The science of aerodynamics says yes. Let’s explore how innovative apparel can affect your speed, efficiency, and overall ride experience.
Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around objects—in this case, you and your bike. The faster you ride, the more air resistance you encounter. According to research, air resistance accounts for up to 90% of the resistance a cyclist faces at speeds above 15 mph (24 km/h). Reducing this drag can significantly improve your performance and save valuable watts.
Your body creates the largest surface area for air to push against, making your clothing choice crucial for aerodynamic efficiency. Here are the key ways cycling apparel can impact aerodynamics:
Loose or poorly fitting clothing creates flapping material that increases drag, slowing you down. Kits that are designed to fit close to the skin reduce turbulence and help air flow more smoothly over your body.
Pro Tip: Pactimo’s jerseys feature laser-cut sleeves and minimal seams to further reduce drag, ensuring you get the most aerodynamic fit possible.
Advanced fabric technologies optimize airflow. Textured fabrics placed strategically on jerseys and shorts can reduce drag by managing how air interacts with the surface of your clothing.
Example: The Flyte Jersey features strategically placed striped fabrics on the shoulders, mimicking the surface of a golf ball to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
Gone are the days of short, baggy sleeves. Aero jerseys typically have longer sleeves that fit snugly around your arms. This design choice is based on wind tunnel testing, which shows that longer sleeves reduce drag compared to traditional short-sleeve jerseys.
Why It Matters: Your arms are often in the leading position while riding, making them a significant contributor to air resistance. Pactimo’s longer sleeves across the Flyte and Summit Collections are designed to provide noticeable gains in aerodynamic efficiency.
Cyclists often focus on jerseys, but bib shorts are equally important for aerodynamics. The best performing bib shorts are crafted with compressive fabric and secure leg grippers to ensure the fabric stays in place while reducing flapping and drag.
Look for:
Pactimo’s Summit Raptor Bib Shorts, for instance, use a combination of compressive fabrics and minimal seams to provide the best balance of performance and comfort.
Aerodynamic cycling apparel isn’t just for professionals. Even recreational riders can benefit from the time savings. Studies conducted in wind tunnels suggest that switching from a standard kit to an aero-optimized kit can save up to 60-90 seconds over a 40 km time trial. That’s a significant gain for something as simple as upgrading your kit!
Here’s a breakdown of potential time savings with aero apparel:
| Clothing Upgrade | Time Saved (40 km) | Watts Saved |
|---|---|---|
| Ascent Aero Jersey | 30-45 seconds | 8-12 watts |
| Summit Raptor Bibs | 20-30 seconds | 5-8 watts |
| Sun Sleeves | 5-10 seconds | 1-2 watts |
| Total Kit Upgrade | 60-90 seconds | 14-22 watts |
While wind tunnel tests provide valuable insights, real-world conditions vary. Factors like wind direction, terrain, and riding position also play a role in aerodynamic performance. However, one thing remains consistent: a well-fitted, aerodynamic kit will always be faster than a loose, flappy one.
Balancing Comfort and Performance
Some riders may worry that aero kits compromise comfort. Fortunately, Pactimo has struck a balance between performance and comfort. Our kits offer both aerodynamic benefits and moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics to keep you comfortable during long rides.
Why Choose Pactimo?
At Pactimo, we don’t just create cycling apparel—we innovate. Our products are tested in real-world conditions and optimized to help you ride faster and farther with less effort. Here are a few reasons cyclists choose Pactimo for their performance needs:
The short answer is yes. Aerodynamic cycling apparel can make a measurable difference in your performance. With innovative kits, you can reduce drag, save watts, and ultimately ride faster and farther with less effort.
Remember, it’s not just about looking the part—it’s about optimizing every aspect of your ride. You’re not just investing in a kit—you’re investing in your performance. So, next time you gear up for a ride, ask yourself: is your kit helping or hindering your performance?
