Aerodynamic research using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle

The IMechE Journal of Energy and Power, Volume 20 No 3, 2006 featured an article on Aerodynamic research using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle. The abstract reads as follows: "This short article describes aerodynamic research carried out using the Moulton small-wheeled bicycle. Alex Moulton's initial research, applying streamlined cowlings to his early small-wheeled bicycles, is briefly described. His later collaboration with Douglas Milliken is covered in greater detail. Milliken's many experiments with fairings included wind tunnel tests in crosswinds, an aspect of bicycle science rarely investigated hitherto. An important finding was the ability for a streamlined bicycle under certain conditions to sail. The Moulton–Milliken collaboration led to the development of fully streamlined bicycles, using the conventional riding position, which twice broke a speed record." The record mentioned is of course the world unpaced cycling record over 200m (conventional riding position) in 1985. The speed attained was 50.21mph (80.79kph), the bicycle was an Alex Moulton AM. Jim Glover, broke the record again in 1986, on a new improved Moulton Liner. The new record, 51.29mph (82.53kph), still stands. More details on the bike and the record can be found on Doug Millken's site, and pictures can be seen in Tony Hadland's pictures from the Moulton Museum.