I've only been cycling for about a month and a half, and I must say, I'm completely addicted already. I do my long rides on Saturdays and have noticed a couple of times what I assume is probably a combination of drafting and adrenaline... When behind others I go about 5 mph faster, with seemingly no more effort...but, some of these times I feel like I can't possibly be drafting, either because we're going really slow, or because I'm too far behind.

MY QUESTION: How exactly (or not so exactly) does drafting work? What do I need to do (ie, how fast and how close should I be) to be drafting off of someone?

Thanks!! As a beginner, I'm very appreciative of all the help!

I've only been cycling for about a month and a half, and I must say, I'm completely addicted already. I do my long rides on Saturdays and have noticed a couple of times what I assume is probably a combination of drafting and adrenaline... When behind others I go about 5 mph faster, with seemingly no more effort...but, some of these times I feel like I can't possibly be drafting, either because we're going really slow, or because I'm too far behind.

MY QUESTION: How exactly (or not so exactly) does drafting work? What do I need to do (ie, how fast and how close should I be) to be drafting off of someone?

Thanks!! As a beginner, I'm very appreciative of all the help!
I believe that the air resistance becomes more (over 50%) than the other resisting forces at about 14 mph. So at that speed you certainly will be helped, but you have to be close - say less than 2 ft. At "club speeds" of 20+, you can feel the draft start at about 5 feet and is almost cheating at less than 3. From viewing only, it would appear that the pros going 30+ and trying to get on the back of a group let up pedaling when they get within 10 feet. It also makes a big difference whether you behind a single rider, a few riders or in a big pack. - TF

I believe that the air resistance becomes more (over 50%) than the other resisting forces at about 14 mph. So at that speed you certainly will be helped, but you have to be close - say less than 2 ft. At "club speeds" of 20+, you can feel the draft start at about 5 feet and is almost cheating at less than 3. From viewing only, it would appear that the pros going 30+ and trying to get on the back of a group let up pedaling when they get within 10 feet. It also makes a big difference whether you behind a single rider, a few riders or in a big pack. - TF

Excellent, Thanks!

When you're in a pack, ( 3 or 4 wide, and 6 or 7 riders "deep" ) Your effort drops by almost 30% ( At speeds of 25 mph ) Riding at 26 mph, in a pack, can be as easy as riding at 18 mph, by yourself. If you're in a "paceline", your effort will be 20% less (at 25 mph)

When you're in a pack, ( 3 or 4 wide, and 6 or 7 riders "deep" ) Your effort drops by almost 30% ( At speeds of 25 mph ) Riding at 26 mph, in a pack, can be as easy as riding at 18 mph, by yourself. If you're in a "paceline", your effort will be 20% less (at 25 mph)

I agree with the first part of this, but then you compare 26 mph and 18 mph. 18 mph is only about 50% the effort of 26, so you are suggesting a 50% savings, which is a bigger number than I have ever seen anywhere. Clarify?