Early development
The Anemoi Extension System burst onto the scene in 2020, and wasted no time in becoming the cockpit of choice for cyclists and triathletes worldwide. Its aerodynamic prowess has become cycling’s worst-kept secret, embraced by both amateurs and professionals alike. Offering unparalleled adjustability, the system empowers riders to finely tune their position with precision, from reach and riser angle to toe-in and lateral adjustments.
Fuelled by extensive research and development, the Anemoi system has continuously evolved to meet the demands of riders. With a keen eye on innovation, our team has curated a comprehensive range of accessories, ensuring a seamless and personalised riding experience for every cyclist.
In 2023, as UCI regulations underwent a significant shift, our focus turned to enhancing the Anemoi system to meet the evolving needs of cyclists. With increased reach adjustment windows catering to taller riders and larger extension profile cross-sections, it was evident that the time had come for the next iteration of the Anemoi system.
Returning to the drawing board, we recognised the abundant aerodynamic potential presented by the revised UCI rules. Moreover, we acknowledged the unique demands of triathletes, who often seek extended reach beyond UCI regulations. Thus, the Anemoi Mk2 Extension System emerged not just as a possibility, but as an essential advancement in bike tech. In the months that ensued, we meticulously scrutinised the strengths of the Mk1 system, identifying opportunities for performance enhancements and further development. Our goal was not to reinvent the wheel, but rather to optimise the chain… so to speak.
Testing
Our initial testing focused on two key objectives:
- Determine the optimal extension width.
- Determine the optimal extension cross-sectional profile.
Realising the potential benefits of wider profiles, the pivotal task was to identify the optimal profile design. An intensive cycle of R&D followed, whereby scores of profile options were evaluated, in total 40 different profile designs were considered. This testing encompassed asymmetric, convex, and concave shapes, alongside profiles of varying widths and depths. Among these, the superior profiles were selected for manufacture and further assessment in the wind tunnel; the results of which can be seen here:
Testing at various degrees of Yaw with an extension angle of 25º, our secondary testing phase enabled thorough examination of the top-performing profile designs. Through this meticulous process, we identified and selected the profiles that demonstrated superior aerodynamic performance, a selection of which can be seen below.
Understanding the individuality of aerodynamic performance, we proceeded to conduct tests with three riders, all at a 25º extension angle, with promising results. As illustrated in the graph below, the wider profile design consistently outperformed the Mk1 profile across the three riders. Particularly, the final profile design, Profile F in the graph below, demonstrated notable performance enhancements. With CdA improvements ranging from 0.002m2 to 0.004m2, translating to 3-6 Watts at 50kph, the findings were significant. Furthermore, early testing phases revealed an intriguing insight: when it comes to profile design, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Having ascertained that Profile F was the best solution on average across the test riders, we swiftly initiated production of the inaugural Anemoi Mk2 Extension System. Despite consistent indications of the Mk2's superior speed throughout the testing stages, we conducted a final test in the wind tunnel to further validate our findings.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Our comprehensive testing process, spanning various yaw angles, and with an extension angle of 25º revealed a notable enhancement in CdA, demonstrating an overall improvement of 1.1% at zero degrees of yaw, increasing to a 2.0% improvement in CdA when averaged over all tested yaw angles, affirming its advancement in aerodynamic efficiency. Coupled with the System’s enhanced adjustment windows and upgraded componentry features, the Mk2 offers riders unparalleled customisation options. With the potential to personalise a cockpit according to the individual’s needs, the aerodynamic prowess is poised to spearhead the evolution of TT cockpit design.
More information about the Anemoi Mk2 Extension System can be found in our Adjustability and Componentry Blog.
______________________________________