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Introduction
On the 40km bike leg of a standard-distance triathlon, aerodynamic drag accounts for 70-80% of total resistance. Research shows that upgrading from a standard road bike setup to aero components can save amateur athletes 2-5 minutes. This article compares the cost-performance ratio of aero gear item by item.
1. Aero Gear Benefit Ranking
Rated by “time saved / cost” ratio:
| Gear | Time Saved (40km) | Cost (NTD) | CP Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT Bar | 60-120 sec | 3,000-8,000 | ★★★★★ |
| Aero Helmet | 30-60 sec | 5,000-15,000 | ★★★★★ |
| Aero Trisuit | 20-40 sec | 4,000-10,000 | ★★★★ |
| Deep-Section Wheels | 60-120 sec | 30,000-100,000 | ★★★ |
| TT Frame | 90-180 sec | 100,000+ | ★★ |
| Aero Shoe Covers | 10-20 sec | 1,000-3,000 | ★★★★ |
2. TT Bar Explained
TT bars (aero bars) are the king of cost-performance:
- Clip-on TT bars on a road bike are sufficient
- The tucked position reduces frontal drag by 30-40%
- 4-6 weeks of practice for smooth use
- Note ITU regulations (length and position)
3. Aero Helmets
Selection key points:
- Short-tail (e.g., Giro Aerohead): suitable for athletes who like to look up
- Long-tail (e.g., Kask Bambino): purely aerodynamic but requires keeping the head down
- Ventilation: short-tail recommended for Kenting’s high heat
- Weight: under 500g is preferable
4. Deep-Section Wheels
Depth and conditions:
- 40mm deep: versatile, stable in crosswinds
- 60mm deep: first choice for standard-distance triathlons, balanced aero and stability
- 80mm deep: purely flat roads, use with caution in strong crosswinds
- Disc wheel: extremely flat and windless courses (rarely used in standard-distance triathlons)
5. Aero Trisuits
Characteristics of a good trisuit:
- Tight and form-fitting (no wrinkles)
- Dimpled surface texture (like a golf ball)
- Sleeve design (aero sleeves are better)
- Breathability is also a priority
6. Aero Strategy for Taiwan Races
- Fulong: strong coastal winds, 60mm wheels are more suitable than 80mm
- Kenting: strong winds on the Hengchun Peninsula, avoid overly deep wheels
- Puyuma Cup: rolling course, wheel weight also matters
Practical Advice
- On a limited budget, buy TT bars + an aero helmet first (total 10,000-20,000 NTD)
- Buy two trisuits (one for racing + one for training)
- Don’t sacrifice comfort for aero—you’ll be in the tuck for a full hour in a standard-distance triathlon
- Between wind tunnel data and real-world testing, real-world testing is more credible
Conclusion
Aero gear is “free speed”—you can improve without training your fitness. Start with TT bars and an aero helmet; each upgrade will feel noticeably easier. But remember: even the best gear needs FTP training to reach its full potential.