Independent Study Validates Notio’s Accuracy in Velodrome

An independent study published in the European Journal of Sport Science recently found the Notio to be accurate to the point of detecting a change as small as 1.2% in aerodynamic drag. According to Cycling Weekly, the study may be “the ultimate validation for the device, which is designed to provide analysis of aerodynamic drag in real time.”

Led by Mehdi Kordi, well-known for his work with British Cycling, the English Institute of Sport, Huub Wattbike and the Dutch Tokyo Olympic team, the study aimed to test the intra- and inter-effort reliability of the Notio, as well as the sensitivity and accuracy of the CdA measurement. Seven elite track cyclists – three men and four women – took part in the experiment, with each test at ∼50 kph for six laps of a 250m indoor velodrome.

In the first part of the study, the six laps featured no changes in rider position or speed in order to isolate and test reliability. The results were impressive, showing a low coefficient of variation of intra- (0.47%) and inter-effort (0.9%) reliability.

The second test, focused on accuracy, used discs of various diameters attached to the bikes, with a known drag measurement (CdA). The team could test the accuracy of the Notio in detecting these slight changes in drag as the riders again held all other factors constant (speed and position). The study found that the Notio was able to accurately measure the smallest changes in resistance — from 5-6 cm, or 1.2%, or 0.002 m2.

While this isn’t the first time the Notio has been used in rigorous track testing, this study provides independent confirmation that it can accurately detect even very small changes in aerodynamic drag, within the velodrome setting. The Notio is proven to be a valuable tool, able to provide cyclists with reliable aerodynamic data as part of their training regime.

Access the study here.