Swapping on a narrower set of handlebars is a great way to make yourself more aerodynamic on the bike. It’s not rocket science that minimizing your frontal area improves your drag coefficient. These specific Zipp SL80 handlebars measure 38 cm wide and are actually quite affordable given their aluminum construction. I have a similar pair on my bike, and I’ve also flared the angle of my hoods to put my wrists in a more comfortable position.
Aero helmets’ form-follows-function ethos often means that aesthetics takes a back seat. However, Fizik’s recent foray into the helmet space has flipped the script, building a helmet that looks cool while also being aerodynamic. Looks are subjective, but Fizik’s Kudo offers great value with MIPS protection, fidlock closure, and even a removable rear light. Currently coming in at just over $200, it’s tough to beat.
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You might be surprised to see a set of tires in a collection of go-fast bits and bobs, but hear us out: Much of the go-faster conversation centers on weight and aerodynamics, but the advantages of minimizing rolling resistance deserve mention. Vittoria makes quite a few premium tire sets, and these are no exception. Having swapped a set of these onto my bike after running fairly basic winter tires, the bike was completely transformed—both in terms of speed and comfort.
Road tubeless has been all the rage for a while now, but it’s tough to beat the price-for-performance you get with TPU innertubes. These TPU tubes from Ridenow are considerably lighter and faster rolling than conventional butyl tubes. However, if you’re a ride-or-die for tubeless, I can attest to these Ridenow tubes being a great backup to keep in your flat kit.
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Optimizing your socks for speed may sound like a futile exercise. And you’d be mostly right. However, look at any professional cyclist during a time trial, and you’ll be pressed to see anyone without them. We’ve seen fairly insignificant gains from aero socks during our most recent tests, but I believe there’s more to many of these items than meets the eye. Looking good is feeling good in this sport, and if aero socks make you “feel” fast, I say wear them.
Overshoes are another useful tool for improving your aerodynamics. If you’re new to the cycling world, I don’t discount that the idea of putting socks over your shoes is admittedly quite funny. However, it’s clear that overshoes weren’t created by accident. Along with the theoretical aerodynamic advantage, they’re also invaluable in winter for keeping your feet warm and dry in the winter.
Matt Crisara is a native Austinite who has an unbridled passion for cars and motorsports, both foreign and domestic. He was previously a contributing writer for Motor1 following internships at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where he raced mountain bikes with the University Club Team. When he isn’t working, he enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors.
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