• Robert Chung on using the ingredients available for homemade aero testing
    Feb 6 2025

    In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Caley Fretz discuss some updates planned for the podcast.

    Then Ronan sits down with Robert Chung, the creator of the Chung Method, a revolutionary way to aero test without a wind tunnel. They explore how this virtual elevation method has made aero testing more accessible, allowing cyclists to optimise their setups using real-world data.

    Robert breaks down the math, principles, and practical applications of the method, including its surprising role in the shift toward wider tyres and lower pressures. The conversation covers common mistakes in aero testing, how to refine your testing protocol, and why real-world conditions often beat lab data. This episode is packed with insights on how to start and then fine-tune your testing.

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    28 mins
  • Special ep: TDU pit walk with aero expert John Pitman
    Jan 25 2025

    At the 2024 edition of the Tour Down Under, Ronan Mc Laughlin was joined by aerodynamicist JP Ballard as they walked through the pits to talk about the aero hits and misses within the latest bikes of the WorldTour. For 2025 we’re back with something of a similar theme.

    This time Dave Rome is joined by the Head of Aerodynamics at South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), John Pitman.

    Now, with access to a wind tunnel he oversees (a story we aim to share soon), Pitman takes a stroll through the pits, talking about general aero themes, the effectiveness of design flourishes, and other random things seen.

    Normally, this type of episode would be exclusive to members of Escape Collective, but instead, we’re keeping things open to give you a taste of the sort of content you may be missing out on. If you like this episode, and if you haven’t already, then please consider becoming a member of Escape Collective. Similarly, please share it with a friend who may enjoy it.

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    46 mins
  • Aero testing at home
    Jan 11 2025

    In this episode of Performance Process, we’re joined by Barnaby Garood of AeroSensor to dive deeper into the world of aero testing at home with the AeroSensor drag measurement system. Barnaby, a former F1 aerodynamicist, shares insights on how the AeroSensor brings aero testing to the everyday rider’s everyday roads, helping cyclists of all levels unlock real performance gains without the hefty price tag of traditional lab testing.

    From setup and calibration to course selection, interpreting yaw angles, and managing real-world variables, Barnaby breaks down the practicalities of aero testing—what works, what doesn’t, and how to get meaningful data from your efforts.

    The conversation also touches on the evolution of aero testing, why real-world conditions might be more valuable than controlled lab settings, and why repeatability is king when it comes to finding those elusive aero gains. Whether you're chasing Strava PBs, eyeing a faster time trial, or simply curious about aero optimisation, this episode delivers practical advice you can put to use straight away.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Should we adjust our bike fit for indoor riding?
    Dec 13 2024

    In this episode of Performance Process, host Ronan McLaughlin dives into the nuances of indoor bike fitting with bike fit expert Phil Burt. With the rise of indoor training, many cyclists encounter power, comfort, and injury issues they don’t have outdoors.

    Burt, a physiotherapist with over a decade of experience at British Cycling and Team Sky, shares his insights into optimising your indoor fit to mitigate these issues. From adjusting saddle tilt to understanding the impact of our reduced movement, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and hacks to enhance comfort, reduce injuries, and maximise performance during indoor sessions. Plus, they explore the future of indoor cycling technology and its implications for bike fitting.

    Whether you're a competitive cyclist or a weekend warrior, an indoor super fan or someone who only heads indoors when the weather turns, if you've ever wondered if you should adjust your fit for the turbo, this episode is for you.

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    26 mins
  • Aero testing demystified, with expert tips from AeroCoach
    Nov 29 2024

    In this episode of Performance Process, we return to our conversation with Xavier Disley of AeroCoach to explore the practical side of aero testing.

    From wind tunnels to velodromes, on-road testing at home, and cutting-edge CFD tools, we break down the pros, cons, and real-world challenges of aero testing along with practical tips for each.

    Whether you’re optimising your position or debating the value of aero meters, Xavier shares expert insights and practical tips to help you understand the science, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of your aero efforts.

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    55 mins
  • Aero secrets with the Aerocoach, Xavier Disley
    Nov 15 2024

    In this episode of Performance Process, we sit down with Xavier Disley, founder of Aerocoach, to dive deep into the world of aerodynamics in cycling.

    Disley is the "Aerocoach" and brings a wealth of experience on going faster with no extra effort, having worked with athletes from local time trialists to Grand Tour winners, not to mention his own racing endeavours which include a Masters Individual Pursuit World Championship title.

    On the industry side, his expertise span into aero testing, equipment development, a range of Aerocoach aero products including wheels, handlebars, plus various other components, and advising other manufacturers on how to create components that reduce drag and enhance performance.

    Whether you're an already optimised competitive rider or just starting to think about aero, Disley shares invaluable insights on how to make your setup faster.

    We discuss the critical aspects of aerodynamics, from clothing fit, rider position, and saddle angle, to choosing the right gear and our choice of tyre could be like adding an additional 1% gradient to your entire ride!

    Xavier breaks down the key factors every cyclist should consider to reduce drag and increase speed. Plus, he reveals some practical tips and tricks to help you ride faster with simple and free, yet effective adjustments.

    This is part one of a two-part series with Xavier, so stay tuned for the next episode, where we explore the world of aero testing—different methods, the pros and cons of each, and how they can help you take your performance to the next level.

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    1 hr
  • The Future of Aero and why 'peak aero' is as far away as ever
    Nov 1 2024

    In this episode of Performance Process, host Ronan McLaughlin is joined by Ken Ballhause of Sync Ergonomics and John Pitman, Head of Aerodynamics at the Australian Centre for Sports Aerodynamics. Together, they discuss the custom aerodynamics and aero bars that contributed to Grace Brown’s World and Olympic Time Trial gold medals. They also dive into the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of aerodynamics in cycling.

    From “high-hand” positions and crank length to custom bike fitting techniques, they explore the intricate balance between equipment and rider optimisation.

    Learn why "bolt-on" aero solutions offer only marginal gains and why the body and bike fitting are the place to start in looking for the biggest gains.

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    37 mins
  • The limitations of watts per kilo and the future of training with Xert's Armando Mastracci
    Oct 19 2024

    Watts per kilogram has been the key metric to compare one rider’s power vs. another rider’s for decades already. The higher W/kg you can sustain... the stronger a rider you must be. While it is a critical indicator of climbing performance, however, W/kg does have its limitations when the road flattens out and even on undulating terrain.

    In this episode, host Ronan Mc Laughlin sits down with Xert’s Armando Mastracci to discuss why Xert is ditching W/kg and why XRP (Xert Relative Power) might be a better metric for comparing performances.

    They also discuss how Xert's unique performance metrics and AI-driven tools may help you make smarter decisions about your training, fueling needs, and race strategies. The pair also discuss Xert's adaptive training plans and performance metrics and whether AI is coming for coaches' jobs.

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    45 mins