Cycling has forever been a sport where the smallest margins or advantages can culminate into huge differences in performance. Over the years riders, teams and equipment manufacturers have strived to improve and enhance their performance through investment in equipment such as wheels, bikes and most importantly, clothing. Aerodynamic race suits have revolutionised cycling of late, the latest suits reduce drag and improve a riders efficiency, saving minutes of time when compared to a normal bib short and jersey. As the demand for performance gains continues to grow, the adoption of aero race suits, including cycling skinsuits and even triathlon suits, is reshaping and advancing the landscape of competitive cycling.
The Evolution of Aerodynamic Apparel
For decades, competitive cyclists primarily focused on improving their bikes and overall fitness to gain the edge on their competitors. However in recent years the advancements in technology and the accessibility of wind tunnel testing has led to an ever growing understanding of aerodynamics. With a rider accounting for a large portion of wind drag there has been a significant shift to improving the aerodynamic properties of clothing. The development of aerodynamic speed suits has made significant strides in the improvement of a riders performance, turning what was once a neglected aspect of performance into a central factor for success.
These speed suits and cycling skinsuits are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, offering enhanced aerodynamics by reducing the rider's drag coefficient (Cd). Unlike traditional cycling jerseys and shorts, aero race suits use advanced fabric that closely fit to the skin and act as a trip for the air flow, improving the riders Cd.
How Aero Race Suits Reduce Drag
In all situations except climbing a steep hill, drag is the largest force that a rider needs to overcome when cycling. Drag forces increase exponentially with speed, so the faster a rider goes the more air resistance they face and in turn the more power they must produce. To maintain double the speed, power output needs to be increased by a rate of 4, so the choice of clothing can be crucial to performance. Traditional cycling kits can often be looser fitting items that are not skin tight, these clothing items can increase the amount of drag as a result of the loose fabric flapping in the wind. The flapping fabric disrupts smooth flowing air creating a turbulent flow, which results in increased drag.
Aerodynamic suits eliminate the problem of flapping fabric by fitting snugly to the cyclist's body shape. The Best tri suits and speed suits on the market such as our PRO2.0 and PRO8+ utilise high-performance materials that are not only lightweight but also strategically textured to manage airflow. Textured materials are common to see on the sleeves and shoulder area, this strategic positioning helps to maintain laminar airflow for longer, which reduces pressure and turbulent flow to reduce drag.
Testing shows that wearing an aero race suit can reduce a cyclist's drag by up to 10%. While this may not sound like much, over the course of a long race, it can result in substantial time savings. For professional cyclists competing in time trials or road races, these savings can mean the difference between winning and finishing 50th!
Performance Gains in Triathlon
The benefits of aerodynamic apparel aren't limited to cycling alone. Tri suits have also become a crucial part to performance in triathlon.. Modern mens and womens tri suits are designed with all three disciplines in mind. Although usually not as aero optimised as a traditional cycling skinsuit, these tri suits still offer significant aero advantages, whilst also incorporating features like quick-drying fabrics, so that the suit does not remain wet and heavy following the swim and compressive panels to support muscle performance during the run. The result is a suit that provides optimal aerodynamics on the bike whilst remaining comfortable and performant during the other legs, helping athletes reach their performance goals.
Materials and Technology Behind Aero Race Suits
What makes an aero race suit truly revolutionary is the advanced technology and materials used in its construction. Most modern aero clothes are developed and designed following countless hours of trials and testing, this testing comes from both computational models and real world testing in wind tunnels. The attention to detail and time to develop a speedsuit is not often considered by the end consumer, and this is where most of the cost comes. However the data collected allows us as a manufacturer to fine-tune the design of each new generation of speedsuit to offer superior performance to the previous generation and suit that can offer the best possible aerodynamic performance.
The Role of Fit and Comfort in Performance
While aerodynamics is the primary objective of aero race suits, comfort and fit are equally important. A suit that doesn't fit properly will not only be slow aerodynamically but can also lead to discomfort, which can negatively impact performance over long distances. Poorly fitting clothing can often lead to chafing or a general sense of being uncomfortable due to poor fit. Over the years we have made leaps and strides in creating the best tri suits and speed suits that are not only just aerodynamic but offer great comfort, even for extended periods. We achieve this through materials, as discussed prior, and also ergonomic panels that match the contours of the body, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit.
The Future of Aero Race Suits
As the technology behind aero race suits continues to evolve, we hope to see even greater performance gains in the future. Advances in materials and further testing will likely lead to even more refined designs that offer better aerodynamics, improved comfort, and greater durability.
Moreover, as awareness of the benefits of aero race suits grows, we can expect to see more amateur cyclists and triathletes adopting these high-performance garments. As prices become more accessible, the technology that was once reserved for only the top level athletes is becoming available to the general public.
Conclusion
In competitive cycling and triathlon, where every second counts, the introduction of aero race suits has been nothing short of revolutionary. The best speed suits and cycling skinsuits have redefined the way athletes approach their sport, providing substantial gains in speed and efficiency, helping athletes break records and achieve new levels of performance.