The UK's Silverstone, renowned for its motorsport heritage, has become an unexpected hub for cycling innovation. Hidden just half a mile from the race track, the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub (SSEH) is revolutionizing the world of cycling performance. But how did this wind tunnel become a gold standard for testing? Let's dive into the story of SSEH and its impact on the cycling industry.
A Wind Tunnel with a Purpose
SSEH's wind tunnel is not just any wind tunnel; it's bike-specific. Unlike those used in aerospace or vehicle testing, SSEH's tunnel is designed to mimic the conditions cyclists encounter on the road. This attention to detail is crucial for accurate and repeatable results, making SSEH a preferred site for many.
A Legacy of Aerodynamic Expertise
The success of SSEH is rooted in decades of aerodynamic expertise. Rob Lewis, managing director of TotalSim, the group that owns SSEH, had a background in CFD aerodynamics. He was part of the team at BAR Honda (now Mercedes AMG Petronas) in 2004. Lewis was approached by British Cycling and UK Sport for help with aerodynamics, and he aided them for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, as well as in the lead-up to the 2016 Games.
A Proposal for Change
After 2012, Lewis proposed a scaled-down wind tunnel designed specifically for cycling. While British Cycling decided not to take him up on his proposal, Boardman Bikes and Halfords did, with a retail and amateur-focused wind tunnel opening at the bike brand's Evesham HQ in 2018. When the Boardman Performance Centre was shuttered by Halfords in 2020, British Cycling ended up buying the wind tunnel and moving it to Manchester. But by this point, Lewis had already established another facility.
A Wind Tunnel for R&D
Lewis realized that what was really needed was a wind tunnel for research and development (R&D) with all sorts of tricks and toys and lasers. So, he set out to build one for himself. Although initially planned to be housed in a farmer's shed to keep costs down, the facility was eventually upgraded into an innovation center open to all.
A Revolution in Road Cycling
SSEH's arrival has coincided with a revolution in the dominance of aerodynamics in road cycling. Brands are utilizing carbon fiber's true wind-cheating potential to make bikes faster and faster. The focus on airflow, drag, and turbulence has expanded across all areas of the sport, creating an arms race to find any marginal aerodynamic advantage.
The Importance of Wind Tunnels
Wind tunnels are a necessary step in the R&D process. A wind-tunnel session is used to validate CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations, while also highlighting areas for improvement that current CFD programs are unable to calculate. SSEH's wind tunnel is particularly useful for this purpose.
Accuracy and Repeatability
SSEH's wind tunnel stands out from others because it's bike-specific. It can run the lower speeds encountered in cycling, which should mean its results are more accurate and repeatable. While there are other bike-specific wind tunnels in the world, SSEH has become a preferred site in recent years.
A Complete Package
SSEH offers a complete package for cycling performance testing. It's easily accessible from around the world, with Silverstone being a relatively short drive from London's numerous airports. It's also relatively cheap compared to other wind tunnels, with prices starting at £686 for a two-hour session. SSEH's parent company, TotalSim, also offers additional services like Bramble, a cloud-based CFD simulator that helps analyze runs in the wind tunnel.
The Future of Cycling Innovation
As the influence of aerodynamics on road cycling continues to grow, the need for bike-specific wind tunnels will only increase. SSEH is well-placed to meet this demand, with its growing reputation and continuous reinvestment in new features. It's little things like these that go a long way to help build confidence in SSEH's process, making it a trusted destination for cycling innovation.
