# 243. Cycling’s “Supersuit” Moment is Here

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2026-03-31
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here-S4dR5Dtc

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and the narrator discuss Harvard University researchers David Farrell, Katia Bertoldi, and Connor Walsh who developed adaptive aerodynamic textiles for cyclists. They explain how a lattice structure allows the fabric to change dimple geometry under strain, mimicking golf ball aerodynamics to reduce drag by up to 20%. The episode also covers Danit Peleg’s work on 3D-printed fashion to reduce textile waste and compares the technology to banned Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits and F1 drag reduction systems.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here#t=0) Introduction and Sponsor: Danit Peleg and Smart Textiles
- [4:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here#t=273) Harvard Research on Adaptive Aerodynamics
- [8:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here#t=480) Aerodynamic Principles: Golf Balls and Speedo Suits
- [12:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here#t=737) Adaptive Geometry and F1 DRS Analogy
- [16:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here#t=972) Fabric Construction and Performance Results

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Harvard University (company)
- David Farrell (other)
- Katia Bertoldi (other)
- Connor Walsh (other)
- Danit Peleg (other)
- Speedo LZR Racer (product)
- Mouser Electronics (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep 381: Airless Tires, Full-color Prints, and 28 MW of LEDs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-09-ep-381-airless-tires-full-color-prints-and-28-mw-of-leds) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [61: I Want Programmable Pants](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-07-30-61-i-want-programmable-pants) (Embedded.fm)
- [From the Court to the Lab: The Story of the Airless Prototype Basketball](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2023-08-08-from-the-court-to-the-lab-the-story-of-the-airless-prototype-basketball) (Additive Snack)
- [Episode Forty-Four: Kat Thiel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-04-14-episode-forty-four-kat-thiel) (Robot Talk)
- [93% Lower Impact: The Tech Making Sustainable Fashion Competitive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-08-28-93-lower-impact-the-tech-making-sustainable-fashion-competitive) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

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