How much more efficient are aero wheels?

Although it may not seem like much, the aero wheel covers proved to be 3.4 percent more efficient across all three test speeds, which is a sizable gain in the automotive world.

Can you climb with aero wheels?

“It depends on your weight, riding style and where you ride. We find that in general, a 45-55mm wheelset is perfect for our 75kg average rider; it’s deep enough to really feel the aero benefits, but light enough that a 75kg rider wouldn’t notice the weight when climbing,” he says.

Why are aero wheels faster?

These aero wheels are fast in two ways. First, their smooth airfoil shapes pass through the air a lot more cleanly than a box-section rim. The tyre is the leading edge and splits the air. A shallow box-section rim can’t do this, so air behind it is turbulent, causing more drag.

Why are aero bikes heavier?

Endurance and lightweight bikes will often have long seat tubes to allow for some flex and provide additional comfort. The extra material required for aerodynamic tubes adds to the weight of the bike, as a consequence aero bikes are heavier than lightweight bikes even if they share the same geometry and specifications.

Do pros ride aero bikes?

World Tour pros aren’t the only riders who benefit from improved aerodynamics. Obviously, for professionals averaging 20-to-30mph, aerodynamics are important. But when measuring the time difference when moving from point A to point B, you still see noticeable aero time gains at much lower speeds.”

Do aero bikes make a difference?

An aero bike can help you ride farther, faster, and a combination of the two. The more you’re on your bike, the happier we are—and the happier you’ll be, too.

Should you buy lightweight wheels or aero wheels?

When it comes to lightweight wheels specifically, and as Smart alluded to when talking about aero wheels, while relatively affordable lightweight hoops are available, you will soon reach a point when you have to dig deep to make further gains. “The cost tends to go up exponentially as you look to shave off more weight to save watts,” says Smart.

Do lightweight wheels really save you money?

However, it’s also worth noting it’s very rare that a wheelset marketed as lightweight versus an equivalent aero option will offer a saving anywhere near a kilogram.

Are aerodynamic wheels worth it for free speed?

Given that aerodynamic drag is the primary resistance the riders is required to overcome, it follows that an aerodynamic wheelset offers the genuine potential for ‘free speed’. Add other aero gains into the mix and the argument begins to look compelling, says Smart.

What is the weight difference between Enve’s Aero-specific wheels?

For example, if you compare Enve’s SES 2.2 climbing wheel with the SES 7.8 aero-specific wheels, there’s actually only 332g of claimed weight difference between the two (1,110g against 1,442g respectively).