Body Rocket’s new smart component system to allow triathletes to get wind-tunnel quality data on the road with live aerodynamic feedback.
UK-based sports tech company Body Rocket is nearing completion of a new direct-force device that could forever change the approach of triathletes to improving aerodynamics.
How does it work?
The innovative system utilises three smart components – bike pedals, seat post and stem aero riser – from which a constant stream of data is fed into the device including force, weight, air pressure, wind speed, acceleration and inclination. Machine learning algorithms are continuously applied to this data to give you real-time feedback, allowing you to make changes to your position as well as testing different tri suits, aero helmets or accessories in real-world conditions.
It’s a practical solution that seems almost too good to be true, but the team behind Body Rocket – headed up by engineer and former elite cyclist Eric DeGolier – have validated the system at the University of Southampton wind tunnel, showing a 0.9% average deviation and a maximum difference of 2.6%, described by Body Rocket as “almost entirely within the margin of error for the wind tunnel itself”.
Speaking about the project, DeGolier said: “For more than a decade we’ve seen technological developments across the cycling industry to make bikes, wheels, helmets, even socks, be more aerodynamic and sensors now give live feedback on a range of factors from power, temperature, gradients and much more.
But, despite the rider being 85% of the full aerodynamic package on a bike, no-one has been able to provide cyclists with accurate feedback on aerodynamic drag on the road and in real-time. Body Rocket is the first direct-force drag measurement integrated into a bike and represents a huge technological breakthrough. It’s something that would offer greater improvement to speed and efficiency during one ride, than through months of training.
“We set about designing a system that could bring technology, usually reserved for top tier professionals, to the masses with accurate and real-time feedback. Years of research, engineering and expertise have brought us to the point where we now have the only on-road product that can be proven accurate through wind tunnel testing validation. Gone are the days of needing to break the bank to spend time in a wind tunnel. Reduced drag is, put simply, free speed. We’re on the verge of making everyone faster and more efficient.”
What next?
There is no indication of the cost of Body Rocket at this stage – with wind-tunnel validation complete, field testing will begin this spring alongside a crowdfunding campaign on CrowdCube due to start in March.
Athletes who sign up to Body Rocket’s mailing list before 6 March are promised 10% off the system at launch or 10% off an aero fit session booking. You can also stay up to date with Body Rocket on Instagram @bodyrocketcc.
