Originally Posted by
Steve B.
Thats interesting. I had always read that being aero, which for many doing triathlons, was riding on the aero bars and being as aerodynamic as possible, didn’t matter unless you were up over 17-18 mph or so. I always had read and assumed that energy to gain speed is mostly an effort against the wind, thus it would make sense (to me) that aero tubing and wheels will have less effect at slower speeds and it’s only when you hit certain speeds do the frame and wheel design start to be beneficial. I’ve been know to be wrong though.
Part of the diminishing returns at very high speeds has to do with the amount of energy required to go even a small amount faster. Their is a point where aero does not creat a big enough advantage to overcome the wattage required.
I was told that aero trumps weight at speeds down to about 12 miles an hour. That is why you see riders climbing with aero wheels, especially in the professional ranks.