AERODYNAMICS
Completely Redesigned FLO Wheel Line
The all new FLO Wheel line was created using a five step system that we call Data Driven Design. The result, was the fastest wheels we have ever created. Learn about each step below.
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Data Logging

110,000 Data Points from Four Ironman Courses

We collected 110,000 yaw angle and relative velocity measurements by mounting a custom data logger to the front of a bike. We gathered this data on four Ironman courses, and in a variety of riding conditions. Learn more about our Data Collection Process.

Data Analysis

Yaw Angles Redefined

After analyzing our data, we learned that a cyclist experiences much shallower angles than we originally thought. We now know a cyclist spends 80% of their time riding between 0 and 10 degrees of yaw. This discovery led us to design the new FLO wheels to be fast at low yaw angles. Learn more about our Data Analysis Process.

CREATING A BASELINE
3D Modeling
We created a highly accurate model of the tire/rim interface, by molding a tire mounted to a FLO rim. This tire/rim model was combined with our 2012 rim profiles to create a baseline for our new design work. Learn more about our
3D Modeling Process
.
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DEVELOPED WITH CD-ADAPCO ENGINEERS
Optimization Algorithm
Using a list of design parameters and the data collected from our 110,000 data points, we built a custom optimization algorithm. This algorithm ran on CD-adapco's Super Computer and intelligenty tested and refined 500 prototypes to find the fastest rims shapes possible. Using a standard desktop computer, these calculations would have taken 4.5 years to complete. Learn more about our
Optimization Algorithm
.
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Wind Tunnel Tested
The new FLO Wheels were tested at the A2 Wind Tunnel. Learn more about our
Wind Tunnel Testing Protocol
.
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Time Savings with FLO Wheels

The below time savings were calculated using our Net Drag Reduction Value (NDRV) equation. The NDRV equation is designed to give cyclists an accurate estimate of expected time savings using FLO wheels. Learn more about our Net Drag Reduction Value equation.

Wheel 40k Ironman
2013 FLO 30 38s 2m 51s
2016 FLO 60 Aluminum + Carbon 55s 4m 9s
2016 FLO 90 Aluminum + Carbon 1m 0s 4m 29s
2016 FLO DISC Aluminum + Carbon 1m 14s 5m 31s
2016 FLO 45 Carbon Clincher 55s 4m 6s
2016 FLO 60 Carbon Clincher 63s 4m 41s
2016 FLO 90 Carbon Clincher 64s 4m 48s
2016 FLO DISC Carbon Clincher 1m 11s 5m 19s

* See this chart in CdA.

* All wheels tested at the A2 Wind Tunnel with a 700c x 23mm Continental GP4000S II tire.

* Tare removed. Learn More.

* All tests done with a tire pressure of 95psi.

* Test wind velocity 30mph.

* Mavic Open Pro was a front wheel with 32 round spokes and a 700c x 23mm Continental GP4000s II tire.