How can you get more aero on the bike and save those key watts, without breaking the bank? Hank and Manon are here with their top tips to become more aero on the bike without spending a fortune.
00:00 Welcome
00:35 Bike Position
01:26 Narrower Bars
01:59 The Aero Tuck
02:32 Clothing To Make You More Aero
03:32 Aero Helmet Cheats
04:14 Wheel Depth Choice For Max Aero
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Share your budget aero tips here 💨
I can ride in a very aero position for a long time, but then unfortunately I can hardly see what lies ahead... Everything else: helmet, jersey, wheels, narrow handle bar I have.
@@Litespeedultimate It's about finding that safety vs aero balance 😉
Buying a used recumbent. Boom more aero than any UCI-Roadbike will ever be.
Stretch more to hold aero position longer.
How about wearing a shower cap over the helmet when you don't need ventilation? 😂 Can remove easily when you do need. Also can use it to cover bike computer or seat during rain too
2:15 Good to know that the aero tuck also triggers some badass metal music 🤘
On descents when not pedaling, keep you knees touching the top tube, You want the cranks horizontal. Rounding a corner while doing this, put the inside knee into the wind. This helps cornering, by acting like a wind brake.
I used to ride 99 per cent on the flat. Since before Christmas I've been on big climbs almost every ride, and when whizzing back downhill I thought, why am I sticking my big old thighs out when I can tuck them in and go faster!
Isnt Hank breaking the rule of never wearing leg warmers with a short jersey? xD
The color on manons bike is chefs kiss
GCN has provided me with so many tips on how to get more aero that - in a couple of years - I will be able to ride with 40 kph on the flat with only 25 watts of power...
Excellent video. Practical but not shoving a whole lot of expensive new kit on people. I know you depend a lot on sponsorship so bravo for being brave. Well done GCN
Drag = 1/2 x the density of the air x drag coefficient x velocity ^2 so the best way to reduce drag is to slow down, then reduce frontal area, and then reduce your drag coefficient through the things you discussed 😊
Now I can be slow and uncomfortable.
Hahahah maybe getting more comfortable would make you faster 👉kzhead.info/sun/rdpxhMuMmZiLpKs/bejne.html
deep section aero wheels are definietly not a budget tip lol. That being said I like to wear sun sleeves on my arms and legs, they certainly help with aerodynamics.
Also quite scary if your live with extreme crosswinds of the sort I commuted in daily for decades.
Thanks for answering the question about the tape on the helmet but is it legal in a race?
Many helmets will be less aerodynamic if you tape up vents. Managing airflow through a structure has been one of the big advances in past 30 years. Look how the rear of F1 cars have changed. ‘Drag’ is that big hole in the air behind a body, filling it efficiently is where the smart money is, that’s what most of the holes in your bike helmet are doing and cooling you at same time.
Thought the same.
Where was your Vehicle Dynamics degree from? Mine was from University of Central England in Birmingham, and I worked at Jaguar Cars. Covering holes is the first thing to do. The rear funnels on a F1 car are to create downforce. Any 'Internal flow' increases aerodynamic drag. Tape them up.
@@jameslee-pevenhull5087 you might want a refund then. Not all the aerodynamic manipulation at the rear of an F1 or Le Mans car is about creating downforce, the latest developments are about drag reduction. 😉
I ride 77 deep wheelset crazy but I love them.
Just come back from 3 day bikepacking trip. Washed my bike immediately as per GCN video Now washing my clothes based on Conor's advice Keep up the great work
Great video🚴🏼♂️🚴🏼♀️💨
I studied fluid dynamics, (admittedly a very long time ago), but I don't know if taping over the holes really would reduce drag. My gut feeling is that it probably would. Time for you guys to do a test, I think.
2 Manon and Hank how-to's! Super! Steep and aero. LOL! Hope Manon's training is going well.
Hahaha she's had a tough week 😉 With all this training she'll have to take on a big challenge, any ideas? 🧐
Give her a holiday, a race with steep hills in America.
The best aero hands position is one hand over the other and on top of the stem cover this puts your body in a lower position and also at the most Center of the bike for weight distribution. If there is a crash your hands will come up naturally to protect your face and head .
What the world really wants to know: how to optimize Oreo performance. You’ve covered all kinds of nutrition questions, but I don’t think you’ve ever done an episode specifically about junk food and how and when cyclists use it. I’d be interested to know a bit of the reality and history of Coca-cola and snickers bars.
The just did a video on this
@@bobtheduffelbag7198 Oh weird. Thanks. I searched the channel for "food" and "junk food" and that video didn't come up. I just scanned the description, and none of those keywords are in it. 🤷
@@noptimized kzhead.info/sun/rch9iLpvgJijq5s/bejne.htmlsi=egGu_a_FEHN6C3Sz
I love GCN❤
And we love you! 🙌
@@gcn Yay! That just made my day
Cool show. Was wondering about onesies did they go out of style? Are they faster than jersy and shorts? Thanks
One thing to mention about the aero tuck is unless your peddling you should bring your knees into touching the top tube. Hank automatically does this when he demonstrates going into the aero position. But doesn't mention it directly, second nature for this lad 😊. But it makes a huge difference. Conversely if you want to help your brakes when descending put your knees out and sit up, creating more aero drag. Definitely useful when descending those Pyrenean routes ❤🤤😋.
When I tuck down really low, it reduces my aerodynamic drag but increases my heart rate.
Would have loved to get an insight on the topic of tires in terms of aero. Apart from that another great video.
That's a good point! Maybe one for the tech team though 🤓 The relationship between tyres, rims and aerodynamics can get very complex 🤯
Yeah because they haven't done enough on tyres. You new here? 😁
@@whatwelearned As if this wouldn't apply to all the other mentioned parts. Are you watching over what people are allowed to bring up?
back in the day our "aero tuck" was the 'preying mantis' position w/ hands on the bars right up nest to the stem chest down as close to touching the stem as possible & knees touch each other inside the frt triangle. No pedaling in said position, but as fast or faster than 'puppy paws' while descending.. PS not to be used in the corners.
with the cap under the helmet is aero?
If you tape vents on the helmet. Do not tape the most front facing vents or the rears only the sides and top vents. Closing vents too much make you less aero. The front of the helmet will hit the air causing a high pressure area in the front. This high pressure air slows you down. Air going through the helmet and out the back to the low pressure behind your head solves this issue. This is also the reason why some vented helmets are quite fast and aero ( MET trenta for example ). And that the fastest aero helmets like the trek ballista have large center front vents. And too much heat will slow you down as well.
Wear laced shoes, boom, done. Thanks Alex Dowsett
The aero position is TFL hell.
many modern helmets are made with aerodynamics in mind and the vents are integrated into this - by taping up the vents you often disturb all that and make yourself slower!!!
When riding with friends, I've found the slow folks are slow because they don't ride much. The fast folks are either fast because they ride a lot more or have naturally higher strength. It's never about small, aerodynamic differences.
hi dear GCN an aero helmet with the casket I don't think is a good combination...
Straight out of the Hank book of aerodynamics 👀
Actually a swim cap under the helmet on people with hair is more aero than no swim cap and just hair. Bald is faster than hair too.
@@jonathanzappala maybe badana is more aero...
Hey Manon who does your wheels and tyres? Because they didn't line up the tyre branding with the valve-stem, it's only a nice.
We'll have a word with the GCN mechanics!
As an over 60 260lb+ rider, I don't care about being aero. I figure any resistance just helps me get more exercise out of a ride.
Is the idea to go further on a given number of calories burned? Or to reach the highest human-powered sustained speed possible? Or to exercise regardless of distance traveled? Because one could do all this stuff on a XC or Gravel type bike.
Well, you couldn't do the first two in your list. The extra weight, higher Aerodynamic drag, insufficient gears and greater rolling resistance of a Gravel and especially an XC bike means you would always burn more calories for the same distance and go slower for the same power Vs. a lighter more aero bike with slicker tyres. And the third one you could do on a £50 exercise in your living room. It's a good job the "idea" is to ride whatever you want, however you want, strive to achive your own personal goals and generally be happy while doing it.
Many cyclists I see go down hill in an aero position but with one pedal a 6 o'clock and the other at 12, when they are going straight. 3 and 9 for the pedals is an important for the aero position, until negotiating a corner.....
Putting tape over the vents on my helmet, yeah right. I can hear the abuse from my mates now 😂
my Aeroad CF SLX 8 Di2 is on its way i cant wait
New bike is the best! It's just great 👌 what colour did you go for?
@@gcn Dark Blue. Which should be available for every bike that Canyon sells
@@synthesismate8537 Ooo very nice! Once we have the uploader sorted we would love to see it in the bike vault 🙌
@@gcn will do
New Bike Day is always a great day!
I have to tuck much more than the other riders when I ride with my local club because they're much better than me and I need every help i can get
Hi guys, you only got one rite in my opinion. And that was number 1. The rest is a was of money. Tuck in, get down on the drops. And push hard 🤔👍
It's amazing how you can pedal without gloves, if it were me I would slip even holding the handlebar drop 😂😂
a cheap set of clip on aero bars will give you decent speed boost, less faf than skinny new bars and way cheaper than aero wheels.
So glad to see Manon owning previous areo fauxpas. Just kidding, she took a lot of grief in the comments.
Haven't given my helmet much thought cheers
Aero helmets seem to be the new normal. Just take one look at the pro peloton 👀
Carbon bones is a thing 🚴
Surprised “clean bike parts” didn’t get mentioned. The muck is mostly not aero and always slows you down.
aero bars? very popular on GCN 5 - 10 years ago?
Probably cutting out after ride beers is a biggest aero gain
That's going to help 😉 Maybe don't cut them out completely - you still want to keep it fun 😉
Wrong, power bellys are testing efficient in the wind tunnel
Manon - Tuck your hair up. Flapping away in the breeze as you talk about flappy clothing.... 🙂
Really surprised you skipped cheap aero bars but included much more expensive wheels. Aero bars make a huge difference and can take the weight off your hands and wrists.
nice tip! Anything else we forgot?
My aerowheels didn't make me faster at all. Position is the holy grail.
In that case you either had equally aerodynamic wheels before, or you don’t actually have aerodynamic wheels.
GCN doing a video on being aero without the king of aero, Ollie Bridgewood? Something seems off
First!!!! I must have had aero!
Whoop whoop! Maybe you can share some tips with us, that was rapid!
While Manon looks great and cool in a tight suit, I just look like a fat old man 😂
Q is wheter all the 620.5k this year were ridden in Aero gear and AGU pro kit 🤔 😂😂
Cant we just ride a bike with out the epic heart meters ftps Garmins . Cant we go old school and just ride . Last month my Garmin tour edge blew up and heart rate so chucked it in bin and yes was strange at 1st but im free from all that . Like neo in matrix lol😅 so much better going on gut feeling like the old days
Here is the best "aero tip" you will ever get" Before spending ANY time/money on "aero", do the quick math. For a 100 mile ride, how much quicker will I be with "insert aero item you want here"? You will be amazed to find that "full aero" will rarely save you more than 1-3 minutes over 100 miles. Especially if you aren't going 25pmh+ the whole time. If you are like 99% of riders out there, who average 15-18mph for most of your riding, you are FAR better off spending your time/money getting "comfortable" on the bike, rather then getting "aero" on the bike. I highly recommend a more upright posistion, to save your back and arms. Wider tires, to run lower psi, and dampen the vibrations to your hands and butt.
A flat country helps aswell... haha
How come so many people don't wear gloves,at least they offer a level of protection if you fall.
Shocked not to see shaved legs included😁
More aero = more you crouch = more pressure on your perineum = penile nerve necrosis = Erectile dysfunction oh sorry Erectile destruction. Moral of this story = get a comfort hybrid and just enjoy cycling. Get upright and see the world around you so much is happening around.
Im finding it hard to balance my desire to be aero and my love for pasta and cake 😢
Think of it as fairing?
If you are tall its harder
I’ve been riding a bike all my life on and off. The one thing I’ve never done is to get off and walk up even the steepest hill. I’ve done some steep hills as well. I’m now 66. If ever I have to walk I’m throwing my bike in the hedge and never cycling again.
That's great, sounds like you are a strong rider 💪 That said, there is no shame in walking! Just getting out on your bike is the important thing
The thumbnail tho...
Glad you liked it 💨We can always rely on Si to look aero!
Bald head is free Speaking for myself 😂
On a budget.. and then.. buy deep section wheels.. 😅
Yeah, I'm just 70 and all, but marginal aero gains are just not relevant to me. Nor are marginal improvements gained by waxed chains. I'll just keep riding my 90's era Marinoni with rim brakes, friction shifting, and (gasp)- exposed cable sheaths, and enjoy easy and cheap maintenance, and less overall maintenance. Having to brake more strategically in the rain is only an occasional downside. (The climate here is more accommodating than Britain). Buying Tour de France- ready kit does not equal Tour de France performance. The pros don't have to pay for their kit, but common folk have to attend to everyday things like rent and groceries, and have to de-prioritize the expense of an overly-active imagination.
Anyone who is stupid to spend money thinking socks are going to make one more aero deserves what they get (ie nothing).
I do a little make up from my girlfriend in my face😊
How aero can you get if you loose 5 pounds? its cheap to cause you eat less 🤣
For me, 5 pounds will not make much difference 😂 ... 25 maybe 😊
a good cycling jersey is $250 canadian average wtf....
Aero bars are nowhere to be seen... Btw, since when are wheels "on a budget"?
Aero on a budget… don’t buy GCN clothing 😂
Why hit LIKE before watching?
Why not... you can give it a watch and like after, both work for us 😉
Because I saw your comment
I hit dislike on your comment before I read it
@@veganpotterthevegan vegan comedy?
@@murranz vogon poetry?
GCN places too much emphasis on “fast” riding, not the prime concern for most cyclists.
We have a vast selection of videos covering a huge range of topics. Yes we love riding fast but we appreciate every corner of cycling. What would like to see more of? We're always open to ideas 💡
It might not necessarily be fast, might be just the same speed but less effort, or knowing how to position yourself without hurting yourself.
Well said, they shouldn't make videos that might only be interesting to a minority! It's just not on, is it?!
If you don’t wanna go faster then don’t watch the video. Plenty of people want to be faster
@@alexanderakins5777 Your comment is valid. Ride fast, ride safely, have fun.
Manon, cutting off that pony tail will save you lots watts. For those who have a beard, shave it off.
That’s been tested, makes almost no difference.
Some aero gains aren't worth it.... You heard Hank "Still looking cool, which in my opinion is imperative" 😎
I definitely feel faster after a haircut
@@l.jacqueo Do you get a specific aero trim? 💇
Poor oncoming cars at the start of the video, having to go into a lay-by so that you could ride side by side.
That’s not the reason you are so slow love.
I thought the new trend was to bash speed, because it's "dangerous". Maybe all you people should change to only indoor cycling on the same rented machine (own nothing and be happy right, RIGHT?!), and make sure everyone weighs the same, has the same nutrition, income, genetics, etc., because that's the only way you bandwagon virtue whiners and people at GCN are going to stop contradicting yourselves and complaining about the inherent nature of reality (not your truths).
Manon is a sphere. Hard to get aero in that case