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FRONTAL AREA

The projected area of cyclist and bike as seen from the front. The 'A' in CdA. Smaller frontal area = less air to push = faster.

Determined by body size, position, and equipment. Reducing: narrower bars, aero position, tucking head, bringing elbows in, tight clothing, removing accessories. At 40 km/h, reducing frontal area by 5% saves ~10-15 watts. Several apps now estimate from smartphone photos.

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