AERO SPEEDSTERS
When it comes to improving your bike split, an aero set of wheels is a critical part of the equation. Of course it all starts with training and your fitness, but after that the most important factors when it comes to biking fast are your position on the bike (read: it needs to fit you well) and your wheels will get you the best bang for your buck. If your bike didn’t come with a race-ready wheel option, here are a few worthy upgrades to help you nail a fast bike split this season.
Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke Disc
FROM $2,650/US$2,014
These 60-mm deep wheels offer the best in all-around performance—a lightweight, aero wheel that’s not too deep for those crazy crosswind days. You get the best of all worlds—aerodynamics and responsiveness in a wheel that you’ll happily take up the steepest climbs. We’ve raved about the Aerodynamicist profile rims in the past, and you get that along with UD Carbon Spokes that provide six per cent more lateral stiffness than steel spoked wheels but are much lighter. While Hunt’s standard hubs are incredibly smooth and fast, you can get even more performance by upgrading to the Ceramic Speed hubset.
Shimano Dura Ace C60
$2,750/US$2,200
In addition to the versatile 60-mm rim depth that provides a nice balance between aerodynamics without being too deep, Shimano’s flagship wheelset offers outstanding performance and durability. The C60 has a specific front hub design that enhances lateral rigidity, which is coupled with the stiffer spokes to ensure you’ll get premium performance at high speeds and when you’re really pushing hard on the pedals.
Zipp 404 Firecrest
US$976–1,050
The ultimate all-rounder, the 58-mm-deep rims were game-changers when they were first launched, somehow providing the aero properties of a much deeper rim. There’s a reason you’ll see so many 404 rims used on the Big Island for the Ironman World Championship—you get amazing performance without being blown off the Queen K. The latest version features a 23-mm rim profile that is hookless tire compatible, while the new German-designed ZR1 DB hub is more durable and responsive than previous editions.
Bontrager Aeolus RSL 75
FRONT $1,750/US$1,300; REAR $1,900/US$1,400
Using Bontrager’s three-dimensional modelling design process, this deep-rim wonder delivers impressive aerodynamics without sacrificing stability and performance. The 75-mm rim profile ensures you’ll cut time from your next bike split, while the RSL OCLV Carbon keeps the weight down. Add in the lightweight DT Swiss 240s internal hub components and you have a smooth-riding wheelset sure to enhance your race performances.
DT-Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut Disc
$3,780/US$3,037
When it comes to the fastest possible bike performance, a rear disc wheel is what you want. (There’s a reason the pros use them whenever they can.) At just over 1 kg, The ARC 1100 Dicut disc wheel won’t be a burden even on hilly courses while helping you to a quick split. The full-carbon disc is optimized for wider tires to reduce rolling resistance and improve comfort. You also get the 180 Dicut hub that uses the Ratchet EXP System and SINC ceramic bearings for top-notch performance and a silky-smooth ride.
Profile Design GMR 50/65 Carbon Tubeless Disc-Brake Wheelset
$2,450/US$1,652
While optimized for triathlon use, this wheelset will be popular with roadies, too, making it a great choice for those who combine a bit of bike racing with their tri habit. There’s a 50-mm front rim combined with a 65-mm rear wheel to optimize aerodynamics and stability. These hand-built wheels offer an extra-stiff hub combined with Sapim CX-Ray spokes for excellent lateral stiffness to get you the most performance when climbing or sprinting.—KM
You can’t race without one, and you shouldn’t be training without one, either. These days there’s no excuses, either—most helmets you’ll find these days are both lightweight and offer lots of ventilation. Aerodynamics is the name of the game when it comes to triathlon bike racing, of course, and you’ll find lots of speedy helmets in our guide sure to help you shave some time off your next triathlon bike ride.
Ekoi AR16
$290
With eight vents, there’s more ventilation than you’ll see in most time trial helmets, but the Ekoi AR16 still manages to be an aerodynamic wonder. You get the bonus of an aero advantage along with the ventilation you’ll need for hot or hilly rides. This lightweight helmet (just 265 g including the magnetic visor) is comfortable to wear, especially for long efforts in an aero tuck. It comes in three sizes and also with three visors for a variety of light conditions.
Smith Jetstream TT
$490/US$380
If every second counts the Jetstream TT helmet will get you through your race in a hurry. The lightweight aero design ensures you’ll get maximal performance, while the Zonal Koroyd coverage provides both impact protection and ventilation. The VaporFit dial adjustment system means you can literally dial in the perfect fit on the fly, while the magnetic visor comes with both Smith’s highend ChromaPop and clear lens. While aerodynamics is the name of the game with the Jetstream, there are still five vents for airflow.
Poc Cerebral Raceday
$400/US$350
As tempted as we are to push the crazy-shaped Tempor your way, we’ll stick with this compact aero road helmet that’s is specially designed to provide excellent aerodynamics in a variety of head positions. The rear of the Cerebral Raceday is made of soft EVA covered in aero fabric to ensure you get the most in comfort and aerodynamics. Add to that the visor specially designed by Zeiss to enhance your vision of the road surface ahead and you have a very speedy helmet that pulls out all the stops. Scott Split Plus $420/US$300
This aero helmet that’s popular with both top-level cyclists and many triathletes features MIPS technology so you get head protection to go along with all the speed. It’s aero-optimized so you’ll continue to fly no matter what head position you favour, while the magnetic buckle and soft ear pads make it easy to get on and off in transition. This helmet is optimized to be used with sunglasses, a popular choice for triathletes, and there’s even storage windows to hold your sunglasses when you need to take them off. The outer vents funnel air past your head to help keep you cool, making this an option for even the warmest races.
Lazer Vento Kineticore
$400/US$300
It’s lighter, more aero and cools better than its predecessor, the Bullet 2.0, making this the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in performance. The Kineticore’s Integrated Roatational Impact Protection technology is built right into the helmet, which also helps reduce weight. There are 13 vents and exhaust ports to keep you head cool, while the ScrollSys belt keeps the helmet comfortable on your head. It’s also compatible with the Universal Lazer LED light that will keep you visible no matter what the conditions.
Met Manta MIPS
$390/US$300
You get a great combination of safety, aerodynamics, fit and style with the Manta MIPS. Aerodynamics is improved in the latest edition of the Manta thanks to the lower and tube-shaped rear profile. You get added crash protection thanks to the MIPS technology, while the Dual Gel front padding is both comfortable and durable.
Garneau Course 2.0
$300/US$205
If you’re looking for an extremely ventilated aero road helmet, the new Course 2.0 should be on your list. The aero cage provides excellent aerodynamics, while the Super Rotexx patented Rotary Dampening System will absorb and dissipate the energy from an impact to protect your head if you crash. There’s 31 vents to go along with the X-Static XT2 antimicrobial padding for comfort, while the Spiderlock Duo retention system is easy to adjust with just one hand.
Bollé Avio MIPS
$390
The fastest helmet Bollé has made, this lightweight wonder offers an optimized fit system and the MIPS AIR lightweight brain protection system. There are lots of vents, along with exhaust ports in the rear to ensure excellent air circulation. The low-profile shape and Kamm Tail at the back help with aerodynamics, too. As you’d expect with a high-performance helmet like this, Bollé even added an Opti-Dock to hold your sunglasses, and it’s even designed to handle a ponytail.
Giro Eclipse Spherical
$360/US$250
It’s the fastest road helmet Giro has ever made, and that’s saying a lot, considering the company’s rich history in the cycling and triathlon world. This lightweight aero road helmet features Spherical Technology powered by MIPS to ensure you’ll get both performance and protection. The helmet is designed to reduce drag across multiple angles, while the 14 vents ensure you stay cool even during the hardest efforts. The Roc Loc 5 air system comfortably keeps the helmet on your head, while the antimicrobial Ionic+ padding absorbs sweat during those hard training days and races.—KM