Cycling against a headwind...any solutions?

Question

I live off the west coast of Ireland and it gets pretty windy-just wondering if you know any tricks for beating a headwind? It slows me down a lot a jolts me from side to side.

I was thinking of those power suits that weightlifters use you know the ones that increase your strength-with that I could pick up more speed.
Sounds kinda stupid but I was wonderin if a wetsuit would work as a power suit and also keep me dry and warm...

Any other solutions or inventions to cheat a headwind for the winter?-how much and wheres would be handy too...

and no a car is not a solution....

Answer 1

Progress in a headwind will be easier if your clothing and equipment is as sleek as possible, clothing that flaps around in the wind will only create more drag.

Tuck down on the handlebar drops or aero-bars, or assume a lower more aerodynamic position to offer less area to the wind and keep your weight lower for better stability.

If you are riding in a group stay in a line and alternate riding at the front, a rider uses 25% less energy by sitting behind another rider drafting behind two or three riders increases the energy saving a little more and helps maintain a steady speed.

Aero-bars, time trial helmets and over shoes all help cut through the wind, keep any equipment you need to carry behind your saddle or in your rear jersey pockets as these will only add to drag.

Invest in a turbo trainer maybe, it will help maintain your level of fitness over the winter months till the west coast wind abates.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

An aerobar will definitely help and so will semi-aero wheels that are v-shaped but not too deep (deep profile wheels will get you tossed about in side winds). If a full-on aerobar is not an option due to back problems, Cinelli makes a semi-aero bar called the Spinacci. I have one and it gives me a 1-2 mph advantage in a head wind. An aero wheelset would give slightly less but overall the 2 could gain you around 3 mph. Exerting the same amount of effort, you could be going around 3mph faster with these improvements compared to not having these things.
http://www.cinelli.it/scripts/accessori.php?Id=4&lang=EN&IdAcc=108

Answer 3

Turn round and cycle the other way?
If you are cold then more clothes but make sure they are a tight fit to prevent it flapping around, there are a number of cycling tops available, you can also get long "cycle shorts" too which should help but apart from pedalling harder and streamlining your body shape there's not much more you can do

Answer 4

Just keep an aerodynamic position on the saddle, hands on the drops, head down. No matter what you do, the wind will win. But at least you get a tailwind on the way home!

Answer 5

First if it is very windy make sure you wear tight clothing and not floppy ones that the wind will catch. Keep your body sloped out on the bike and do not sit up straight.
Caution: If very windy take extra care on the roads as you can be swept out onto oncoming cars etc.
Be careful

Answer 6

I suggest that you invest in proper cycling clothing to start with, then set you bike up to suit your riding style. Once all thats sorted just concentrate and ride in a lower than normal gear, but increase your revs. Other than that you'll have to slog your guts out like the rest of us!

Answer 7

Work on your positioning and spinning technique. Headwinds SUCK, I know, and all you can really do is get someone else to draft behind or have less wind drag on yourself.

Answer 8

Put your head down and peddle your butt off. Aero bars would help with your position on the bike.

Answer 9

You could try one of those speedo swimming suits, but then you'd probably freeze to death. Or you could try streamlining the bike with fibreglass, i've seen some on our local cycle path. good luck

Answer 10

Turn the bloody thing round