cycling in someone else's slipstream

[spudgun]

i'm not sure what the official word for it is in cycling speak, but i have been watching the TDF this year (loving it) and learning quite a bit about road cycling. i appreciate the fact that the TDF is a race, whereas i am going Touring, but nevertheless wanted to pose a question that hasn't really occurred to me before. yesterday, because Frank Schleck was never out front, his was described as an easy day - which while tough to you and me - i know now what the commentators were getting at... ie that it is far easier to ride in the slipstream of others than be doing all the work yourself. it is even more noticeable on the sprinters stages where the HTC do the work for Cav to put him in position.
however, i have never considered doing this myself. firstly i never realised it really made much difference, and secondly, to get close to to the rider in front seems like a good way to invite a crash! i'm going to be doing a few 100 milers next week - should i be looking to 'lock onto the wheel in front'? does it make a noticeable difference and if so do any of you have any tips? (or should i just man up, do the hard yards myself in my own space and not risk clipping the wheel of the bike in front!. there are only going to be 3 of us riding).
thanks in advance

 

[SquareDaff]

Take it in turns up front. It's not polite to let the other 2 do all the work!

 

[Herzog]

Yes, it certainly helps to follow another rider closely.

When following, it's best not to stare at the leaders rear wheel. Look over their shoulder and you'll be able to see any obstacles in the road. Also, you don't need to be centimeters away to feel the effect of drafting - a couple of feet will still have an effect. With two other riders, a significant amount of energy could be saved (especially if riding into a head wind!).

Make sure you take your turn at the front though, no-one likes a wheel sucker!

 

[endoman]

In a three is it best to ride in single file, each taking turns at the front?

Out with the club last night it was very noticeable how much easier it was on someone's wheel, and when I did my bit at the front I had no idea if the guys behind were behind at all.

 

[gaz]

In a three is it best to ride in single file, each taking turns at the front?

Out with the club last night it was very noticeable how much easier it was on someone's wheel, and when I did my bit at the front I had no idea if the guys behind were behind at all.

I you dip your head down and look under your arm you should be able to see if someone is behind you.

 

[the snail]

It does make a difference, more at speed or into a headwind. Etiquette demands that you take your share of time on the front though! On more leisurely rides you might spend time in front, behind or side by side for a chat. If you hit the bike in front, I think it's more likely that you will come off than the person in front, but riding in close formation requires all involved to pay attention!

 

[spudgun]

no problem with doing my fair share at the front. mainly curious as to whether it makes a difference (clearly it does) and now i just need to try and crack the art of doing it so i'm close enough to benefit but not to crash! Boardman did a bit on the TDF highlights saying 80% of energy was spent pushing air out the way, basically saying that cruising in someone else's slipstream was really easy by contrast.

 

[VamP]

At TdF speeds the drafting rider is working at cca 60% of the power output of the lead rider.

At touring speeds this differential will be less, but it is definitely to your mutual advantage to share the work.

Enjoy!

 

[iAmiAdam]

You can save up to 30% effort.

Look at the back of the person infront's head/helmet, don't worry about your steering and it becomes second nature. The person infront should indicate any obstacles and if you're in his wheel he should move out the way and you should follow anyway.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Echo the above.
Couple of things to remember:
Don't overlap wheels, you'll come-off the worst if you touch.
Watch the rider's arse in front and watch for any change in pedalling rate, reaching for a bottle or similar.
If you're in between other riders maintain a steady pace, don't snatch the brakes to alter speed, but you can just drift out into the airstream for a more gentle slowing
Don't drink in the paceline unless you're at the end.
Don't use tri-bars
If you move onto the front, maintain the same cadence, most have a tendancey to speed up.
Make sure there is a communication strategy for holes, car-up and down and signalling to move out because of parked cars.

We do training in small groups and we find that working together smoothly is the key to going fast, any sudden accelerations or decelerations sap the strength and slow the team. Practice riding behind somebody you trust.
It's extremely satisfying when it all works together.

As an indication, alone I can average about 19 mph round our flat 22 mile circuit (speeds up to about 22-23 on the fastest bits), if I jump into a faster group of about 4 or 5 riders I can hang on the back at up to 28mph, but as soon as I loose the tow for a few seconds, the free-ride is over!

 

[fimm]

The word you want is "drafting".
I find that riding in a tightly drafting bunch requires a lot of concentration!
You've been given a lot of good advice already which I can't really add to.

 

[spudgun]

thank you for all the help / advice

 

[iAmiAdam]

thank you for all the help / advice

Forgot to mention, use hand signals when on the front.

Point to hazards, point outwards across your back to indicate a car parked on the road side.

 

[fossyant]

Takes practice and confidence to ride close to others - it helps if you know the riders (e.g. in a club). It's always a little tricky on a Sportive for example, where you don't really know other rider's ability/experience.

In the club I used to be in, we'd regularly practice 'through and off'.

 

[GrasB]

Don't be embarrassed to be the weakest rider, if the others can do 3 min pulls at the front but you can only manage 90 seconds before you're struggling then only do 90 seconds. In the long run you'll be more help than pushing through to 2 or 3 min for a while before simply being unable to recover in time.