The cycling industry would love you to believe that the most important thing standing between you and a faster time trial is a new aero frame. And look, I get it — the bikes look incredible and the marketing is persuasive. But the evidence tells a different story, and I think it is worth being clear about what actually makes you faster through the air at the speeds most of us ride.
Here is the physics in simple terms. Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of your speed. That means at 20 km/h, aero is a minor factor. At 30 km/h, it is becoming dominant. At 40 km/h, it is basically everything. Most amateur road cyclists on flat terrain average somewhere between 28 and 33 km/h in a bunch or 25 to 30 solo. So you are right on the boundary where aero starts to become significant.
But — and this is the part the bike brands do not put in the adverts — your body creates around 80 percent of the total drag. The bike, the wheels, the helmet, the bottles, all of it combined accounts for about 20 percent. When Alex Dowsett came on the podcast and talked about what Bora were doing in the wind tunnel, the single biggest variable was always the rider's position. Not the equipment.
So before you spend a cent on aero wheels or a new frame, ask yourself: have you actually worked on your position? Can you comfortably ride on the hoods with your elbows tucked in and your forearms closer together? Can you lower your head without cramping your neck after 20 minutes? Can you sustain that position for the duration of your event?
A proper bike fit is the non-negotiable starting point. There is no value in an aggressive aero position that costs you 15 watts of power output because you cannot breathe properly or your hip angle is too closed. Sustainable aero is always faster than unsustainable aero.
After position, the next best investments are a well-fitting skinsuit or tight jersey, an aero helmet, and shoe covers. These are relatively inexpensive and the savings are measurable. Aero wheels provide a real benefit but the cost-per-watt-saved is high. And the frame? The frame is last on the list. The difference between a modern endurance frame and an aero frame at 30 km/h might be five to eight watts. That is real, but it is a fraction of what you can gain by fixing your position for free.
The smart approach is to work from the rider outward: position first, clothing second, helmet third, wheels and frame last. That is what the pros do. That is what the evidence supports. And it is a lot kinder to your bank account.
Join the free Roadman community: https://www.skool.com/roadmancycling