Body Rocket, the world’s first “real-time” aerodynamic direct drag force measurement system, has surpassed its goal on the Kickstarter funding platform. It reached its $28,500 goal less than two days after the Brighton-based tech startup announced pre-orders for Body Rocket were live.
Cycling weekly I first treated the system two years agowhen the first wave of crowdfunding began. Following further development, the system is now offered in various packages starting at £2,950. For an extra £2,000 you can get personal training from Alex Dowsett and other “bonuses” from the Dream Team package. Dowsett, arguably one of the best TT riders of his generation, was one of Body Rocket’s first investors.
Body Rocket’s system uses air sensors to provide real-time data
(Image credit: Body Rocket)
Body Rocket’s unique selling point is that it provides cyclists of all levels with real-time CdA (coefficient of air resistance), rather than calculating this number based on estimates. This is achieved through a system that uses four sensors on the bike, located between the handlebars and stem, between the seat post and saddle, and on both pedals. Together they capture 47 measurements and 28,000 data points every minute. The double-sided power pedals, which have a claimed accuracy of 0.1%, are currently in use at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub.
The aero sensors are attached between the saddle and seat post, the handlebars and the base plate and on both pedals
(Image credit: Body Rocket)
“Every single day is like being in a wind tunnel,” says Kristian Blummenfelt, Olympic and Ironman champion and investor in Body Rocket, about the system. He credits Body Rocket with saving him 35 watts over 40km on his road bike and 30 watts in the TT position.
And here lies another important selling point of the system. Most amateur cyclists don’t have the luxury of being able to visit a wind tunnel. However, because the sensor is constantly attached to the bike, users collect aero data every time they ride. And in contrast to a wind tunnel, the numbers are transmitted directly to the cyclist’s head unit and do not have to be interpreted by an expert.
Body Rocket’s power pedals are double-sided and accurate to 0.1%
(Image credit: Body Rocket)
To support this, Body Rocket has developed its own AI-driven software called BRIAN (Body Rocket Individualized Ai Network), which it says “guides users through the process and helps them track their progress over time, without them having to become aero experts.” .”
“This is a significant moment, both for Body Rocket and for me personally,” says company founder Eric DeGolier. “We’re on a mission to make aerodynamics more accessible to all cyclists and triathletes and I’m pleased to say we’ve achieved that and I can’t wait to start production and shipping. “
For more information, visit Body Rocket’s Kickstarter page
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