Aerodynamic characteristics of a bicycle wheel were investigated in a circular wind tunnel. The test models of the present experiments were 6 kinds of wheels: an aero-wheel with rim of 38mm, 58mm and 85mm in height, a wheel with 3 spokes and 4spokes, and a disk wheel without traditional spokes. Aerodynamic force of each wheel was measured by a load cell installed in the test section. Flow pattern around each wheel was observed by smoke wire method and smoke injection method. For attack angle a= 0 degree, the best wheel with low aerodynamic drag was the disk wheel among the present test models. Aerodynamic drag decreased with increase the rim height of wheel. On the other hands, the disk wheel and the aero-wheel with high rim height had larger aerodynamic drag in the condition of side wind with a> 0 degree. Based on the present experiment results, an ideal wheel has streamline shape with thin and low height rim.
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