Which Is Faster: An Aero Bike Or A Lightweight Climbing Bike?

Should you buy an aero bike or a lightweight bike? We put them head to head.

If you had to choose between an aero bike or a lightweight climbing bike, which one would you go for?

Let us know in the comments below!

Dan and Simon have ridden lots of different bikes in their time, but they'd never done a direct comparison between an aero bike and a climbing bike.

Is it all about aerodynamics though? Simon and Dan explain all.

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[Webgkil]

For most of the people this video is addressed to, the difference between the two is unnoticeable.

We see the pros going into great details about aerodynamics and shaving a few grams off components, but that's only after they've maxed out their physical abilities, their technique and their strategies.And those minute details like aerodynamic tube profiles or lighter frames are the only ways to gain that extra second or watt.
Plus they can "afford" to dish out thousands just for that.

I totally agree with Simon's last sentence, at the end of the day what matters is feeling good about your bike/equipment.Imho a really cool paint job is far more important than a little less aerodynamic drag or whatever.Looking at your new bike and saying "Damn that's sexy, lets go for a ride even if it's raining outside".That's what will make you ride longer, harder and in the end...faster :D
 

[MrFerkles]

I would definitely always go with a lightweight climbing bike. As you guys say, when you spend hours riding, you need to have that comfortable feeling. With the lightweight bikes, I love the bursts of acceleration up hills, the vibration dampening (certainly on some of the more rural roads in England) and I just LOVE they way they look and feel underneath me. Although Si is right on the deep set wheels... Those do look kinda cool.

[ryanfrost]

You guys have one of the best jobs on the planet.  I'm envious.

[louwlife]

Now we don't know if the 1, 5% is due more to the frame or to the wheels! You should really test the frames with the same wheels so we know what the frames contribute.

[Apertravel]

I've just had this dilemma and I decided on a super stiff, light frame. The Focus Izalco Max, to be precise. Couple of 50mm 'aero' rims (Or cross dressing :P) and SRAM Force 22. Love it. Climbs like a monster compared to my previous bike.

[quadrazid]

Shouldn't you have two test tracks? One flat and one uphill with 300watts on all rides. Now we don't know how much better the light bike really is for climbing. Nice video concept though.

[liang]

I think the best option is a light weight frame with deep rims. I feel the depth of the wheels is the dominant factor for wind resistence. Light frames (climbing types) are usually built with round tubes, backward sitting position, and are more comfortable, agile and flexible over aero frames, you would really appreciate it over long distance run. And I think that's why you see frames like specialized s-works tarmac are prefered over venge in most Letour and giro stages, and more riders use deeper rims to gain extras in descending.  

[FirestarterAJ]

The best thing about GCN is how you can have a funny, joking video about what drinks to not consume on a ride, but when it counts, you at least try to be scientific. Very useful and great entertainment.

[west]

Excellent feature. I enjoyed your insights about this rather hard to evaluate issue. You show us that there really is no one, easily reached, right answer for us "average" riders.

[davomccranko]

Excellent review, looking at the many angles of aero. One of the best reviews on aero kit I've seen.

[andrewroozen]

Don't forget it's the airspeed that's important when considering drag, not the groundspeed. In a headwind everyone benefits from an aero bike, Riding at 5 km/h into a 35 km/h headwind is like doing 40 km/h when it's calm.

[MrPijus]

You will go much faster on an aero bike because your subconsciously thinking that it is much faster.

[kiaanwatts]

You get a trek madone! Great climbing bike! Trek also conducted wind tunnel testing and found that the madone is also more aero than the specialized venge!

[zariefaiman]

To get the full maximum advantage of an aero bike, one must be very strong and non merciful 

[undercoveraca]

I love these real world tests. Keep 'em coming. IMO one point in favour of lightweight is the kind of riding most urban and suburban viewers will probably be doing. Yes, if you are racing or riding without traffic interruptions like in the videos, go aero, but where I live I probably stop and start at junctions or slow to almost a stop for tight turns well over 10 times an hour. Lightness would give the greater advantage when riding involves frequent de/acceleration wouldn't it? I'm thinking aero advantage really comes with an open road. Until my wife finally wakes up and buys me a dogma f8 I'm sticking with that.

[JustAnotherDayToday]

Brilliant. This is why GCN is my favorite channel.

[rosscads]

The point on bike appeal is a good one. I can imagine being more likely to use my climbing bike than the equivalent aero model, given their relative aesthetics and comfort, to get out and put some strength in my legs. As for time trials, they call for a dedicated TT rig. ;)

[samjackson]

Whenever Dan was talking, Simon seemed utterly enthralled, and paid utmost attention!! 

[MrThisuldo]

Just been in this position and was choosing between a Giant TCR SL0 and Propel SL0. Decided on the TCR my Wife had the same options and went for the Liv Langma SLO (TCR equivalent). We both came to the same conclusion after riding an aero on a windy day. The aero is all well and good but on a circular route (what we all ride) under strong wind sheer it is unmanageable and on busy road they tip the point of being dangerous. For a one bike option I would go down the lightweight route and when funds allow invest in an additional set of deep section wheels.

[MrRJRM]

I think it's important to understand that it's the apparent speed of the bike through the air that matters, not the actual speed over the ground. The benefit of improved aerodynamics on a bike/ride progressing at 50km/h in still air are essentially the same as those progressing at 20km/h over the ground in a 30km/h head wind.