Downhill racing kit & aerodynamics

[Chris NewbyFraser]

After reading all those articles we see posted about wind tunnel testing for riding efficiency, it makes me wonder why downhill'ers wear loose and baggy clothing and sport large peaks on their helmets. If one was to take the whole concept of aero seriously, wouldn't the clothes and peak make the riders slightly slower? I rode the road today with my mtb peak on today and I could feel the difference in wind resistance.

[Thermophage]

They used to...apparently it was banned for them. Not sure on the story but all the info is out there

["Mechanic"]

Riders used to wear "aero" clothing until it was banned, but just imagine falling down a rock-garden at 60kp/h in a skin-suit

[dirtrider]

Riders used to wear "aero" clothing until it was banned, but just imagine falling down a rock-garden at 60kp/h in a skin-suit

 

Imagine looking like a roadie on a DH bike 

[Iwan Kemp]

It was banned in 2008 / 2009 when Tracey Moseley, wearing a skinsuit, beat Rachel Atherton by 4 seconds at the Aus WC race.

 

Open face helmets were banned at the same time and it also became compulsory to wear some protection.

 

Edit: Here's an article on it

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/uci-ban-skinsuits-and-open-face-helmets-for-mountain-bike-competition-19021/

[rock]

all hail Lord Tomac

 

http://www.moranphoto.net/people/johntomac/pictures/picture-9.jpg

[Chris NewbyFraser]

Imagine looking like a roadie on a DH bike 

That' s why I have moved to baggies on my XC bike.

[Ryno.]

Imagine a downill racer in a Moto-Gp outfit.

At least they won't get "roasties".

[BrandonF_]

That' s why I have moved to baggies on my XC bike.

Please tell "the whole" truth

[Rocket-Boy]

all hail Lord Tomac

 

http://www.moranphoto.net/people/johntomac/pictures/picture-9.jpg

The might Magura hydrostops, those things were the stuff in their days.