Is This the Cheapest Upgrade?! | NorCal Cycling
Source: NorCal Cycling Youtube Channel: Is This the Cheapest Upgrade?!
Video Is This the Cheapest Upgrade?! with NorCal Cycling
Video Is This the Cheapest Upgrade?! with NorCal Cycling YouTube Channel.
Is This the Cheapest Upgrade?!
NorCal Cycling: The Real World Performance Benefit of Arrow Optimized Clothing
NorCal Cycling is back with another in-depth test, this time focusing on the real-world performance benefit of arrow-optimized clothing. In this latest test, NorCal Cycling sets out to determine if the additional cost and potential comfort penalty of wearing arrow-optimized clothing is truly worth it in terms of performance gains. This experiment aims to compare three different clothing setups, including a t-shirt and shorts combination, a standard jersey and shorts combination, and a full-blown arrow-optimized one-piece skin suit designed for optimal aerodynamics and performance.
The Test Setup
Before diving into the test results, it’s crucial to understand the setup for this experiment. NorCal Cycling follows a consistent testing protocol, ensuring that the only variable being changed is the clothing setup. The test course, power output, bike, and riding position remain constant throughout the test runs. This approach allows for a fair and accurate comparison of the different clothing options, ultimately providing valuable insights into their real-world performance benefits.
Introducing the Three Clothing Setups
The first clothing setup is a t-shirt and shorts combination, which is particularly popular among adventure and gravel riders. While not typically associated with high-performance racing, some lower category crit riders have been known to race in this setup. The second setup features a standard form-fitting jersey and shorts combination, designed for everyday road biking. Finally, the third setup is an arrow-optimized one-piece skin suit crafted specifically for maximum speed and performance. Each setup serves a distinct purpose, with its unique design and intended use.
The Test Runs
NorCal Cycling takes on each test run with the determination to uncover the true performance differences between the three clothing setups. The first run with the t-shirt and shorts combination serves as a baseline for comparison, clocking in at 16 minutes and 11 seconds for a 5.41-mile course at 250 watts. The second run in the standard form-fitting jersey and shorts combination sees a notable improvement, cutting down the time to 15 minutes and 23 seconds, while maintaining a similar power output of 251 watts.
The Performance Benefit Revealed
Upon transitioning to the arrow-optimized one-piece skin suit, a modest performance difference is observed, with only one second separating the time from the previous Jersey and shorts combination. However, NorCal Cycling notes that the speed benefits of the skin suit are more pronounced at higher speeds, such as those encountered in criterium races. Interestingly, an additional test run in the skin suit with a lowered riding position yields even more impressive results, shaving off an extra 45 seconds and demonstrating a significant 10% increase in speed over the baseline t-shirt and shorts combination.
The Value of Performance per Dollar
NorCal Cycling emphasizes the tangible value of investing in arrow-optimized clothing for performance cycling. Despite the initial cost and potential discomfort, the skin suit’s remarkable performance gains highlight the significance of pursuing the low-hanging fruit in terms of performance per dollar. The video also touches on the added comfort and functionality of arrow-optimized clothing, citing the absence of flapping fabric, enhanced padding, and improved aerodynamics as key contributors to overall riding comfort and performance.
Conclusion
The testing yields eye-opening results, showcasing the substantial real-world performance benefits of arrow-optimized clothing. NorCal Cycling’s meticulous testing and analysis provide valuable insights for both competitive cyclists and enthusiasts seeking to elevate their riding experience. The experiment underscores the importance of considering the performance gains and comfort enhancements offered by specialized cycling apparel, ultimately guiding cyclists in making informed decisions to maximize their riding potential.
In summary, NorCal Cycling’s exploration of arrow-optimized clothing sheds light on the significant impact of specialized apparel on real-world cycling performance. With its engaging and informative content, NorCal Cycling continues to inspire and educate cyclists of all levels, bringing valuable insights to the forefront of the cycling community.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel NorCal Cycling and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.
