Originally Posted by
Steve B.
Are you really looking for an aero advantage while riding gravel ?. How fast are you trying to go ?. My recollection is that aero gear like an aero bar, aero wheels, etc.. won't really give much advantage unless up near 20 mph or so. Can you maintain 18-20 on a dirt road ?
I am, yeah, and I’ll go as fast as I can! Aero gains, though small, actually build up and become more consequential (in terms of time saved) the longer one rides, so they’re actually bigger gains the slower one goes…to a point. If you look at the Swissside tests linked upthread, you’ll see they tested at 30kph, which is 18.6mph, a speed that’s admittedly high for my ride averages, but does that mean there are no bennies at 17.5mph? It could be, but probably not, and 18mph is well below the fast finishes I do on some group rides, segments where I’m happy to have any advantage available that allows me to run near the front (i.e. not come in last!).