"Get on my wheel". Why?

crescent

What are the actual benefits of getting on someone's wheel going uphill? I struggled a bit during a recent group ride and one of the more experienced riders offered me his wheel and advised me about not letting a gap open up if possible. While I appreciated his support and advice, I'm unsure of what help it was actually giving me, if I'm honest I didn't feel any different. I understand on the flat, at highers speeds, it can assist by keeping you out of the wind but at lower speeds is it just psychological?

cheers

estampida

the efficiency of slipstreaming will reduce as the air speed reduces, but it is still a boost and measurable

and if your struggling, making you focus on the wheel in front will help you shut out the pain and lack of air.......
and before you know it your over the hill.......

slowbike

Marginal slipstreaming - I would thought more the constant effort benefit (assuming the experienced rider will ride smoothly) - and of course, as has been mentioned, the psychological benefit of concentrating on the wheel in front.

Grenouille

I would have thought the easier option was to get slightly in front and ask him to push you up...?

(A tactic employed by Mrs G when we were in France earlier this year!)

mikebikemike

at a slow pace going up hills I think its most helpful for pacing and motivation

karlth

Not being able to see the top can help persikologically, methinks.

Secteur

mikebikemike wrote:

at a slow pace going up hills I think its most helpful for pacing and motivation

+1

Unless there's a howling headwind, there's no aerodynamic advantage to "slipstreaming" uphill.

slowbike

Secteur wrote:

mikebikemike wrote:

at a slow pace going up hills I think its most helpful for pacing and motivation

+1

Unless there's a howling headwind, there's no aerodynamic advantage to "slipstreaming" uphill.

Well not at your pace.

crescent

Thanks
, I thought that might be the case.

Cheers

mattshrops

He wants you to look at his ass. All the way up the hill hes thinking "oh yeah baby you like that dont you, yeah dont try and fight it, come on try harder i might let you touch it ........etc"

rubyrider

Grenouille wrote:

I would have thought the easier option was to get slightly in front and ask him to push you up...?

(A tactic employed by Mrs G when we were in France earlier this year!)

I'm happy to say Mr R employs this tactic. Mind you he did nearly shove me into a hedge once :shock: