How aero is aero? Interesting article

[Iwan Kemp]

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/how-aero-is-aero-19273

 

Makes for some interesting reading

 

Key points

Position: Going from drops to aerobars will save you ~30 watts at 40km/h

Bike: A time trial frame will save you ~20 watts over a road frame at 40km/h

Helmet: A time trial helmet will save you ~10 watts over a road helmet at 40km/h

[Guest Agteros]

I'd love to know how much de-peaking your MTB helmet will save you in a road race!

[buckstopper]

How about comparing the heat dissipation cost in watts of the aero vs the standard helmet. or, At what temperature/speed/gradient does the aero helmet lose its advantage? This is one question that does not seem to be considered much

[Jules]

Always interesting but I've often wondered how these tests apply to practical riding. In road races you have someone in front of you 90% of the time, giving you a nice slipstream. I would wager that this reduces the effect of fancy aero components.

 

 

 

 

[ChrisH]

Always interesting but I've often wondered how these tests apply to practical riding. In road races you have someone in front of you 90% of the time' date=' giving you a nice slipstream. I would wager that this reduces the effect of fancy aero components.

[/quote']

In road races you aren't allowed to race with aero bars. Conversely in IronMan you aren't allowed to draft behind another rider so every little bit helps.

 

I promise you that when you are riding alone in a 30 knot wind it makes a huge difference to go down on the aerobars.

[Iwan Kemp]

Hey Chris, how's your IronMan training coming along?

[ChrisH]

Hey Chris' date=' how's your IronMan training coming along?[/quote']

It's hard work but a whole lot of fun. Can't wait for April.

[GoLefty!!]

that article read like another marketing exercise.