At What Point Does Aero Become More Significant Than Weight?

Dr Oliver Bridgewood finds out which buying consideration is of most relevance to the everyday cyclist.

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Should you go for an aero bike or a lightweight bike? Should you ride deep section wheels or lightweight climbing hoops?

Assuming we all want to go as fast as possible, we first need to consider the point at which the advantage of reducing aerodynamic drag begins to beat lighter, less aero equipment.

Jean-Paul Ballard is an aerodynamicist, engineer and co-founder of Swiss Side with over 14 years’ experience as a lead engineer in Formula One teams. According to Ballard: “Aerodynamic drag becomes the largest resistance a rider must overcome from 15kph onwards.”