Thoughts on paceline riding

[SPINMAN]

Riding in a paceline of four to six riders offers a potent combination of efficiency, endurance, and enjoyment that I have experienced in my years of cycling. The primary advantage lies in drafting, a technique where each rider positions closely behind the leader to reduce wind resistance significantly. When cycling at speed, wind drag can account for up to eighty percent of the energy used; by riding in a paceline, the following riders benefit from a reduction in drag that can save as much as thirty percent of their energy expenditure. This saving is achieved because the lead rider disrupts the airflow, creating a slipstream in which the following cyclists reside. Utilizing principles of fluid dynamics and precise coordination, every member’s effort contributes to the overall efficiency of the group, even the rider ahead of you benefits from you being behind him! Never knew that.

Beyond the clear aerodynamic benefits, riding in a paceline builds a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The discipline required to maintain proper spacing, timing, and communication transforms routine rides into well-coordinated team efforts that enable each rider to conserve energy and extend their endurance. Scientific studies in aerodynamics have shown that such energy savings enable cyclists to ride longer distances with less fatigue. This method proves especially effective on flat sections of road and in challenging headwind conditions, where the collective strategy vastly outperforms individual efforts.

In my long career, I have witnessed that the paceline is more than just a tactical arrangement; it is a celebration of mutual trust, technical skill, and passion for cycling. The blend of scientific principles with real-world experience turns every group ride into a remarkable achievement. For any cyclist, joining a paceline elevates both performance and the joy of riding. Indeed, the synergy of technique, trust, and science not only protects riders from burnout but magnifies the joy of every journey.

Learn the technique and be safe!

[SPINMAN]

Riding in a paceline of four to six riders offers a potent combination of efficiency, endurance, and enjoyment that I have experienced in my years of cycling. The primary advantage lies in drafting, a technique where each rider positions closely behind the leader to reduce wind resistance significantly. When cycling at speed, wind drag can account for up to eighty percent of the energy used; by riding in a paceline, the following riders benefit from a reduction in drag that can save as much as thirty percent of their energy expenditure. This saving is achieved because the lead rider disrupts the airflow, creating a slipstream in which the following cyclists reside. Utilizing principles of fluid dynamics and precise coordination, every member’s effort contributes to the overall efficiency of the group, even the rider ahead of you benefits from you being behind him! Never knew that.

Beyond the clear aerodynamic benefits, riding in a paceline builds a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The discipline required to maintain proper spacing, timing, and communication transforms routine rides into well-coordinated team efforts that enable each rider to conserve energy and extend their endurance. Scientific studies in aerodynamics have shown that such energy savings enable cyclists to ride longer distances with less fatigue. This method proves especially effective on flat sections of road and in challenging headwind conditions, where the collective strategy vastly outperforms individual efforts.

In my long career, I have witnessed that the paceline is more than just a tactical arrangement; it is a celebration of mutual trust, technical skill, and passion for cycling. The blend of scientific principles with real-world experience turns every group ride into a remarkable achievement. For any cyclist, joining a paceline elevates both performance and the joy of riding. Indeed, the synergy of technique, trust, and science not only protects riders from burnout but magnifies the joy of every journey.

Learn the technique and be safe!
Two Wheels
Stay Safe
Robert
"SPINMAN"

[meamoantonio]

It also really helps conquer challenges that are very hard alone, like for example riding up a 5% climb at 30 to 35kph is usually very excruciating alone but with a pace line it becomes more manageable,

I also love how the cadence of each person in the pace line somehow syncs up without even talking about it, you really feel a sense of oneness with the group, its a bond that can only happen while riding in that group that you can't explain to non-cyclists

[SPINMAN]

I'm kind of the opposite of that. I like my own pace on a long climb. It's great to have a rabbit, but I'm not chasing for 10k. Flat road, 5+ riders, I'm in 53/12 75 rpm. Breathe!

[meamoantonio]

(06-17-2025, 06:11 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  I'm kind of the opposite of that. I like my own pace on a long climb. It's great to have a rabbit, but I'm not chasing for 10k. Flat road, 5+ riders, I'm in 53/12 75 rpm. Breathe!

I always imagined you as a climber for some reason but yeah I guess it makes sense that you're a flats guy since you're very well built judging from your profile photo, but nevertheless, riding in a pace line is indeed awesome, have you tried doing this virtually? I went on an indoor session last weekend and a groupetto swallowed me up and then I ended up riding with them thru out the whole session, it's weird but you do kind of get the same feeling of riding in an actual pace line but its very different if you're in a game

[GirishH]

Sadly, I’ve never tried pacelining, and I know I never will. I just don’t fit in with the typical cycling groups because of my unorthodox bike, cycling style, and gear—or sometimes, the lack thereof. :-)

I have friends who love and enjoy it, but not me.:-) I am deathly scared even by the idea..

(06-18-2025, 08:46 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  

(06-17-2025, 06:11 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  I'm kind of the opposite of that. I like my own pace on a long climb. It's great to have a rabbit, but I'm not chasing for 10k. Flat road, 5+ riders, I'm in 53/12 75 rpm. Breathe!

I always imagined you as a climber for some reason but yeah I guess it makes sense that you're a flats guy since you're very well built judging from your profile photo, but nevertheless, riding in a pace line is indeed awesome, have you tried doing this virtually? I went on an indoor session last weekend and a groupetto swallowed me up and then I ended up riding with them thru out the whole session, it's weird but you do kind of get the same feeling of riding in an actual pace line but its very different if you're in a game

[Pankerrpu]

(04-26-2025, 05:51 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  Riding in a paceline of four to six riders offers a potent combination of efficiency, endurance, and enjoyment that I have experienced in my years of cycling. The primary advantage lies in drafting, a technique where each rider positions closely behind the leader to reduce wind resistance significantly. When cycling at speed, wind drag can account for up to eighty percent of the energy used; by riding in a paceline, the following riders benefit from a reduction in drag that can save as much as thirty percent of their energy expenditure. This saving is achieved because the lead rider disrupts the airflow, creating a slipstream in which the following cyclists reside. Utilizing principles of fluid dynamics and precise coordination, every member’s effort contributes to the overall efficiency of the group, even the rider ahead of you benefits from you being behind him! Never knew that.

Beyond the clear aerodynamic benefits, riding in a paceline builds a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The discipline required to maintain proper spacing, timing, and communication transforms routine rides into well-coordinated team efforts that enable each rider to conserve energy and extend their endurance. Scientific studies in aerodynamics have shown that such energy savings enable cyclists to ride longer distances with less fatigue. This method proves especially effective on flat sections of road and in challenging headwind conditions, where the collective strategy vastly outperforms individual efforts.
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In my long career, I have witnessed that the paceline is more than just a tactical arrangement; it is a celebration of mutual trust, technical skill, and passion for cycling. The blend of scientific principles with real-world experience turns every group ride into a remarkable achievement. For any cyclist, joining a paceline elevates both performance and the joy of riding. Indeed, the synergy of technique, trust, and science not only protects riders from burnout but magnifies the joy of every journey.

Learn the technique and be safe!

Drafting always amazed me, especially how even the lead rider gets some benefit just from having others close behind.

[meamoantonio]

(09-26-2025, 06:31 AM)Pankerrpu Wrote:  

(04-26-2025, 05:51 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  Riding in a paceline of four to six riders offers a potent combination of efficiency, endurance, and enjoyment that I have experienced in my years of cycling. The primary advantage lies in drafting, a technique where each rider positions closely behind the leader to reduce wind resistance significantly. When cycling at speed, wind drag can account for up to eighty percent of the energy used; by riding in a paceline, the following riders benefit from a reduction in drag that can save as much as thirty percent of their energy expenditure. This saving is achieved because the lead rider disrupts the airflow, creating a slipstream in which the following cyclists reside. Utilizing principles of fluid dynamics and precise coordination, every member’s effort contributes to the overall efficiency of the group, even the rider ahead of you benefits from you being behind him! Never knew that.

Beyond the clear aerodynamic benefits, riding in a paceline builds a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The discipline required to maintain proper spacing, timing, and communication transforms routine rides into well-coordinated team efforts that enable each rider to conserve energy and extend their endurance. Scientific studies in aerodynamics have shown that such energy savings enable cyclists to ride longer distances with less fatigue. This method proves especially effective on flat sections of road and in challenging headwind conditions, where the collective strategy vastly outperforms individual efforts.

In my long career, I have witnessed that the paceline is more than just a tactical arrangement; it is a celebration of mutual trust, technical skill, and passion for cycling. The blend of scientific principles with real-world experience turns every group ride into a remarkable achievement. For any cyclist, joining a paceline elevates both performance and the joy of riding. Indeed, the synergy of technique, trust, and science not only protects riders from burnout but magnifies the joy of every journey.

Learn the technique and be safe!

Drafting always amazed me, especially how even the lead rider gets some benefit just from having others close behind.

I never got why this is the case too, im not sure about how the physics of this world but yes it is indeed faster even if you have a bunch of guys behind you

[meamoantonio]

what's the biggest paceline you guys ever rode in? I think I had somewhere north of over a 200 continuously riding at 35kph in an Audax event, pretty spectacular sights, the road ahead is illuminated by bike rear lights and you don't need to much effort to maintain speed at all

[SPINMAN]

Yes, even the front rider, the one doing the pulling, gets the advantage by way of reduced turbulence taken up by the second and third rider.
200 riders is not a paceline, that's a rave or a tour/gran fondo. Just sit in the middle/back and save 60+% energy. Even you can do Milan/San Remo that way! 😁😂🇮🇹🚲🖖👏

[GirishH]

Haha. I was part of such a tour/race in Boston..being a chicken that I am, I didn't like it...:-(

(03-30-2026, 09:12 AM)SPINMAN Wrote:  Yes, even the front rider, the one doing the pulling, gets the advantage by way of reduced turbulence taken up by the second and third rider.
200 riders is not a paceline, that's a rave or a tour/gran fondo. Just sit in the middle/back and save 60+% energy. Even you can do Milan/San Remo that way! 😁😂🇮🇹🚲🖖👏

[Mr. Beanz]

I've been in like 3 pacelines that were well organized. But my problem is that a big guy for a cyclist, 6'1, 230 pounds, I create a nice draft for others but when it's time to take the front, it seems the other rider wants to race off for some reason. I don't know if it's insecurity or lack of confidence.

I will take the front for 5 miles just to keep the pace but many times I've called for help, the rider will refuse claiming he can't keep the pace. OK, what? And if they do, they will sprint off and lift the pace so that I have to work hard for 1/4 mile to try to close the gap they created. Then i catch up, they move over and say they're tired from being on the front. OK, what?

Got to the point where I prefer to ride alone. I have a couple of buds that understand what working together means but they moved away and encountering strangers on the roads and trails only seem to result in the same situations.

As a 2230 cyclist who has prided himself on doing timed event climbs, like 10,000 ft gain rides, you know after all the training, a big guy is going to kill it on the flats. I did a metric century in Casa Grande AZ for fun. Doing 45 miles solo and the remainder with another rider who would not take no for an answer requesting to work together, I averaged 20 mph. Pretty good for very little drafting. I refused the first couple of requests he offered because I am so used to the nonsense and prefer to ride alone as mentioned. But this dude lost his partner to a broken spoke. He said he saw me riding and knew we could work well together. He actually turned out to be very good. Heck, we caught paceline after paceline recruiting a few who who would then drop.

Awesome and if I could find more riders like him, I would be more willing to participate. But club after club. group after group, there are always too many that will not help out then want to sprint off in the last mile, WTH!

Heck, one time I had a guy wanting to train to do a century together. A planned 60 mile ride. I pulled for 59 miles and asking him to take the front several times but he said he couldn't unable to keep my pace. Uhhh, OK! But he sprinted around the last quarter mile and finished with his hands in the air (not literally) so it left a bad taste in my mouth thinking he was racing. So I asked why he did that and his response was that he felt strong at the end so he wanted to spend his energy. Uhhh yeah, you sucked wheel for 59.75 miles so you should feel like you have some energy. Needless to say, never rode with him again.

Once I caught up to a group of guys with a really well organized rotating paceline. They told me to jump in so I did and it was REALLY COOL!!! Of course I have never found another group like that.

Rode with a couple of clubs that seem to have adopted the "try to drop the guy who just took the front" attitude. Just not for me!

So being a big guy who has concentrated on conquering the climbs, smaller guys are amazed at how I could kill it on flats and into the wind. Several years of prepping for timed events with 10,000-12,000 ft of gain and finishing tip 25% on rides billed as SERIOUS CLIMBERS ONLY, I've done really well on flat rides as mentioned.

Another thing being a big rider, clowns on the trails think they're going to pass me on trail ramps (climbs of 30 yards or so/underpasses). Once my wife and I caught up to a local well known cycling club, won't mention names. A group of about 15 riders. Pulled up behind them then told the wife to hop on their wheel to feel the effects of a big group. I had plans to eventually go around but I guess they didn't know. So the dude on the back saw her get on and I sat on the side as to not get the draft not needing it. The dude started slowing on the dh of the underpass. Then he would stand up and sprint to open a gap. A couple of times within a mile. Uhhh ok. I guess he didn't realize catching a group of 15 meant that the riders catching up probably aren't weak riders.

After realizing his race tactics, I told the wife, let's go. So she jumped back on my wheel and we went around. Lifted the pace leaving them far behind. The paceline didn't do much for me ha ha ha!

Rode with a group for about 6 months. every ride was the same. Bast out of hell racing out of the gates., about 25 riders. Flying at 26 across the rolling hills. I would just hang back leaving a gap. Hit the turn around of the 25 miler, then everybody was tired from burning themselves out. So riding back up to the start on a gentle climb was funny leaving all the race horses behind. Maybe 2 or 3 finishing strong. Even came to the point where we did a 65 mile ride across the coast. At one point, one of the cyclists said, "you stronger climbers like Mr. Beanz are going to have to slow down so we can keep up." Wow, ok, I am clearly the biggest guy on the ride and outweigh most of them but 60 70 pounds. I took it as a compliment.

I stopped riding with the group as they couldn't comprehend the idea of working together. So I went back to riding solo. I did the same ride that the group did one day and one of my strava buddies noticed our ride times and averages on the board. He said," I noticed you didn't ride with the group and I noticed that YOU DON'T NEED THE GROUP" as my ride speed was better than that of the group of 20.

I have since then adopted a couple other riders who were strong and tried to instill the principle into their heads but it seems it's a little hard to teach riders that just want to race or compete with me. Not sure why.

But even my wife was one of my best riding partners. heck, I could take the front for 20 miles then call her to the front and tell her to do only what she can do and don't worry about lifting the pace as it gives me better rest and recoup if I back off a step. Something people don't understand. If the lead rider needs a break, back off a step so he can recover. Then he can return to the front when he's ready and carry a good pace again.

People don't understand for some reason. On another ride, some dude wanted to ride with me and a friend who actually understood the principle. This dude was strong so we were taking 1/2 mile turns at the front. Carrying and holding a good pace but this dude wanted to show off for some reason. I could never figure out why so many people wanted to race me. On a forum 20 years ago, another dude told me that he noticed people are always wanting to compare themselves to me. I asked him why and he said because you're Mr. Beanz!!!

He said because I was vocal on forums and set the bar, others wanted to compare themselves to me. OK, I'll take it as a compliment. So this one dude was hammering every time he got up front. My other buddy Mike said, "I can't do it, I think I'm going to pass out because he keeps hammering so hard." I told the other to give the lead rider a chance to catch his breath after he moves off the front so that we could keep it together.

His response was, it's your fault for pushing too hard and too long when you're on the front. Oh really, OK!

So I told my buddy that I noticed the dude was getting tired so hold on as I saw a weakness in his armor starting to show. He was starting to fade on the little ramps. I told my buddy that when I was on the front, I was going to slow a bit so he could recover and I would try to take a little longer pull.

It worked! My buddy caught his breath and the other dude started to fade. Then my buddy did recover and the dude faded. My buddy noticed and asked if we should slow a bit for him. Uhhh no, excuse my language, I said F him and that I felt we could lift the pace and if he didn't keep up, that was his fault. So yeah, my buddy recovered then we started hammering dropping the dude. Finished the ride 15 miles later as the guy showed up several minutes later. His fault he couldn't keep up ha ha ha!

So yeah, drafting with other riders never really paid off for me and not something I like to do seeing riding solo is just as entertaining and enjoyable in my opinion.

I can carry my own into the wind.