Building - What constitutes a fairing?

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What constitutes a fairing?

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Forum Name: Building
Forum Description: Anything to do with building HPVs
URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=7159
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 4:35am
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Topic: What constitutes a fairing?

Posted By: yostumpy
Subject: What constitutes a fairing?
Date Posted: 25 November 2020 at 7:31pm

Just a random thought, re classification. what actually constitutes a fairing, ie is it a 'solid 'construction' /, a uniform construction/ or any construction? . I have an idea, not sure if it would work, but .....

Replies:

Posted By: Woolly Hat
Date Posted: 26 November 2020 at 8:27am

I thought a fairing would be any complete or partial covering intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Common solid fairings are GRP, carbon or correx but ripstop nylon and lycra "bag" fairings work too and I don't think there was ever a restriction on a particular method of construction.
As far as I'm aware there is nothing that defines what it can or can't be made of except that if you want to race it or use it on road it would need to have no sharp edges especially forward. And probably not made of anything potentially harmful. You weren't thinking of asbestos were you?

Would be very interested to hear your idea...

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Ross Low Racer 77 and WozzaMarauder

Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 26 November 2020 at 8:32am

Yep!!
Woolly Hat sums it up nicely I think.
We try not to restrict anything other than for safety. We leave that nonsense to the UCI.

Adding fairings puts you in a different class for racing of course, which can mean you’re faster overall but less likely to win anything (if that matters...)

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Posted By: yostumpy
Date Posted: 26 November 2020 at 8:54am

Jst had a crazy idea, to make a frame out of willow, and stretch some of that scaffolding mesh over it. the mesh is a fine mesh that acts as windproofing, shouldn't weigh much at all. Just means I'd be slow, in a different class, as you say.

Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 26 November 2020 at 9:05am

Best bet is to give it a go and see what happens...

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Posted By: Woolly Hat
Date Posted: 26 November 2020 at 5:21pm

That's an interesting idea. You could do a comparison with a solid fabric to see how they compare. Maybe it doesn't have to be a nice smooth fabric at our speeds? Weight is always important so give it a go!

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Ross Low Racer 77 and WozzaMarauder

Posted By: Balor
Date Posted: 28 November 2020 at 12:57pm

Porous fairings is are great if you can apply boundary layer suction from underneath :) Otherwise it is unlikely to work well...