How Aero Dynamic Road Bike Wheels Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Using aero wheels has been found to reduce a cyclist’s CdA by 3-5%

, so if you generate 350W of power, using aero wheels could see your speed on the flat rise from 44.6kmh to 45.4kmh, an increase of 1.63%.

How much do aero wheels help cycling?

The time savings for good aero wheels are significant, according to Barry’s research on the SystemSix and its new Knot64 aero wheels. Even on an aero road bike, the addition of aero wheels saved

48 seconds over a 40K TT at 300 watts

compared to a typical 30mm-depth alloy training wheel set.

Why are aero wheels faster?

These aero wheels are fast in two ways. First,

their smooth airfoil shapes pass through the air a lot more cleanly than a box-section rim

. The tyre is the leading edge and splits the air. Behind it, a deep rim controls the airflow, helping it to come together again smoothly.

How deep should aero wheels be?

How Deep? Rim depth is broadly speaking a trade off between weight and flat speed. Shallow 25 – 40mm Can be lighter, great for hill climbing and accelerating.

Mid depth 40 – 60mm

– Is often the best all-round option – relatively light for climbing, whilst still fast on the flat – best of both worlds.

Do aero spokes make a difference?

A study in a wind tunnel comparing Sapim Laser (round) spokes and Sapim CX-rays (aero) conducted by November Bicycles concluded that

aero spokes give а 1 Watt advantage over regular ones

. Some people find aero spokes nicer looking than regular ones and switch simply for the change in appearance.

How do you get Aero on a road bike?

How do you ride Aero?

Are 30mm wheels Aero?


A 30mm rim with aero spokes will certainly be faster than a shallow rim with round spokes

, but there are further gains to be had by going deeper. Since you then have to go with a carbon rim the wheelset takes a pretty big price jump.

Will an aero bike make me faster?

With an aero bike,

you’ll simply be able to go faster than you would with a non-aero bike

. The 150-Watt rider riding during a windy day now finishes 6.5 minutes faster on an aero bike (8.4 minutes with no drafting) and is 83.3 seconds per hour faster (93.6 seconds with no drafting).

How much faster is aero position?

In simpler terms, the aero savings achieved by simply moving from a relaxed hood position to the horizontal arms position at 45kph would result in a

1.65kph

speed increase at the same wattage, which results in a two minute time saving over the course of a 40km TT.

What are aero bikes used for?

Aero bike is generally used for

bike riding competitions, riding tours and personal bike riding sport

.

Is aero bike good for climbing?


Aero bikes can still climb

. Weight is a big deal for riders interested in climbing, and aero bikes generally weigh more than their non-aero counterparts because more material is needed to create aero-shaped frames.

Why are deeper wheels more aero?

On an elementary level,

the deeper your rim’s profile is the more aerodynamic it will be

. To create a deep section wheel requires a bit more carbon-fibre material. This will increase its weight, but research has proven that over most racing and training distances, the reduction in drag offsets any increase in mass.

Will new wheels make me faster?


A wheel upgrade can really give your bike a new personality and an extra jump when it comes to going a little faster

. They drastically change the ride quality of a bike. In addition, if you have the budget you can get a pair that are lighter and more aerodynamic which will make your bike faster in all conditions.

Are wider wheels more aero?

What’s more, we have also found, contrary to what logic dictates, that this

broader tyre shape can improve wheel aerodynamics overall

, especially when stability in crosswinds is considered. ‘ A more aerodynamic wheel is a faster wheel, but there are also other ways in which a wider tyre can improve speed.

How can I make my bike wheels faster?

How much faster do carbon wheels make you?

After interviewing a few friends, colleagues, and even some amateurs in the college racing scene, I am here to inform you that yes, every single one of them said

carbon is faster, more responsive, and better in every way compared to alloy rims

.

What are the strongest bicycle spokes?

Meet

Berd PolyLight bike spokes

. These unassuming, flexible fabric spokes made from the world’s strongest polymer will revolutionize bike wheels forever. The latest upgrade in cycling tech will happen in one of the last places you’d expect: spokes.

What are aero spokes made of?

Aero spokes are produced from the best suited

stainless steel

for spokes: high-tensile, fatigue-resistant 18/8 stainless steel conforming to Sapim quality standard specifications. The CX-Ray fit easily into all standard hubs.

Are bladed spokes worth it?

Bladed spokes

make it easier to detect spoke windup

. They are also a bit more aerodynamic, but not enough to ever notice on a mountain build. They are not any more durable or stiffer.

How can I improve my aero position?

1. First and most obviously:

ride your TT bike more often

. Try doing one hard ride and one easy ride each week alone on your TT bike, as well as one or two long rides each month. Stick to flat to rolling routes, so that you can stay aero for the majority of the ride.

Is aero position comfortable?

Ask your friends and training partners who they use and what their experience was with them. A textbook aero position may be tolerable for a sprint or Olympic distance race, but

for longer events you need to be comfortable on your aero bars

. Sometimes that means a less aggressive position.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.