Outdoor Aero Testing

Why Is Aero Testing Essential?

Aero testing is the key to unlocking the full potential of your time trial bike and equipment. Much like Formula 1 cars, these high-performance machines require precise adjustments to function optimally. Even the most advanced setups can fall short if not fine-tuned, with performance differences exceeding 10%, even at the elite level. To maximize your speed and efficiency, aero testing is not just recommended—it’s essential.

Why Choose Outdoor Aero Testing?

Outdoor aero testing delivers the closest match to real-world riding conditions. While wind tunnels and track testing offer controlled environments, they often miss critical elements like rider comfort, biomechanical dynamics, and the variability of road conditions.

  • Wind Tunnels: Ideal for equipment tweaks but lack real-world riding dynamics.

  • Track Testing: Closer to outdoor conditions but challenging for inexperienced riders and influenced by constant banking and turns.

Outdoor testing is practical, familiar, and cost-effective. It ensures accurate results in conditions most similar to actual races. While weather can pose challenges, we schedule tests carefully to maximize precision and reliability.

Understanding the Cost of Aero Testing

Aero testing is a premium investment, but it’s far more efficient than trial-and-error purchases of equipment without data to confirm improvements. Each component interacts uniquely, making aerodynamics highly individual. By testing, you gain certainty, actionable insights, and measurable gains that are invaluable to your performance.

The cost also reflects the expertise, specialized knowledge, and advanced technology required for accurate testing.

Our Testing Process

Testing takes place on a smooth, traffic-free stretch of tarmac to ensure consistent, repeatable results. Ideal conditions include wind speeds below 20 km/h and dry weather. Race-day temperatures are preferred to allow the use of race gear.

Sessions are scheduled based on weather forecasts for optimal accuracy.

Advanced Testing Equipment

We use cutting-edge technology, including the Aerosensor system, to deliver precise, reliable results. Measurement error rates are below 1%, often as low as 0.4% in calm conditions. Rider positioning is monitored using the Aerobody sensor, ensuring that every position adjustment is tracked and analyzed in detail.

Accurate power data is critical. A reliable power meter is required on your bike for the testing process. Recommended models include:

  • Spider-Based Meters: Power2Max, SRM, Quarq

  • Dual-Sided Pedals: Favero Assioma (including Duo Shi), Wahoo Powerlink, Garmin Rally

Not Recommended Power Meters

  • Single-sided power meters

  • Garmin Vector pedals

  • Factory/OEM Shimano power meters

  • Aftermarket units based on Shimano cranks (except the latest Gen 3 Stages/4iiii LR models on R9200/R8100 cranks)

If your bike lacks a recommended power meter, we can provide Garmin Rally pedals for Shimano SPD-SL users.

Typical Aero Gains

Expect savings of 15–30 watts at 45 km/h, depending on your baseline setup and adjustments made during testing.

Session Structure

  • Minimum Session: 2 hours, tailored to rider skill and equipment.

  • Recommended Session: 3–4 hours for a more comprehensive analysis of helmets, positions, and other factors.

  • Full Optimization: Typically requires 10–15 hours of field testing to explore all options and achieve the best results.

Equipment Testing

Helmets Available:

  • Met Drone Widebody (Size M)

  • Met Codatronca Widebody (Size M)

  • Kask Mistral (size M)

  • Kask Mistral w/ Aero Visor 2.0

  • S-Works TT5 (Size M)

Wheels Available:

  • Elite Velo 82mm Front Wheel (Disc Brake)

  • Elite Disc Wheel (Disc Brake)

  • Aerocoach AEOX Ultra Disc Wheel (Rim Brake)

Cockpits:

  • Deda Jet Two

  • D2Z 15 & 20 degree universal shims

  • Reach adjustment plates

Saddles for Biomechanical Assessment:

  • Fizik Transiro Aeris Long Distance

  • Fizik Mistica

  • Syncros Belcara TT

  • Gebiomized Stride

  • Specialized Power

  • Repente Magnet

You can also test your own equipment, including skinsuits, helmets, aero socks, overshoes, and more.