Journal | Hunt Bike Wheels

Aerodynamics has long been something considered inaccessible to many riders. We want to change that. Up until now, only very few have released results yielded from wind tunnel testing. After travelling back from the GST Gesellschaft für Strömungsmeßtechnik mbH (more commonly known as the Airbus Wind Tunnel as used by Canyon) in Southern Germany, Luisa has since reviewed the results marking the next step forward. Now she explains exactly what happens.

There are many secrets behind aerodynamic testing, but there is also one major oversight made when searching for those elusive #aero gains. That is, what songs are scientifically proven to be more aerodynamic than others. That's right, you heard it here first...

Ladies and gentlemen, let us introduce you to Theo Sandell. At the time of writing he's no less than 3rd overall in the London X League cyclocross standings in the U10 category, just 2 points behind 2nd place after 11 full rounds of racing. With two wins and no result lower than 6th, we're dealing with some seriously consistent performances. And he's 9!

It is widely known that disc-brake aerodynamic testing hasn't received anywhere near the same amount of attention that rim-brake wheels have, owing to their only-recent rise in popularity and acceptance in racing. Many leading disc-brake wheelsets still possess the same profiles as their rim-brake counterparts. This presents a great opportunity to develop world-leading disc-brake wheels, by unleashing the restraints on rim profiling usually imposed by rim brakes. There are many interesting points of discussion, with one of the key points surrounding tyre choice and its importance. The tyre is of great significance in shaping airflow around the wheels, and the fact that changing tyres can actually completely reshuffle the order of the most aerodynamic wheels available today. 

We've looked to the industry-leading Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless-Ready tyre as the ultimate option for riders wanting to go fast & tubeless. We are drawing on the expertise and assistance of their engineers, and designing a wheelset optimised for this tyre in 28c width, to offer the ultimate aerodynamic package for the modern rider. And so, we'll be in Southern Germany at GST Gesellschaft für Strömungsmeßtechnik mbH (more commonly known as the Airbus Wind Tunnel as used by Canyon) from the start of next week, commencing the first round of wind tunnel testing for this project.

The frameset, supplied by Bombtrack Bicycle Co, is their all-carbon Hook 3 - a CX race machine. Despite its more understated looks, it packs a heft punch thanks to its race-ready build that Gosse will be taking to the limits from January 1st. The drivetrain is the smooth and reliable SRAM Force 1×11, an absolute staple of the CX circuit, with its clutch derailleur and wide/narrow chainring working together to eliminate dropped chains.