Are the brands still chasing 'peak aero' looking in the wrong place for performance gains?
Resident aero expert, Andy Turner, reckons there's still some low-hanging fruit in aero optimisation, but argues brands need to be thinking rider-first
The modern aero bikes seen in WorldTour races have many riders questioning whether they are the optimal solution for achieving peak performance. Brands such as Specialized, Cannondale, and Trek have shifted from producing separate lightweight and aero bikes to focusing on a single versatile model. However, the Factor One, with its unique geometry and wide forks, has not been as widely adopted by professional teams.
Many testing reports are vague, providing limited data on factors like wheels, tyre width, handlebar width, and rider involvement during testing. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the true potential of these newer aero designs. Adding a rider to a bike can significantly alter its performance due to the increased drag caused by the cyclist's body.
While some aero features may be ineffective with a rider on board, the industry is beginning to design frames with riders in mind, potentially leading to further advancements in aerodynamic efficiency.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
