Does bike weight or aerodynamics have a greater impact on climbing performance?

Question

If you have to choose one, would it be a lightweight bike or a bike that is aerodynamic in shape which you would rather prefer when riding on a steep hill?

Answer 1

The trend had gone that the more lightweight bike would always be preferred in the ascension, however, the weight of the bike could also be beneficial in terms of aerodynamics and extra weight might not be as unfavorable as it was once viewed. For instance, the Canyon Aeroad, which is Quote:” Heavy, has been reported to be quicker on ascents than the Canyon Ultimate which is light in weight. This is attributed to the fact that the Aeroad, in some cases, is able to save a few watts due to its higher aerodynamic efficiency which becomes relevant during a climb. However, this may not be the case when the speed is at a very low point, or the climb is at a very steep angle. In most situations, both of them are valid and which is more applicable purely depends on the type of climb and variables surrounding it.

Comments

You have to admire the algorithm...Funny parallel to me but in reverse.  I'm also a 2 Canyon owner.  I got an Endurace (not Ultimate) CF SL 7.0 Disc in late 2018.  My entry into the carbon bike world.  It's the mechanical 105 groupset bike.  I absolutely love it and have put over 11,000 miles on it.  Just a few weeks ago I got the new Aeroad CF SL Disc 8.0 AF.  It was a big purchase - I'm very fortunate to be able to have these two wonderful bikes.  I'm very happy with both of them.  

Even though the Aeroad is clearly the faster bike, I'm still getting used to how it behaves in various conditions i.e. I'm not at full confidence when riding the Aeroad yet.  Contrast that with the Endurace, which is the slower bike but one I'm much more confident on, having ridden every inch of all my usual roads many times.  Especially descents - I BOMB down descents on the Endurace without hesitation.  The Aeroad's handling isn't second nature to me yet - and the 62mm deep wheels are sails in the wind.  

The Aeroad clearly shines when it's fast on the flat.  The difference is night and day over 20mph.  Taking pulls on the front of the group ride is less daunting now .  The Aeroad climbs very well too.  My local area has short punchy climbs less than 5 minutes, so the Aeroad is more than capable here.  If I were to head into the mountains with 10+ minute steep climbs, the Endurace with its 32t cassette would be the bike of choice (Aeroad comes with a 28).  

This is a VERY professional and well done review Travis.  I thoroughly enjoyed your well thought out talking points, and with great delivery.  You should be teaching courses to beginning actors on how to plant their feet.  Most people can't do that.  Cheers and happy, safe riding.

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These are the crucial points an objective review should cover when comparing an aero bike to a climbing bike. Great job!

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Wait so why is the heavier one climb faster?

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That was uphill of course, what about flats? Does the difference get much higher, or still same ballpark?

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So are you going sell both and get a new Aeroroad? Also, speaking of climbing, where are some decent climbs near the DMV?

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What about the gear range on the bikes?  Ultimate has better climbing gears doesn’t it?

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No gains in terms of aero when climbing. It is just you that make the difference.  Are you using the same components? waxing of your chain, is it the same? handle bars. bottom brackets are they the same? Chain too. to have a full effect, it must be above a kilo. 350g is nothing.