Power vs aerodynamics: what is the best balance and how can I achieve it?

Watts and aerodynamics are two cornerstones of our cycling performance - but favoring only one will see you going slower than a more balanced approach. Here’s our guide to better optimising your speed

Image shows a rider balancing aerodynamics and power output
(Image credit: Future)

We all know that power output is significant when it comes to performance: if all else is held equal, then putting out more power will see you going faster. The amount of power that can be sustained for any given duration is one of the starkest differences between professional cyclists and keen amateur riders - and it’s something we have even more exposure to today thanks to live power data feeds during races.

Over the past two decades, we’re also become a lot more exposed to the importance of aerodynamics within cycling. This learning continues as bike brands compete to produce ever more aerodynamic designs and as the pros contort themselves to adopt the most aerodynamically optimised positions - which the UCI will occasionally promptly ban. 

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Andy Turner

Andy is a Sport & Exercise Scientist, fully qualified and experienced cycling coach, personal trainer and gym instructor. He spent 3 years on the road riding for a UCI cycling team and 7 years as a BC Elite rider. 

 

After graduating in 2020 with first-class honours in his Sport & Exercise Sciences BSc, he continued to pursue his interest in research in the field of sport science alongside setting up his coaching business, ATP Performance, and working for USA-based firm, Wahoo Sports Science. He balanced this with racing at international level, competing in prestigious events such as the Tour of Britain and the Volta a Portugal.