4 Ways of Improving Aerodynamics on your Bike

Cycling is more than just mashing the pedals one after the other.  There is a science behind efficiency on a bicycle and it can be explained through physics.  Elite triathletes such as Simon Whitfield and Craig Alexander do not just spend endless hours on their expensive bikes becoming efficient, they have some aid from science.

The optimal goal of any triathlete is to be as efficient as possible and to decrease overall energy expenditure. They can do this through proper technique and strength, however some efficiency can be bought if you desire.  By understanding aerodynamics with regards to cycling, one can make subtle equipment changes that can shave time of your bike time.  Firstly, I will outline the fundamental property of aerodynamics with respect to cycling which may seem all too familiar.

Drag
Drag is the force acting in the opposite direction on a solid object.  The goal of increasing aerodynamics is reducing ones drag.  As you and your bike are moving, you are constantly colliding with air particles.   If the contours of your body to not facilitate the movement of air particles to the opposing side of your body, you have increased drag.  Drag can be influenced by 3 things:

1. Frontal surface area
2. Surface texture
3. Shape of the object

By improving one or all of these areas, one will become more efficient on the bike as it will take less energy to travel the same distance. So how do we go about manipulating one of these?  Here are 4 ways to improve ones efficiency during the bike leg and increase your potential for a stronger run thereafter.  

1. Proper Bike Fitting

Seems simple enough, but some riders skip out on this which may be the limiting factor in their performance. Bike fittings are usually free when you purchase a new bike or can cost you anywhere from $100 and up depending on the specialist conducting the fit.  Proper fitting can improve your efficiency during every pedal stroke and improve aerodynamic positioning, just be sure to ask the technician!

2. Aerobars

Whether you purchase clip on aerobars or a full assembly with a base bar, aerobars can decrease your drag be reducing your total frontal surface area.  I highly suggest getting a bike fitting after purchasing aero bars as your riding position will change drastically, perhaps increasing your energy expenditure.  

3. Aero Helmet

You may look like an astronaut wearing one of these, but it will surely be one of the most rewarding when looking at its value.  Costing anywhere from $200-500 for a decent aero helmet, it can decrease your drag by almost 8% which is equal to a savings of 35.2 Watts (Sidelko, 2007).  

4. Thick Rim Wheelsets

These wheels are designed to slice through the air and reduce the amount of turbulent air flow.  Costing as low as $500 for a used set (and I mean truly used), they can be another means of decreasing drag and increasing aerodynamics.  However, this modification comes at a price.  These wheels are great in still air or a headwind, however If you have a deep rim wheelset (50-100mm) then you may suffer being blown over in crosswinds.  For greater detail on the advantages of aerodynamic wheelsets, I refer you here.