Is Aero Everything? Road Bikes Wind Tunnel Test by Cycling News

[@santiagobenites]

Not only do we get an objective discussion about bicycle aerodynamics, but we get a very nice mini tour of London complete with a little history as a bonus! I greatly enjoyed this one. Cheers!

[@jeromemariaud1856]

Thx for the town visit!

[@Drushen07]

Wow , you rode in that traffic alongside those huge buses. Brave man. Nice tour of London.

[@grahambowes756]

I agree. Personally for me, a light bike would be the best option. An Aethos would be great, for its weight, comfort and understated looks. And I’m not in my twenties anyone.

[@CyclingMartin0731]

The tour of London was great! Oh yeah, light bikes for the win. Great vid Fede!

[@fede1275]

Thank you!!

[@nigelwilkinson-xg9us]

I really enjoyed this one Federico, your best one yet 👍

[@fede1275]

I appreciate it! Thank you

[@leightonbohl1920]

Another entertaining and charming video. I really liked the tour of London. IMO you’re right - the most significant aero advantage is provided by deep section or disc wheels. Just imagine spinning different wheels in a bathtub full of water - what configuration do you think will provide the least turbulence? The wheels with the deepest, or widest, rims,of course. Remember, if you can, how pi**ed off Eddy Merckx was with Francesco Moser when Moser broke M’s hour record in 1984. Never mind the EPO, Moser used disc wheels (and an over-sized disc on the rear to give a flywheel effect). Even Merckx’s helium filled De Rosa ridden at altitude in Mexico City would not have been able to overcome the advantage of a double disc - so Merckx cried foul, but to no avail. It’s the wheels, baby!

[@benschuttenbeld]

Totally agree with you Federico. Greetings from a Canyon Ultimate rider.

[@fede1275]

Best bike ever in my opinion!

[@MrBillboeing]

Is nice to know, how ever train your position on the bike , ride your bike regularly, drop some weight and you will be faster then ever

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

Your body is responsible for 90% of the drag, the aero bike thing is bullshito, marginal gains, only make a difference for someone who is chasing microsecond.

[@tongotongo3143]

Aero bike is social status, and for an Italian man social status is the most important aspect.

[@gerhardschneider7506]

Well Federico, I live in the north of Italy, near the Brenner pass. I don't care about Aero advantages. Yeah a lighter bike will make a difference in my part of the world but it is not that I am competing in any races. I am riding a Klein Quantum II bike. Not the lightest, super harsh ride because of the aluminium frame, but I love it and I enjoy every ride i do with it.

[@fede1275]

I can understand. I love my light Ultimate, but I can't do without aero wheels, at least 45-50mm

[@ojbdrums]

Another great vid! Thanks for the restaurant recommendation!

[@montrose252]

I have the previous generation LOOK 795 BLADE RS. I LOVE it!

[@richardseverin8707]

Enjoyed your ride around town touring!!! Bikes are much of a muchness now , it’s all about the look when they’re all basically the same aero wise . I say take your pick & enjoy the fruits of your labour. Nice bibs . Only you could pull that off. I’ll stick to navy or black for now 🤣!!!!!Keep up the good work Fede 👍🏽

[@fede1275]

Thank you Richie!

[@bb-r5710]

Keep doing you, Federico. Nice video❤❤ I am all about comfort 😊

[@gaborruda]

Fantastico!!! I very much like the idea of cycling KZbinrs offering tour packages! ;) Especially seasoned with the perfect topics to be discussed in the meantime… Personally I said good bye to my older Aeroad as it was too aero for me 😅 and sort of getting stronger and stronger bond with my Tarmac SL6 despite being a bit too long and low (and old? 🤔)Haven’t had the chance to try many bikes, but this S-works just feels complete. Of course I would want to have a bit more aero frame (because it looks cool and I rarely climb anyways) with integrated everything, but I am really concerned whether I would get the same snappy, fits like a glove feeling as I do now… ❤

[@fede1275]

Should be a great bike!!

[@n22pdf]

Awesome vid Federico.. excellent unbiased arguments posed and your knowledge of London is brilliant a great watch 😊 best to buy the bike you like best 😊 Pete 🚴🏻👍💪

[@fede1275]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonphotos8631]

You are right about the aero benefit’s. It’s all about carrying speed on the flats. The sl8 is terrible at it. I can do 50w less on the Dogma and hold the same speed. Dogma is 6.9kg sl8 is 6.2kg. Can make the dogma lighter with a wheel swap. Climbing i would have to give to the dogma as well because of the power transfer to the wheels. I will try a supersix evo soon to compare.

[@fede1275]

Nice options 😅

[@Pablo_Coach]

Whitch Dogma ? F10? Rim or disc?

[@jonphotos8631]

@@Pablo_Coach F disc

[@jonphotos8631]

@@fede1275 not mine just friends with same size frame.

[@abhimawa1]

Ciao Fede. Conclusione geniale! 11:00 → You said it well. That’s what I’ve also been experiencing. As for your outfit, I believe you’ve got the good taste 👌. As someone who grew up in Italy, “fare bella figura” must be in your blood unlike many cyclists that overdo their style and look like a moving christmas tree or those pitti peacocks trying so hard to embody the spirit of “sprezzatura”. Carry on, my good friend 👍

[@fede1275]

Grazie mille!!

[@swites]

Exactly. Big strong 80kg riders are the ones which really benefit from the heavier aero frames. And it doesn't matter so much uphill as the system weight of an 8.5kg bike is less for them, than say a 60kg rider. Yes bang for buck its aero socks, helmet, skinsuit wheels, frameset in that order. the frameset by itself saves a lot less watts than you'd think, compared to all the other items when optimised.

[@fiddleronthebike]

very good video! I like how you combine the discussion about the topic with some tips and pictures of London. I have also signed up to look at the article and the data, when we look closer the differences are really negligible as a bike which is slightly faster at one yaw angle is ever so slightly slower at another angle - and overall the differences are too small to make a difference in the real world. Interestingly the margin to the "old" bike (which is 11 years younger than mine...) is significant - and deeper wheels don't change that. Meanwhile they have released also the test (made in the same session) of the 2015 Emonda with aero wheels, and they only close ~25% of the gap to the new bikes. So indeed the frame and handlebar make more of a difference than the wheels (the German "Tour" magazine found out the same in their tests). I'm curious how the new bike I'm currently building will compare to my old bike (with a 2004 Bianchi aluminum frame). ...and considering that even these top spec bikes are significantly heavier than my old aluminum bike I'm convinced that I made the right decision in getting one of the last top rim brake aero frames, so I can have the best of both worlds: good aero performance AND light weight...

[@fede1275]

I believe the wheels have a larger influence, at least from my riding, but I understand also the influence of the cockpit and a modern frame design. Of course you need to keep the speed at 40kph to appreciate it...

[@fiddleronthebike]

@@fede1275 that are the datas they get in their testings; but the wheels they used with their base line bike may be aerodynamical better than we expect! They are Fulcrum wheels and look very much like the Campagnolo Zonda (only with a different spoke pattern) - and the Zondas have been tested by various magazins with very good results, almost as good as some 45-50mm wheels. With (I believe) 28mm rims they aren't real box section wheels. May be that are reasons why the difference to the aero wheels is relatively small

[@Nehpets1701G]

Intriguing video! Do you notice much difference in speed on the flat and level rides between your Silver Arrow and your Ultimate with the aero cockpit and aero wheels? I think it must be worth an extra couple of mph at least? My understanding was that the easy aero gains have pretty much been found in the wind tunnels, yet the difference between an early 2010s climbing bike and a modern SL8 / Dogma/ Aeroad was pretty big? My next bike will definitely be an aero bike - my friend built up a velobuild 268, and it's beautiful! I love my Canyon Ultimate rim brake model, I'll always keep it as it was a gift from my dad, but aero bikes really are half art, half machine.

[@davekashuba4730]

I have a Dogma F10 and a Ritchey Road Logic. If I do a solo ride on both bikes with the same wheels with the same power, I'm at MOST .5 mph / .8 kph faster on the F10 (probably closer to .3 mph / .5 kph), with my average speed on the F10 usually being about 21 mph / 34 kph on rolling / somewhat hilly terrain. My position is identical on both bikes.

[@chrisdelaplante5515]

Your body is responsible for 90% of the drag, so it's the position on the bike who matter the most.

[@fede1275]

I used to ride the aero Velobuild and the Ultimate with the same wheels and position, in the ideal conditions there is a small advantage towards the profiled frame. But then you are more exposed to cross winds and there is more inertia and less acceleration. Aero focused designed bikes can work, but to me they have a much narrower window of opportunity.

[@thewattlife]

Good video- To go down cheyney and not talk about "2 BE" and "NOT 2 BE" is criminal

[@fede1275]

Hahah, I had to search for this one. I believe they are parked further up from where I usually used to go

[@krumislavdzhermanov9667]

Next video topic the comparison between their helmets and wheels wind tunnel tests 🙏🏻 Albeit the wheels test is 2 years or so old I was surprised to see more watts gained via a helmet versus via deep wheels as when on the bike you can definitely feel the wheels differnce much more than a helmet okce you upgrade.

[@fede1275]

Yes, that is also very interesting. I also felt the difference riding the same route day in day out and the helmet makes a clear difference on the performance. Next video is on the team TT though...

[@tongotongo3143]

Try riding without helmet and you will thank me. There are stylish aerodynamic cycling caps that work and look much better than those helmets.

[@krumislavdzhermanov9667]

@@fede1275I maybe need to do the same day, same stretch with airy and aero helmet, it is not any speed I could ever feel but perhaps the numbers on the time and watts will say otherwise

[@krumislavdzhermanov9667]

@@tongotongo3143excellent advice..

[@Dramboli]

I think for the pros it makes a difference, 5-10 watts can decide. I know in timetrialing there have been top end range bikes which have not been fast and with them pros never managed to get e decent CDA.

[@trevorsyversen9956]

Come for the bike test discussion. Stay for the tour of London. I have a 2002 Specialized SWorks E5 (Cipollini Special) with a modern drivetrain and 50mm deep wheels. Is an SL8 more aero? Yes. Is it $13,000K. more aero? NO!

[@fede1275]

@@trevorsyversen9956 😀😀

[@66mikkim]

The weight of the bikesetup is irrelavent! That is a relic thinking of the past. It is the rotational mass of the wheels that make you feel and ride faster. All full out Aero bikes you can get down to 6.8kg or even less, if you are willing to throw a stack of cash at them. Plus, if you are able to ride uphill at over 25km/h then aero wins over weight again, and because you have to ride down again, where aero gives you more benifit than saving 200-400 grams on frame weight. The rule of thumb is, 1kg more is about +5 watts to power needed to go uphill in the same time. And since we are all far from being pros, it makes no sense to throw cash in making the bike as light as possible ;-) Siroko SRX Bibs are the best on the Makret

[@fede1275]

@@66mikkim I'm not sure about that assessment on the weight. I do love how easy a lighter bike accelerates and it's a tangible benefit. On a climb is night and day. I tried all different weights from 10Kg to 6.75Kg and there is a huge difference.

[@66mikkim]

@@fede1275 I would argue that it is your subjective perception, or do you have timed efforts? On my local big climb here with 685m Elevation, in 12km. The differance in time for me (compairing my 8,2kg Aero bike, to my 6.4kg Ti bike) at 250 watts, is like 20 sec Test it. Take a heavy bike with heavy wheels, and just replace the wheels to, lets say, a 1160gr wheelset, and light tires. It will be like night and day. Light tires and light rims is what makes you accelerate faster, not the weight of the total bike.

[@fede1275]

@@66mikkim but where do you draw the line? Are you saying that with the same wheels a 7kg bike, a 10kg one and a 15kg one would accelerate the same? I doubt

[@66mikkim]

@@fede1275 Keep it in a resonable line. What i am saying is: It makes no differance to us normal riders if the bike is 6.8 or 8.5 Kg, but if you wanna go fast, go for an aero optimised bike, light aero wheels, and a good aero position. And if weigth still is a concern, shave it of the hips, it´s way cheaper than saving 200g on a bike component ;-)

[@fede1275]

@@66mikkim yes, I can understand that. I have both bikes, exact 6.75 Kg all around and 8Kg aero. Both have their own advantages, but I will always ride the lighter one on a hilly ride. Faster needs to be qualified, where and at what conditions?

[@danielsotelo3942]

Hello Federico, I love your reviews, so fresh and pretty accurate. That said, I have news for you. Sure Aerodynamics was and is a game changer when it comes to added bike performance, but it has its limits. A new easy to use high speed rotational wheel balance system that is right now in development. This new rotational wheel balance system is going to turbo charge all aerodynamic features on any bike. Imagine a hi-tech carbon fan blade intake on an airliner jet, if it is not rotational balanced its as useless as tits on a chicken! Same with carbon aerodynamic wheels.

[@fede1275]

@@danielsotelo3942 interesting!!

[@mb10kx]

Yes feeling is important for the casual cyclist. Lightweight wheels and smooth drivetrain make my road bike so much better than my hybrid hike with gear hub and 2.5 kg wheels.

[@tongotongo3143]

No, those are just placebo. What makes difference from your hybrid bike is the riders position on the frame, geometry, and tires.

[@Sign_Hero]

Just buy a bike that is your size, fits well and you enjoy riding!! Don't worry about all the other marketing' crap!!

[@albertmaziarz6739]

greg lemond 1989 taime trail on 22 lb. aero toaster bike avrege 54.545 km.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

It's about how aero you can get on the bike. Tons if dentist with sl8s riding in a very upright position 😆

[@tongotongo3143]

Yes, they buy aero bike but their bike fitter install them 3 cm shorter and 45 degrees upward looking stem:)

[@luv23c]

You shall ride like the wind looking so svelte and stylish🚴🚴🚴🤟

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Its mostly the aero component that influence speed.

[@valmorell]

Wouldn't it be great if folks stopped trying to buy speed and just concentrated on getting fitter. Not great for the ultra con we euphemistically call the bike industry though...

[@fede1275]

I still like the improvement I get from the kit, especially wheels and helmets, I just try to be sensible

[@tongotongo3143]

Bicycle shows your social status. Aero bike looks higher status. For an Italian man living in a big city, and hanging around with cycling groups, social status is the most important.

[@Nehpets1701G]

I think there is a compelling case to invest in a good quality indoor bike, something like a Wattbike etc, and be able to rip the cranks off an average bike with the immense fitness you could build. Phil over at the Bike Racing Without Mercy channel is an absolute beast, largely to his indoor training routine. He owns a really nice bike, but put him on any bike and he's an absolute powerhouse 💪

[@WhittierElliot-f3b]

Thompson Helen Hernandez Jose Martinez Donald

[@stevedouglas3975]

As ever aero applies if you have stem slammed and are able to hold aero position of back nigh on horizontal to ground. For 99% of cyclists this doesn't apply. So buying an aero bike might shave a few seconds off your Strava PB but in reality all the aero kit won't help majority.

[@MillDonald-g3p]

Garcia Frank Walker Helen Harris Gary

[@schanoschanoin7487]

„Don‘t ruin my midlife Crisis“ killed me 😂

[@albertosantangelo6872]

Want an aero bike? Buy a TT bike. Pogacar won everything with a relatively heavy climbing bike compared with the sl8 and the s5, that is the proof aero is mostly marketing gimmick imo.

[@tongotongo3143]

Actually neither aero nor weight is everything. Those are barely noticeable to be honest. The physical shape and proper training routines is everything. By saying this I am ready raw eggs to be thrown on me. For saying this I have been blocked from most facebook cycling groups.

[@Stevehatesgravel]

Weight is everything

[@fede1275]

I guess if you combine fitness, riding position, decent weight on the bike and good aero wheels, then you have almost everything you need.

[@tongotongo3143]

Federico, I wish it was that simple and linear. But unfortunately, or fortunately, it isn’t. I am sure only about tires, good tires are noticeably better than mediocre tires. And I am not sure about the rest at all.

[@DraxMoranis]

HEY HATERS! Don’t be hating on my boy Federico! Or else you’ll be swimming with the fishes! Capiche!! 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[@fede1275]

🤣😂

[@ozgurinsan]

Aero means nothing .Tadej Pogocar won Tour De France on least aero bike on the peleton.

[@fede1275]

I would say he won on a bike that is a great all-arounder, deep profiled bikes like the Foil or the S5 in my opinion have a much smaller window of opportunity and ultimately I prefer less extreme bikes.

[@Dustydayzz]

you're too old to wear that 🤣

[@fede1275]

Agree... LOL

[@savagepro9060]

Wind Tunnel vs Win Turn Hell! One sits indoors; the other crosses the finish line . . . FIRST!

[@Stevehatesgravel]

Aero is useless for 99% of cyclists

[@fede1275]

It depends what you mean by that term: good position, aero wheels, fitting clothing and aero helmet yes. Deep profiled bike? Maybe...

[@Stevehatesgravel]

@@fede1275 yeah I need all that for riding around the hilly country lanes near me 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@keepitreal1547]

As a former professional team mechanic, aero has been placed as the number one essential in today's teams, for the majority of the racing calendar. Most thinking riders want aero & lightness, many aero is everything. Now this is racing at the highest level. Most non competative cyclists would benefit from lightweight over aero, because at slower speeds lightweight outgains any aero advantages.

[@SandraGarcia-t1k]

Jackson Nancy Rodriguez Frank Robinson John

Aero is everything, looks posh, who cares about the rest ! Come on, my Italian KZbin creator !

[@fede1275]

Definitely any aero bike looks so much better!

[@tongotongo3143]

Not only looks but more importantly higher social status.

[@robertpiche5167]

The best aero bike for me the Scott Foil with the right position and the à light bike is good for climbing 😊

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

Only for the aero fanatics 🤣