RWS Modification Question

[Norm]

Is there anything magical about the tubing used in the RWS?

I'm currently running the stock RWS on my TT bike with the intake taped in place on my bar about 2/3's the way to the brake lever. While this is an OK position and I'm getting clean air there, I'd like to experiment with a more compact installation that places the intake beneath and forward of my stem. The main problem preventing me from making that happen is that the RWS tubing kinks in the bends.

I'm considering going down to my local hardware store to see if I can find a rigid alternative -- something like coper tubing that I can bend without kinking.

What kinds of things should I consider while shopping for materials and doing the install? Is inside diameter important? Do I need to avoid bends of a small diameter? Is the intake scoop necessary? Are there any considerations other than getting the air intake into clean air?

This isn't urgent, I'm just tinkering with my setup. If it fails, my current setup with the stock RWS is perfectly fine.

[lorduintah]

I would look for TYGON® tubing. It is clear and plastic, but can be found in different wall thicknesses, which would prevent the collapse issue.

It is also easy to cut to length and as flexible as any other rubber. You might have to look at Scientific Supply or Pool supply web sites, not sure if many hardware stores will carry a variety, if any at all.

Tom

[Norm]

OK, here's experiment #1:

IMG_0323.jpg (63.68 KiB) Viewed 328 times

I found some 1/4" OD copper tubing at Home Depot, which fits nicely in the 1/4" ID plastic tubing of the stock RWS. I cut a 16" segment of the tubing and bent it into an S shape with 2.25" diameter arcs, being careful to leave enough of a backward run so I can zip tie it to the stem. The idea is to have a rigid straight tube sitting between the stem and the front wheel right inline with the bike body. Here's what it looks like on the bike:

IMG_0326.jpg (86.45 KiB) Viewed 329 times

Before I permanently install it, I'll wrap it in black electrical tape to make it a little less noticeable. Even with the black tape, I think it will look a little strange hanging out down there. What do you aero / wind scaling / wind offset gurus think?

[coachboyd]

I like that!

I think if you somehow fastened it to the front of your stem you would also have a good connection to the iBike wind port. I also don't think you need the tube extending out as far by your wheel.

As long as you do your cal ride with that RWS in place, you will get good data.
Looking at it, you may not even need to have it swoop back towards the head tube, just make it shaped like an elephant's trunk.

I may swing on down to the hardware store and experiment with something like this as well.

[rruff]

Looks good to me. Is the tube supported anywhere? Also, I'd use aluminum tubing... weighs ~1/3 as much. And I wouldn't cover it with tape.