and time trial bikes. Now, with its own facility and team of aerodynamic experts under one roof, Specialized can expand tunnel testing all the way down to its Globe commuter bike line, the company said in a statement.
“This is a fundamental shift in how we think about air; every product and athlete will be faster,” said Mark Cote, manager of performance road and triathlon aerodynamics R&D at Specialized.
For dealers, the tunnel can be used in conjunction with Specialized Bicycle Components University classes to instruct retailers about how aero adjustments can optimize Body Geometry Fit sessions for improved comfort and efficiency.
Overseeing testing and data analysis for Specialized are Cote and Chris Yu, who are now joined by Chuck Teixeira and Chris D’Aluisio. The four have a combined 50 years of experience in aerodynamics.
