There are a number of forces that a cyclist has to overcome when riding a bike, these include rolling resistance, gravity when riding uphill, and the largest force being wind resistance, also known as drag. On a flat road, drag can account for up to 70% of the resistance felt when pedalling, meaning that large amounts of gains in efficiency can be made from improving the aerodynamics of a rider, particularly through the clothing they wear.
The human body itself is the largest cause of drag for a cyclist, due to its size and its inherently non aerodynamic shape. Specifically designed aerodynamic clothing such as skinsuits or speedsuits help to optimise the aerodynamics of a rider's body. When compared to normal cycling clothing, these advanced suits offer significant advantages in terms of performance. Whether it's the best cycling skinsuit that money can buy a suit for time trials or a professional level cycling skinsuit designed for elite racers, the benefits of these specialised garments are numerous and quantifiable.
Understanding the Aero Race/Speed Suit
Cycling aero suits were initially popularised in individual time trials, where every second counts, but their aerodynamic advantages have led to widespread use in all forms of cycling. Riders now recognize that using the best cycling skinsuit can shave valuable seconds off their time, improving race results for the same effort.
It's important to understand what sets a cycling speedsuit or aero suit apart from normal cycling apparel. A cycling speedsuit, also known as an aero suit, combines the two pieces of a jersey and bib shorts into a single, tight-fitting garment. It’s made with aerodynamics in mind, minimising air resistance and drag. These suits are typically constructed using advanced fabrics that conform closely to the rider's body, ensuring an optimal balance between comfort and performance.
Key Advantages of Aero Race/Speed Suits vs. Normal Cycling Clothing
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Reduced Aerodynamic Drag
The most significant advantage of wearing a cycling race suit over normal cycling clothing is its ability to reduce aerodynamic drag. In cycling, drag accounts for the majority of resistance a rider encounters. Normal cycling jerseys and bib shorts often have loose fabric that flaps in the wind, creating turbulence that slows the rider down. In contrast, a cycling speedsuit is designed to fit tightly to the body, leaving little to no excess material to catch the wind. When comparing a speed suit to regular cycling clothing, the drag reduction can be quite significant, with savings of 30 watts of power output being a very normal occurrence at speeds above 40 km/h.
The most modern suits that we manufacture and that are also seen in Pro Cycling incorporate materials that help to trip or disturb airflow. In doing this it helps to maintain a laminar airflow over key areas of the body reducing turbulent airflow and resulting in an aerodynamic efficiency gain. Even the smallest reductions in drag can result in substantial time gains, especially over long distances or in individual time trials. At Velotec we invest and work incredibly hard to achieve these drag reductions with every subsequent model of speedsuit we produce.
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Enhanced Comfort and Fit
Although speed and aerodynamic performance are critical, comfort is equally important, particularly for long-distance rides and races. While some might assume that a tight-fitting cycling aero suit would be uncomfortable, modern designs and materials have improved significantly to ensure that these suits are as comfortable as possible and even more comfortable than the traditional bib shorts and jersey.
Many of the best cycling skinsuits are made from advanced technical fabrics that offer excellent breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and UV protection. The close fit of a pro cycling skinsuit prevents chafing and irritation caused by excess fabric moving against the skin. Furthermore, cycling race suits like we have at Velotec will use seamless or flatlock stitching, which reduces pressure points and ensures a more comfortable fit during long hours in the saddle.
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Temperature Regulation
Cycling speedsuits are often designed with temperature regulation in mind, our top level models the PRO8 and PRO8+ are particularly focused on this as well as being highly aerodynamic. Speedsuits eliminate the overlap of material that happens with bib shorts and jerseys, reducing the amount of material and making them suitable for hot conditions. The materials used in the best cycling skinsuits are often lightweight, breathable, and have moisture-wicking properties, helping to keep the rider cool and dry in hot weather.
Oftentimes it can be forgotten the impact that overheating can have on performance, a number of our competitors have previously used overly thick suits that although might be aero, however have a negative effect on overall performance due to the raise in core body temperature they create.
4.Increased Psychological Confidence
This is more speculative than science, but it’s worth noting that wearing a specialised cycling race suit can also provide a psychological advantage. Professional cyclists often report feeling more confident and prepared when wearing a cycling speedsuit. The tight, aerodynamic fit and high-performance materials give riders a sense of being more connected to the bike and the race itself. The knowledge of being as optimised as possible can certainly install a sense of confidence, helping to perform just that little bit better.
This sense of preparedness can help riders to stay focused, feel more in control, and ultimately perform better. When competing in events where fractions of a second can make a difference, feeling confident in your gear can be just as important as the physical advantages that it provides.
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Versatility in Events
While cycling speedsuits were initially developed for time trials, their use has expanded across various cycling disciplines, including road racing, criteriums, gravel racing and even just everyday riding. Skinsuits are now commonplace in the professional peloton, even more so than bibs and jerseys for racing.
The versatility of cycling aero suits has made them an essential part of any competitive cyclist’s wardrobe. Whether you are aiming for a personal best in a time trial or looking to gain an edge in a road race, a cycling speedsuit is certain to help you improve your personal bests and push you closer to your goals.
Conclusion
The advantages of wearing an aero race suit or speed suit over normal cycling clothing are clear and well-documented. From reduced aerodynamic drag to improved comfort and better body temperature regulation, the benefits of a cycling speedsuit are invaluable for any serious cyclist looking to improve their performance. Whether it’s for time trials, road racing, or everyday training, the use of the best cycling skinsuit can provide measurable gains that translate directly to better results on the bike. Investing in a high-quality pro cycling skinsuit or cycling race suit is a must do, and not doing so will ultimately cost you results in the future against people that have made that investment.