7 pieces of kit to make you more aerodynamic on the bike

Starting with aerobars, deep-rimmed wheels and aero helmets, you can reduce you and your bike’s drag by a significant amount. That said, training correctly and optimising your position are still a priority, but combine these with some aero kit and you’ll be blasting out of T1 like a rocket.

1. Aerobars

Aerobars are a good call for all triathletes and every event, bar the hilliest and most technical courses. They allow you to get tucked up and low – saving you time and energy. If the bike leg is flat, opt for bar-end shifters and low-profile brakes.

Time saving over 40km: 5:30-6mins

• Clip-on aerobars: 3 of the best
• When to go down on to the aerobars
• Aerobars: Integrated versus clip-on – which is best?
• How much time will aerobars save me?

2. Tri-suit

The next thing to think about is what you’ll be wearing – basically, you want something that’s skintight and that won’t be flapping around loose and catching the wind.

Time saving over 40km: Up to 2mins

• Tri-suits: what to look for
• 30 of the best tri-suits reviewed: short-sleeved, vested and Ironman
• Tri-suits: What are the different types available?
• What should you look for in an Ironman tri-suit?

3. Aero helmet

Once you’ve got your clothing sorted, it’s time to start using your head or, more accurately, putting something on your head to smooth out the airflow around it. A streamlined aero helmet might make you look like something out of Alien but it’ll turn your bonce into a bullet, aerodynamically speaking.

Time saving over 40km: 1:30mins

• Aero cycling helmets: how to choose the right shape
• Aero road helmets: 9 of the best reviewed
• TT bike helmets: 3 of the best reviewed
• Road, aero road and TT cycling helmets: How much difference does the type really make?

4. Drinks bottle

Refuelling is your next priority, and a drinking system mounted on your bars, so you won’t need to come out of your tuck to take a drink, should be on your tick list.

Time saving over 40km: 30secs

5. Wheels

Your front wheel is the first thing that hits the air, so you want something that’ll cut through it like a hot knife through butter. A deep-section rim and as few (preferably profiled) spokes as possible will turn your wheel into
a spinning blade. The same goes for the back wheel, but you need to be cracking 30mph before you get the benefit of a disc, so save your money until you’re good enough to get sponsored!

Time saving over 40km: 1:30mins

• 8 of the best bike race wheels under £2,000
• Bike race wheels: how to choose the right ones
• Bike race wheels: benefits for triathletes
• Why are deep-section aero wheels faster?

6. Aero forks

An aero fork will pass through the air more easily than a conventional round-tubed model and help make the most of any front wheel upgrades.

Time saving over 40km: 30secs

Razor

A razor to shave your legs! The aero advantage will be next to nothing but hair-free legs make a psychological statement of intent and will make massages more comfortable. Plus, it’s easier to treat any cuts/grazes if you’re hair-free.

Time saving over 40km: N/A

• Nine gear upgrades for long distance triathletes