AerOptimum: an accessible wind tunnel for everyone

Aero Concept Engineering launches AerOptimum in Magny-Cours (58), the only French center to offer professional and amateur cyclists and triathletes wind tunnel testing services and bike fitting studies for complete performance optimization.

Source: Press Release

Since 2002, the Aero Concept Engineering team has offered its aerodynamic expertise to manufacturers of bikes, wheels, and accessories, as well as to professional cyclists and triathletes. These services were previously offered under the name ACE.

Aware of the importance of aerodynamics in cycling performance and its appeal to all cyclists, the company decided to democratize wind tunnel testing and offer the widest possible audience the opportunity to optimize their aerodynamic performance. To achieve this, ACE created AerOptimum and implemented a new measurement platform and new protocols adapted to all practices and all levels.

The AerOptimum team: three men and a woman pose in grey polo shirts with orange trim. — The ACE team with Manon Genêt.

The history of the AerOptimum wind tunnel

Built in 1990 for the needs of the Ligier Sport Formula 1 team, the ACE wind tunnel was used until 2002 to define and optimize the aerodynamics of the Ligier Formula 1 cars, and then those of the Prost Grand Prix team. In 2002, Aero Concept Engineering was created and became the owner of the wind tunnel. The wind tunnel was then used to design numerous race cars (in different categories), to work in automotive and aeronautical research, and also to develop bikes and position professional cyclists and triathletes. 2021 sees the birth of AerOptimum, which offers all cyclists the opportunity to live an extraordinary experience while optimizing their aerodynamic performance, just like the professionals.

Modernization work on the AerOptimum wind tunnel

To offer the best possible support and an extraordinary experience, AerOptimum launched a series of modernization works on its wind tunnel. From the reception to the measurement system, everything has been redesigned to offer:

Precise and fast measurements (measurement to the gram) allowing work on the smallest details
Reliable tests thanks to a discreet, fast, and repeatable bike mounting system
An extended measurement range thanks to crosswind simulation at plus or minus 30°
An efficient and fun cycling experience thanks to live display of results on the floor
Better monitoring for companions thanks to a projection of results on the back wall
Increased visibility for brands, thanks to the possibility of displaying logos (static or animated) or any other graphic element on the back wall
Original shots thanks to controllable lighting
Comfortable winter sessions thanks to a heating system.

Wind tunnel studies

The AerOptimum measurement system allows all types of aerodynamic measurements on bikes. Thus, manufacturers can, according to their protocol, test the bike alone or with a cyclist (or mannequin), in headwind or crosswind. Cyclists and triathletes can test their position on the bike (within ergonomic constraints) but also their equipment. Wheels, water bottles, helmets, shoes, glasses, clothing, arm warmers, absolutely everything can be tested and compared to select the position and equipment best suited to their morphology. Striking and original product launches are also made possible by the display, smoke, and light systems. Whether seeking performance or simply a fan of thrills and original experiences to live on their bike, every cyclist, triathlete, or touring cyclist can find a wind tunnel offer corresponding to their needs.

Dynamic bike fitting studies

In parallel with wind tunnel testing, AerOptimum wanted to offer cyclists and triathletes the possibility of optimizing the ergonomics of their bike. Indeed, working on an aerodynamic position on the bike is only useful if ergonomic criteria are taken into account. There is no point in being aerodynamic if you are no longer able to generate power or if the pain becomes unbearable in a few minutes.

For this, AerOptimum joined the Vélofitting franchise to offer dynamic bike fitting studies, following a measurement protocol that has proven itself for many years, both with professional athletes, amateur cyclists, and touring cyclists.

These bike fitting studies are offered either in Magny-Cours at AerOptimum’s premises (alone or in addition to wind tunnel tests), or in one of the partner stores in departments 03, 18, 21, 36, 41, 45, 58, 63, 71, 89. Other departments are covered by Velofitting. Beyond the performance aspect, the dynamic bike fitting studies offered by AerOptimum also allow you to fully enjoy the pleasure of riding by eliminating recurring pain. Tingling in the hands, knee pain, back pain, neck pain, etc., are often caused by incorrect saddle, handlebar, or cleat adjustments. Whatever the practice or level, everyone can benefit from the contributions of dynamic bike fitting.

Taking into account the specificities of triathlon allows AerOptimum’s teams to opt for settings that guarantee a start to the run in the best conditions.

What gains can be expected from a visit to AerOptimum?

During a wind tunnel study, 80 to 90% of the power generated by the cyclist is used to combat aerodynamic effects. It is therefore the number 1 criterion for cycling performance. As proof, cycling speed records set behind vehicles to benefit from the slipstream effect are close to 300 km/h. Recumbent bike records (much more aerodynamic) are over 140 km/h.

However, 80% of aerodynamic drag is related to the cyclist and their equipment; only 20% is attributable to their bike. Buying a great machine is therefore not enough; you need to be perfectly positioned and opt for equipment adapted to your morphology to hope to achieve performance. Since aerodynamics is a complex science based on many interactions, its effects are often counter-intuitive. Reducing your frontal area does not therefore guarantee an improvement in performance. The gains generally observed during a wind tunnel session range from 10 to 40 W.

During a dynamic bike fitting study:

“I feel like I’ve changed bikes” is the phrase that comes up most often after a bike fitting study at AerOptimum. “I no longer have pain when I get off the bike“, “I’ve gained power and pedaling cadence“, “When I start the run on a triathlon, my legs respond immediately; before, it took me a few minutes to regain my sensations“, “I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner!” are other examples of customer feedback.

Prices

AerOptimum offers several options to best adapt to the needs and budgets of each cyclist. A gift card, coach offers, and group rates are also available.