WHAT AERO KIT TWEAKS CAN I MAKE?
Seven kit tips to help you go even faster on race day
Once you’ve completed your first tri, it’ll be damn unusual if you don’t get the bug, and that’s when you can think about going gear mad. Starting with aerobars, deep-rimmed wheels and aero helmets, you can reduce you and your bike’s drag by a significant amount. That said, training correctly and optimising your position are still a priority, but combine these with some aero kit and you’ll be blasting out of T1 like a rocket. Here’s what to look out for in the shops…
AEROBARS
Aerobars are a good call for all triathletes and every event, bar the hilliest and most technical courses. They allow you to get tucked up and low – saving you time and energy. If the bike leg is flat, opt for bar-end shifters and low-profile brakes.
Time saving over 40km: 5:30-6mins
TRI-SUIT
The next thing to think about is what you’ll be wearing – basically, you want something that’s skintight and that won’t be flapping around loose and catching the wind.
Time saving over 40km: Up to 2mins
AERO HELMET
Once you’ve got your clothing sorted, it’s time to start using your head or, more accurately, putting something on your head to smooth out the airflow around it. A streamlined aero helmet might make you look like something out of Alien but it’ll turn your bonce into a bullet, aerodynamically speaking.
Time saving over 40km: 1:30mins
DRINKS BOTTLE
Refuelling is your next priority, and a drinking system mounted on your bars, so you won’t need to come out of your tuck to take a drink, should be on your tick list. Time saving over 40km: 30secs
WHEELS
Your front wheel is the first thing that hits the air, so you want something that’ll cut through it like a hot knife through butter. A deep-section rim and as few (preferably profiled) spokes as possible will turn your wheel into a spinning blade. The same goes for the back wheel, but you need to be cracking 30mph before you get the benefit of a disc, so save your money until you’re good enough to get sponsored! Time saving over 40km: 1:30mins
AERO FORKS
An aero fork will pass through the
“Training correctly is still a priority but add some aero kit and you’ll be blasting out of T1”
air more easily than a conventional round-tubed model and help make the most of any front wheel upgrades.
Time saving over 40km: 30secs
RAZOR
A razor to shave your legs! The aero advantage will be next to nothing but hair-free legs make a psychological statement of intent and will make massages more comfortable. Plus, it’s easier to treat any cuts/grazes if you’re hair-free. Time saving over 40km: N/A