The Grim Reality Of Owning An Aero Bike

Aero road bikes are some of the most futuristic, cutting edge bicycles available. Their wind cheating properties and mind bending shapes leave little to be desired for those after the fastest road bikes. However, that isn't to say they don't come with a cost. Sam Gupta explains exactly what the reality is of owning an hyper bike in todays world both good and bad.
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[@raymott6933]

Aero bikes are dangerous cause every time i ride past anything that reflects my image, I’m forced to look at myself on my aero bike. Which leads to frequent near misses and an occasional crash. But for the fact that it looks so darn good, which contributes to my overall feelings of well-being, which makes me ride better, I’d get rid of it all together 😅

[@dani4elle]

Wouldn't agree more😂

[@harimathur2191]

I'm 48 yrs old. Don't care if I look ridiculous on an aero bike. I wanted one as a kid, couldn't afford. Am happier riding my Titan Racing Valerian Elite. Them guys designed a superb deep section rim- hardly budge in cross winds.

[@mr.t3779]

They had aero bikes in 1940?

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

There were no aero bikes when you were a kid.

[@MegaPhill93]

life goal! same here

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

There were no aero bikes when you were a child.

[@bikeman123]

You forgot to say that unless youre fast anyway, youre going to look stupid when being dropped by your mates.

[@adamweb]

So true! There's always some old guy on an ancient steel frame bike that can absolutely crush your hopes, dreams and FTP 😂

[@carolinelief9132]

😂😂

[@christophertan3195]

Nah not true

[@madyogi6164]

You can always take a pee break or put the blame on chain.

[@bryanooi8815]

Yeah, I don't feel ashamed when dropped because I always riding my steel touring bike.😂

[@rbstretch100]

Finally a proper response to the marketing BS from brands that you can have everything in an aero bike.

[@gethinap]

Pretty happy with mine although it is a mechanical, second hand one with rim brakes

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

I gave you a 👍 for having rim brakes.

[@n22pdf]

The best kind 😊 👍👍🚴🏻Pete

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Rim brakes for the win 2023!

[@yonglingng5640]

Totally nothing wrong with mechanical groupsets.

[@the.communist]

Rims are more aero than discs

[@craigcarter9513]

I've recently bought a 2020 Giant Propel Pro 0 as my first aero bike. An unbelievable improvement on my semi-aero Wilier Cento 1SR!! I should have switched to aero years ago.

[@bluemystic7501]

It's literally a handful of watts at 28 mph.

[@meikgeik]

@@bluemystic7501 it's like 50+watts but ok.

[@davidcraig2532]

Bought my Orro Venturi aero road bike purely on Aesthetics. 55mm deep section wheels on. 85 kg rider so crosswinds aren't so much an issue. Im not going to be winning any world tours any time soon, lol. It might be faster in race situations as all these bikes claim, but for real world riding, none of these energy saving points really make much of a difference, not that people would notice or care. You gain a few seconds here, you lose a few seconds there, you stop waiting on a hill for a group to rejoin, you have your coffee stop, pee stop, water stops. All these claims realistically make no difference. The whole feel of a bike can completely change getting good tyres on, and getting your pressures right. All sales hype. Cycle what you like the look of and feels enjoyable and comfortable when you swing the leg over and peddle

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Aero frames and rims only benefit a limited number of riders .

[@ChinCycling]

Had my Ribble Ultra for almost a year with Enve SES 6.7s and I couldn’t be happier, but then I live in Florida so the flat terrain is perfect for an aero bike

[@claybowler751]

I believe the complications that come with servicing these bikes is why I see more and more passion for classic steel framesets with traditional components as I surf KZbin. It makes no sense for the average rider to buy such machines that need professional servicing, in which they can lose several days of training as their bike waits in line at the local shop.

[@wiseoldman5841]

Just added an aero clip on to my drop bars and picked up almost 2 mph with the same effort. Very comfy indeed. Way better putting the pressure on my forearms and off my wrist. Careful as it takes time to learn how to steer with your hands out in front. And take a wrench so you can dial in the feel as you ride.

[@pep20002425]

I have a propel pro, 60mm cadex wheels 7.3kg with everything on it inc pedals chain catcher and bottles. I am 64 and have been riding all my life, i love climbing thats why i spent a fortune losing bike weight. It looks amazing and is very fast, i am not as competitive as i used to be lots of young riders get dropped on our extra long rides 100k plus

[@socopower]

This is a fair account of real life problems folks should have in mind. The key is to match your bike to what you really need, where you ride, for how long at a time etc.

[@rickherrera5230]

Well stated. Love the way the Aero bikes look. My style is Endurance, so I went with a Domane which looks great and performs but much more comfortable for long rides.

[@jeffe.3453]

Beg to differ, my Di2 System Six has been more reliable, has better fit (for me) and more comfortable to ride than my mechanical Dura Ace TCR. I've had to take my TCR to the mechanic more while I haven't had an issue with the System Six. Ride what will get you to ride I say, if it looks good to you, you will most likely use it more.

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

Mechanical drivetrain naturally needs more adjustment than Di2 which shouldn’t need to be adjusted at all.

[@andrewrose9707]

Neve ridden and aero bike, and always felt my Cervelo R5 was quick enough for me. However after watching this I would certainly look at an aero bike if I decided to get a new machine

[@sandgroper1970]

I already use a bike shop for most maintenance needs. Already have an endurance bike, comfortable is top notch, but it actually is to comfortable. I ride more rolling, flat terrain so, am not light weight so , lightweight climbing bikes, not for me. So when I can replace the endurance bike, the more aero bike is going to be for me. I had a Fondriest previously which had more of a aero profile, yes the road buzz was harsh through the bars but they were alloy bars, but. I enjoyed the ride more because it responded better than the endurance. Nothing like putting a little extra pressure on the pedals to have a bike just accelerate.

[@vestian66]

I'm riding a Factor Ostro VAM and it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden and I've had so many bikes. So, It's definitely possible to have speed and comfort. I have tried a few other brands aero bikes and I can definitely say that I agree with your assessment. I wanted to love them, but all I felt was discomfort.

[@exe9280]

Just couldnt decide between a Canyon Aeroad CFX and a Canyon Ultimate, so I went the middle way and got myself a Ultimate Aero, pretty happy about it, nearly identical geometry to the Aeroad, deep dish weels but still a bit lighter

[@universe-juice]

I have multiple bikes. If you want an aero bike, you should consider also having a nice comfy bike as well. Love my aero bike but some days im just too beat up to ride it. So i got a gravel bike. The combo works pretty good

[@koulee8945]

Good to know, was only thinking of getting areo only.

[@universe-juice]

@@koulee8945 the utility of a gravel bike cannot be overstated. I ride mine to work on pavement. Very very poor pavement. No flats. A flat in my neighborhood may just get you killed. Love my aero bike, but its just for fun. Gravel bike is my car

[@universe-juice]

@@koulee8945 oh, btw, i have a Felt AR advance ultagra. Awesome bike! For utility, i have a Giant revolt advance 0. Pretty good combo

[@mathewrose2951]

Yeah, in my. case I have a gravel bike (actually a 10 year old carbon cyclocross bike with 33 mm tires) that is plenty quick enough, but doesn't have integrated cables or any of the fiddly nonsense I have to put up with as part of owning my Bianchi Oltre XR4. If I want really relaxed endurance riding, I just steal my son's Synapse from the garage.

[@universe-juice]

@@mathewrose2951 thats awesome. Lots of talk on you tube about moots right now. I have always wanted one. But just cant stomach the price. Well im over my illness now i think and will probably get a titanium build going this winter. Moots route is on the shortlist. Do you have a money no object bike you would like to buy at some point?

[@radhakrishnasrk1955]

I wanted to buy an aero bike. But I ended up buying an endurance bike! I call it destiny!!!

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

What happened?

[@darranihenry5653]

yh what happened

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

I love the look of aero bikes. That's why I got one. Plus I like going fast and my bike feels fast. I always referred road bikes as race bikes designed to be quick, who cares about comfort. Nobody brought a ferrari for comfort.

[@mericanignoranc3551]

🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@mericanignoranc3551]

You're going to be uncomfortable to be a couple seconds faster...lmfao. Turn off the tv! I hope you're a pro, otherwise you're falling for marketing ...DERP!

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

@mericanignoranc3551 No I prefer the looks of the aero bikes as I said if you could read properly. Plus when I do ride my commuter which is a caad 8 with shallow rims when I check strava I am slower on every segment. So when it comes to a 50mile ride it will add up loads. It's not marketing aero bikes are faster, you have probably never rode one.

[@robmaas3356]

​@@tomrachellesfirstdance7843but why as an amateur do you need to go a bit faster and sacrifice comfort and a lot of money, no one cares about your Strava or what bike you ride, you're the victim of really good marketing and insecurity.

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

@@robmaas3356 not really. As I said I prefer the look of the bike, it is quicker as when I ride that bike compared to my winter bike I can go a lot faster. I also ride 100k often not once I have felt uncomfortable. It's not insecurity, why do you not ask any person with a sports car if they are insecure? Why have a car that can go 150mph when you are limited to 70mph. Are they victims of marketing and insecurity? You try and be funny and insulting but if you can afford a nice bike and as I say you prefer the look of it. You buy it. I would rather have this bike rather than a drop bar mountain bike or as the trendy kids say gravel bike.

[@stuartdryer1352]

I am an older guy with an aero bike. None of this has been an issue for me. But, it's not my only bike. If I'm a bit sore I ride my bike that is set up a bit aggressively.

[@glennoc8585]

I have an aero bike and a more conventional Emonda and tbh the difference is negligible if using the same dish wheels from my experience.

[@gregmorrison7320]

Thanks, this is what I have always thought.

[@dinachristal8228]

I have the canyon aeroad 2xs. Love it so responsive and steering is awesome and fast only think the stiffer frame I don't mind but been having problems finding the best bottle cages for my bike and the liquid from my bottles end up all over my frame, lol but I love love love my bike.

[@dinachristal8228]

Also I might had I am pretty small and I do get blown around but it's doesn't bother me because the steering is so responsive only take a touch to correct. I also feel with that I can really draft better getting closer to other riders. I used to have a Liv Langma never could turn that bike on a one lane road lol

[@andrewa.3304]

I bought a2023 madone slr 7 last year september coming from a trek domane i will be 61 in may and i live the bike! Had to get another bike fit and was recommended a 160 crank from 170 and it is a game changer

[@inakilrg]

Serious sport cars are uncomfortable and do most of their mileage at low speeds. They are usually driven by people that finds it hard just to get in them. A serious sport bike like an aero bike is better because at least gets that same people to do some sports. Kudos to them!

[@mrichards55]

I’m a heavy git and can ride 60mm+ wheels without being blown about the road 👍

[@hans4579]

I've came from gravel bike to now second aero bike and I'll never EVER step back, it's so magical..

[@garystump8390]

i bought a 2018 scott foil 20 new in 2019,50mm carbon wheels in corpus christi tx winds all the time (15-20 mph average) and love it,would not change a thing!

[@M3GRSD]

I'm not the most flexible, nor the most skilled at handling a road bike, despite riding for 7 years. That being said, you can take away my Madone SLR from my cold dead hands.

[@marty197666]

The grim reality? Lol. I ride a Canyon Aeroad, it’s comfy and fast. I had a more extreme position on my LeMond 853 20 years ago

[@crivera2025]

I own a Scott Foil RC 20 and really enjoy it! I can definitely feel the difference between this bike and my Factor O2. It is faster on the flats, but a bit more sluggish when climbing.

[@benc2235]

Had more proper death wobbles on twitchy aero bikes than I care to remember, trail is king in bike geometry but most modern charts don't even show it so you have to calculate

[@bryaneditiontv600]

I own a specialized venge aerobike. Bought a gravelbike and sold it again. Aero for ever man. Never chaning except for touring ofc. I ride quiet agressive and always as fast as i can🔥🤟

[@WerdnaLiten]

Unless you're racing, then why? In the real world the constant stop/start for junctions/ lights means you're better off with an all rounder bike....

[@andrewtran5727]

Because your literally thinking of using it as a commuter. I have an aero bike and I get up at 4am to head out and do some laps on the road. When there is barely any cars are on the road and I can go fast because most the lights are green without having to stop. Also means I'm less likely to be hit by a road raging driver coz I'm on the road.

[@robmaas3356]

​@@andrewtran5727What, apart from ego, as an amateur is the point of going just a little bit faster? You deliver exactly the same watts so the effort is the exact same on an all road bike. And that road bike adds more comfort and safety.

[@7gibbens]

Aero bikes being bought by middle aged men who dream of owning a Ferrari but can't afford to😅

[@andrewtran5727]

I've owned my aero bike since I was 24. Plus I prefer super sports bikes with launch control and Anti wheelie function.

[@glennoc8585]

Tbh many men or women that buy expensive aero bike can afford and do own luxury sports cars too. I know guys with Top end aero bikes that own sports cars and ride fast motorcycles and jet skis.

[@robmaas3356]

​@@glennoc8585 Yeah and most of them are overweight, undertrained and insecure. I will be the guy who beats them on an aluminum bike every day. Fitness is the ultimate wealth.

[@englishdecorator]

Win..win...win....hahaha ​@@robmaas3356

[@99cya]

or make it simple: just get several bikes :D i started with a gravel bike. liked it. wanted something faster. then bought a trek emonda. liked it and now i have ordered an aero bike :D hopefully ill love that too.

[@rolffuchs2737]

I still have my 20 year old Scott Team issue alloy bike 8although I don't ride it anymore). it is absolutely harsh, not aero and absolutlely not light (8,5kg). I testrided a Trek Madone. Beside it is not lighter than my state of the art (20 years ago) Scott, it is better in any aspect. It is comfy and so fast and it fits bigger tires. I will get one for me.

[@johnhatfield1070]

Get an English language book first.

[@adamweb]

I love my Ribble Ultra SL R but 100% integrated cables is a mechanic's nightmare! Another drawback is having to use valve extenders with 56mm wheels.

[@yonglingng5640]

Inner tubes with 80 mm valves exist, unless you're on latex inner tubes.

[@davidcraig2532]

Yeah, I now carry 3 inner tubes instead of the usual 2 for my normal road bike just in case. 2 in my saddle bag and one in my back pocket.

[@Bluesman2509]

Rim brake lightweight frames are way better than disc aero bikes on 7-11% gradient long climbs. Short climbs of 3-8 mins the bike does not make a difference.

[@terrywalker7127]

I am considering an aero bike but live in northern part of Georgia where there are plenty of rolling and some steep hills so maybe a Scott Addict Pro?

[@geraldarcuri9307]

One of the aero bikes shown in the intro had an electric motor!

[@elmiguel6725]

I'd like to know where this guy was riding? It was beautiful.

[@Imlazyu_]

Was waiting for you to mention climbing with a earo bike

[@jeffjessen3073]

it's not so much aero bike, it's Race bike vs Endurance bike. super-light is just as expensive. Does everyone need a Race bike, well no. But really this is just buy the bike for the ride you're riding. Buy the best bike you can afford. As a bigger rider, the only place I'm fast is on the flats, but I LIKE going fast. So if you're some tiny climber, buy a climbing bike, but if you are more a domestique, then a nice aero-bike will optimize your strengths.

[@bivani]

I own two aero bikes and love them both!

[@krahko]

I thoroughly enjoy my aero bike but it’s not for a casual ride. The sacrifice of comfort for speed is real.

[@rickfitness1001]

My dogma F is 6.7kg with 80mm deep wheels. Aero bikes simply look better too.

[@louis1904]

Impossible with pedals...

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

The most unnecessary about aero bikes is their marketing. Bike PR folks throw marketing claims at you like "so fast you save x seconds per hour" and seem to get paid by how little shame they feel for insulting your intelligence.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

I'm a Phantom Phixer, Phixing bicycles is easy.

[@TwiinStar1224]

I do love the look of most aero bikes, but as someone transitioning from a hybrid to my first road bike, I’m worried the change from an upright to an aggressive positioning would be far too drastic.

[@gt5087]

got both aero and endurance bike - aero is king for sure.

[@onethousandstans]

Huh. My Madone SLR7 is super comfy on longer rides of 150-200 miles. Maybe this dude doesn't rides bikes?!

[@mohamedismail777]

You just made me want to buy one 😂 - Systemsix is my dream bike

[@xuchenglin6256]

The "issues" you mentioned here are not just for "aero bike". On an endurance bike or whatever, as long as it's hydraulic brake, you still have to go with the same process. As for the "compliance", well isn't the tyre the biggest spring in the system? Bike maintenance is not rocket science, as long as you want to or being forced to by the ridiculous price of LBS, you can do almost everything in no time. If you can't think of enough bullet points, well... just don't. You guys can do better.

[@DavidVidaurri]

I do t own one but I wouldn’t mind riding one some time❤

[@Tommy31416]

I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to clamp the seat post of that Madone gen 7 behind you either 😬

[@a1white]

What are you meant to clamp it by then?

[@Tommy31416]

@@a1white that’s the point. You can’t clamp it. The Trek store near me only use the PRS 22.2 type stand to build / work on Madones. Imagine how happy they are about that 😂

[@swray2112]

Seriously, most people buy Aero bikes because they see their favorite pros riding them. In a logical world, they should be as boutique as time trail bikes, with only maybe 5% of advanced amateurs buying them, and reaping their benefits. Sad thing is with almost all manufacturers having trickle down technology I can see a future where $1000-2000 bikes start having those uncomfortable features and horrific trends like integrated cockpits, which will turn off many to road cycling.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Take a look at the front profile of a bike and rider ….. aero bike ain’t making any real world difference in terms of frontal area !!

[@sylvainbernaers]

very true indeed

[@andrewtran5727]

That is why I like the idea behind the ribble ultra SLR handle bar. Instead if being flat and thin to cut through the air when you make up 90% of the aero drag. They shaped the bar to form a wake. To redirect the air.

[@DavidCraig-er6kq]

Real world cycling, aero makes absolutely no difference really to your average Joe cyclist. I have my aero bike purely because I love the look of it (it's like a piece of art) and second, it is a very comfortable ride on uk roads with forgiving geometry to boot. Have a Orro Venturi stc aero road bike.

[@Jaz_3001]

Aero bikes would be a total waste of money for me. I doubt I would even clear the weight limit for these as I weigh over 125kg.

[@montrose252]

Buy a second-hand mechanical rim brake super aero bike from a few years ago.

[@11robotics]

Good luck setting up an aero bike when you have really long legs for your height (89 cm for 182 cm in my case) and poor flexibility. You're good for at least 5 cm of spacers under the stem and an upright stem angle.

[@charlesmansplaining]

I like the idea of aero, that's why I'm buying a Brompton.

[@roadglide]

Grim reality? Hardly.

[@VH5150BAZ]

There’s no ‘grim’ reality. The buying cost is same as any top end bike, maintenance the same. Point is that they DO look awesome, AND they are fast. I’m lucky enough to have a very light bike and an aero bike, it’s my passion. The aero bike is just awesomely fast and nearly as fast as the lightweight bike on the climbs. The only issue is running 64mm deep section wheels when it’s windy, you have to be careful but I wouldn’t be without it, no way, goes fast looks incredible, no down side imho

[@Lenser]

Getting an aero bike just for looks is perfectly fine

[@saracen888]

The SL8 is not an aero bike

[@the.communist]

Maybe for the pros, aero bikes are the best, i personally despise them though, dont even like them aesthetically

[@rickmoses5081]

2021 MADINE SLR 6. Awesome fast and comfortable. I luv my aero bike. 🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️

[@bluemystic7501]

They're only more efficient on solo rides. What's the benefit of an aero bike in the draft - a place where you spend basically all of your time.

[@neiljeffers1384]

My my bike identifies as an aero bike.

[@monkmchorning]

Like driving a Hellcat, everyone wants to race you.

[@invishand3]

Dont listen to this dude. My affordable aero Giant PropelAdv0 is very comfortable and 10% faster on a flat closed loop circuit than my Diverge over an hour w 10laps including 2 uturnes each lap... 5% faster than my Ridley Fenix and just as comfortable. under 17lbs w pedals and 2empty bottles/cages. (oh, and those #s were with power meter at 250watts for all 3 rides... tested multiple times all @ 250watts 24mph+ avg solo ride on giant, 21mph on diverge, just over 22mph on ridley) Easy to test w power meter.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

But how do you account for relative effort ?

[@invishand3]

@@robertmcfadyen9156 avg power. Same effort for all: 250watts / 1hr. Easy to dial in on hr ride

[@marcdaniels9079]

Very comfortable FOR YOU 😅

[@55Reever]

An Aero bike won't help unless you have an Aero body.

[@MrSzwarz]

Buying “aero” make no sense average cyclist cannot keep faster than average speed 25-30km for 1/2 hour…

[@marcdaniels9079]

Classic mistake: the aero bike provides even more relative gains on a fixed course for slower riders - check out Dylan Johnson’s channel 😉

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Aero bikes 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ilgour]

aero bike is insanely over rated, if you know you know

[@livibam]

Grim reality? A little dramatic, no? This type of content is absolute nonsense

[@hammerridecycling7630]

the bike is not fast its the rider.the bike is fast if the rider is fast

[@Mr.Hotman]

Random bla. Unfollow.

[@OGLobster]

Bye felicia

[@Bikingmad]

What a load of crap! My aeroad slx is more comfy than my tarmac sl6. Disc brakes and electronic shifting are not exclusive to aero bikes my guy.

[@tube8723]

The title of this video should have been "Why I Hate Aero Bikes!" lol. Not only are aero bikes fast but they are getting lighter and more compliant.

[@davidhale8034]

You didn't actually watch it.

[@decoherence926]

if you think having an aero bike will get you attention or laid, you have bigger problems.

[@9118693223]

custom made steel tube bike. my dream bike .

[@rbstretch100]

Finally a proper response to the marketing BS from brands that you can have everything in an aero bike.