Wind Tunnel Testing FAQ:
Q: Where is the wind tunnel located?
A: The wind tunnel is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, at an altitude of 5000ft above sea level, 1 hour north of Denver, Colorado, 50 minutes from Boulder, Colorado and 2 hours north of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is 75 minutes from Denver International Airport and 20 minutes from Fort Collins-Loveland Airport. The address is:
2506 Zurich Dr Suite #3 Fort Collins, CO 80524-1473, USA
Q: How long does the wind tunnel testing take?
A: A standard session in the wind tunnel is 1 hour, however we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early and allow 2 hours for this type of visit. You'll have a full hour in the wind tunnel, and with us, we can realistically test 20-40 different positions. Please arrive 30 minutes before your test, so you can get changed into your cycling clothing and fill out our appropriate forms and paperwork.
Q: How long does the bike fit with wind tunnel testing take?
A: The bike fit plus wind tunnel (Position Optimization) is a more thorough approach to determine power to drag ratios and ultimately determine your best possiblee position. The fit process itself can take up to 2 hours, plus you'll undergo another hour in the wind tunnel, so collectively you will need to schedule at least 3 hours for this type of service. For all tests though, we ask that you arrive a little early. You'll have a full hour in the wind tunnel, and with us, we can realistically test 20-40 different positions.
Q: Can I just order a standard bike fit with you?
A: Yes. Our Biomechanics and Fit Lab is the best place to have this service done. We have a very comprehensive approach to determining the best fit for a person. We will measure your power output and take subjective comfort measurements as well. With our fit, we can also take a look at various equipment from the CPT Showroom of equipment and experiment with various saddles, bars, etc to find the best products that fit you the best.
Q: What is the wind tunnel facility like?
A: The wind tunnel is situated inside a large warehouse and is 180 feet long by 12 feet wide. It is a re-circulating wind tunnel, which means the air follows a large racetrack pattern around the wind tunnel and is inherently more controllable than other wind tunnel designs. Because the large fan driving the air is on the other side of the wind tunnel, the sound level in the test section is quiet - low enough for normal conversation. The large width of the tunnel reduces interference from wall effects, making the results of the test more accurate. The structure itself was built 8 feet above the floor, so you must take a few stairs up to the testing area. According to aerodynamicists, our wind tunnel's design elements make it the best wind tunnel for testing athletes. Inside our 12-ft wide by 10-ft tall test section, the most state of the art testing platform has been developed specifically for testing cyclists and triathletes. When needed, it can rotate the athlete and their bicycle 360 degrees. We are able to accurately measure wind drag, power and heart rate in real time. Before each day's testing, the instruments are recalibrated to provide the most accurate testing possible. The instrumentation provides immediate feedback to the athlete and staff, both on a computer screen in the control room and on a display easily viewable by the athlete. The feedback is instantaneous, where the staff and other coaches can communicate with the athlete to effectively determine the best positions.
Q: Who administers the wind tunnel testing and fits?
A: With each project, we provide our expert on the job, Robby Ketchell. We also can have a mechanic on staff to make quick and efficient changes to the bike, or you may bring your own. You will be served with nothing but 100% professionalism and passion for all that we provide.
Q: What is the wind speed of the tunnel during testing?
A: To provide the most accurate results possible, we determine the testing wind speed based on your most likely average speed in a time trial, and typically set the wind speed between 25-30 mph (or roughly 40-50kph). The wind speed of the tunnel is extremely controllable, operating on controls adjusting to rpm, and can be precisely adjusted to within 0.1 mph.
Q: Does the altitude affect the testing?
A: No, the testing is done with ambient air, but with simple math calculations, we also determine real time and real power savings at sea level. The elevation of Fort Collins is 5000ft above sea level, which makes Fort Collins an excellent place to train because of your body's natural erythropoietic response.
Q: Are other coaches allowed to be present?
Q: Can I trust the wind tunnel results?
Q: Can you make equipment recommendations also?
Q: What do I get at the end of my wind tunnel session?
Q: What type of payments do you accept?
Q: When is payment due?
Q: What is the best way to get equipment to your wind tunnel?
A: Absolutely. We encourage other coaches and team managers to be present so they too, can learn about the wind tunnel and how important of a tool it really is. Coaches can also attend our regularly held coaching seminars for USA Cycling and USA Triathlon Certified Coaches.
A: Definitely. Your testing will be conducted by experienced engineers and technicians with your best interests in mind. The facility is built to provide the best data possible specifically for testing athletes and running sports related tests. We pride ourselves on providing the best and most accurate data and use the best instrumentation. In term of equipment, we're second to none. With the expertise of Mr. Robby Ketchell, we have an incomparable service, suitable for the best athletes in the world and dedicated to providing you the same quality testing services no matter who you are.
A: Yes, we will also make recommendations to you on equipment, courtesy of the CPT Showroom. Time permitting with all tests, you will know for certain what is the fastest equipment to use under any conditions.
A: We provide as much information as we can, to make you faster against the clock. We want you to come away faster, but more knowledgeable as well. We¼ll find the most optimal position for you, and prove it to you by showing you the watts and time you will save over a particular course. Plus you¼ll receive your choice of a DVD or CD containing photos from above, from in front, and from the side of the athlete and averaged data from throughout the project. The DVD/CD will contain everything in PDF format for easy viewing and a series of JPEG files for easy access to the original photos.
A: We accept, cash, check, and all major credit cards.
A: Payment is due at the time of scheduling an appointment. We can only schedule times when full payment has been made.
A: If you have a lot of equipment, the easiest way is to use our partner, Sports Express to ship your equipment door to door. Alternatively, you can fly or drive in with your bicycles and equipment.
