I agree.



Using our validated model of the power requirements of cycling (1) and assuming:

1) total (i.e., cyclist + bicycle) mass = 85 kg,
2) coefficient of rolling resistance = 0.004,
3) drivetrain efficiency = 97.5%,
4) air density = 1.185 g/L,
5) CdA = 0.225 m2, and
6) power = 300 W

I calculate that using an Omega instead of a Simkins would save you 1.9 s in a 40 km TT.

With the same assumptions as #1-4 above and assuming:

5) CdA =0.250 m2, and
6) power = 225 W

I calculate that using an Omega instead of a Simkins would save you 7.9 s in a 180 km Ironman bike segment.

1. Martin JC, Milliken DL, Cobb JE, McFadden KL, Coggan AR. Validation of a mathematical model for road cycling power. J Appl Biomech 1998; 14: 276-291.

FWIW, I've tested an MRC and a D-A AX (1st and 2nd from left), but have been unable to lay my hands on a Modolo Kronos (3rd from left). I also haven't tested the TRP T925 (far right), but have tested it's cousin, the Tektro R725.

Lastly, I've been in contact w/ Magura again, and even though the RT8TT is still in very short supply they are supposed to be sending me a brake to test.

Thank you Andrew and if it has not been done, welcome to Weight Weenies!

I guess the good news is I left some "free speed on the table".

_________________
-For my next trick I will set myself on fire!
-This board and the world in general would be a much nicer place if everyone could just take themselves a little less seriously.
-Sticky Fingers John Rockefeller
-First one over the cliff wins!

That AX is a work of art!

I hope andrew can locate a modolo with a rubber cover as I would like to see the test complete. I use one minus the cover and spring guide on the cable adjuster. I'm using cut SS yellow pads and the braking with stingers is great. The lack of pad height adjustment is annoying.

Ahhhh yes... how could I forget Zipp's aero brake? (particularly since I sold one just a month ago) For as many things as Zipp has done well over the years, this frankly was not one of them (something I mentioned to the buyer - the Zipp brake went with a Zipp 2001 bike that had Kronos brakes on it).

For those curious, here is a photo:



Also, if folks want to see more photos of the Zipp or Kronos calipers, I have an online photo album here:

http://s42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/refthimos/Zipp2001/

Just to be clear, the bike is sold - I am not trying to sell anything here - so please don't ban me!

_________________
R5 VWD | 2008 SRAM Red | Rotor 3D+ SRM | Zipp 101s/Enve 3.4s
S5 Team | 2012 SRAM Red | Rotor 3D+ SRM | Enve 6.7s
P3C | Zipp Vuka Aero/R2C | Omega | FSA SRM | Zipp 808/Super 9 Disc
T1 | Scatto | Rolf Prima FX58

The rubber cover on the Kronos is notoriously fragile and even NOS examples are likely to be cracked/damaged (mine were slightly). While not a scientific answer to your question, I think it is likely that any drag difference would be so small as to be immeasurable.

_________________
R5 VWD | 2008 SRAM Red | Rotor 3D+ SRM | Zipp 101s/Enve 3.4s
S5 Team | 2012 SRAM Red | Rotor 3D+ SRM | Enve 6.7s
P3C | Zipp Vuka Aero/R2C | Omega | FSA SRM | Zipp 808/Super 9 Disc
T1 | Scatto | Rolf Prima FX58

Isn't the TRP supposed to be mounted on the back of the fork? Seems a bit off to compare with front-facing brakes that the rest are?

OH this is going to be good. Just wait.

_________________
BIG DADDY B FLOW
AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5890g/12.98 lbs

Has anyone seen an S-5 with a Tri-Rig brake mounted? I'm just wondering if that rear brake mount type this would block the Omegas cable guide. I really hope not though as I hope to get a set for my bike

_________________
"But when you hit that asphalt down below nothing else matters, your pulse is skyrocketing toward 200"
Speed Concept
Colnago Mapei
S-5 VWD

_________________
BIG DADDY B FLOW
AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5890g/12.98 lbs

That looks really good on there!

I'm more worried about the rear brake on the S-5 though. It has a weird mounting bracket that is pretty tight. I would take a picture but that is what broke on my S-5 but I'm just wondering if the brake cable guide will be able to fit.

_________________
"But when you hit that asphalt down below nothing else matters, your pulse is skyrocketing toward 200"
Speed Concept
Colnago Mapei
S-5 VWD

Once I get these I will mount them to the SLC but yes I am not sure about the S5 but maybe one day I can help you out with that when I pick on up used.

_________________
BIG DADDY B FLOW
AERO & LIGHT is RIGHT

Cervelo SLC 5890g/12.98 lbs

I tested the Tektro R725R and T726R models, which (as the designation suggests) are actually rear brakes. By replacing the mounting bolt with a longer one, though, they can (and often have) been used on the front as a PMAB (poor man's aero brake). This is why I thought it was of interest to include them in my sample.

I have not tested any brakes mounted on the rear of the fork, in part because many bikes don't have room for them there and in part because the potential for significant interaction effects between the brake and the tire and/or the brake and the downtube seem (to me) to be much greater. If anybody out there is really interested, though, you might be able to talk me into finding the 1-2 h required to perform such a test.

Looking at pics of the S5, it appears that the cable hanger of the brake might hit the seat tube, and even if it doesn't, there might not be enough room for a smooth cable run.

If so, one option might be to use the additional spacers provided to mount the Omega further away from the frame...although I've only tested the effect of the gap on the front, not the back, I doubt it would measurably impact the aerodynamic drag.