How can I improve my cycling aerodynamics without spending much?

Question

Since I’m on a tight budget, I would like to know how I can make some minor, aerodynamic tweaks to my cycling setup. What are some cheap modifications that can be made?

Answer 1

Optimizing one’s cycling position is almost painless and certainly an effective method of reducing aerodynamic drag. Another sensible option is the purchase of aero-socks as these are cheap and provide a good return on investment. Mud and dirt can also be removed from the bike to improve aerodynamics. Simpler modifications include aero water bottles and aero gloves, they also enhance aerodynamics and are cheaper to implement. Concerning clothes, appropriate but not so expensive clothes can be very effective if they are correctly tailored and are well-fitted.

Comments

This was good stuff.  What the average cyclist should take away from all of this information is that you don't have to go crazy spending a lot of money on the lightest stuff because it's not going to have that much of an effect.  Aero position, clean drive train, snug kit, these are the things that cost nothing to very little but can make the most drastic differences.

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A clear issue is handlebar width. For example, most of the women's professional peloton should be riding much narrower handlebars. This also holds to a lesser extent for the men's professional peloton, with clear exceptions like Dan Bigham and Jan-Willem van Schip and I believe that Victor Campenaerts has convinced some of his teammates this year to narrow down.  Note that on the track, most endurance riders are now using 35cm bars or less, and sprinters are on 33cm or less (despite their huge shoulders).

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About aero bar vs round bar: in real world its not 25-30Watt saved but about 2-4W because in real ride there is rider behind the bar. 25-30W is a difference when we measure bike without rider.

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I really enjoyed that. Especially as I don’t have the big bucks left after buying wheels.

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Great interview.  Thanks Dylan and Josh.