Intro:
In the world of triathlon, speed doesn’t come from strength alone—it’s shaped by decisions. Aero optimization isn’t just for pros with wind tunnel budgets. Smart tweaks in your setup can earn you speed and spare your watts, and we’re seeing this play out on race courses around the world.
🚴♀️ Aero Extensions: From Subtle Angles to Bold Ergonomics
For years, the standard in aero bar extensions centered around 22.2mm round tubes—usually aluminum or carbon—with most ergonomic variation coming from subtle tweaks in tilt and pitch. But the last five years have ushered in a wave of bold, purpose-built designs.
First came aggressive shapes like the Profile Design ASC series, which hinted at what was possible with molded ergonomics. Now we’re seeing larger footprint bars—like the Winow and FAASTT extensions—becoming increasingly common, especially in long-course racing. These designs allow for more forearm contact, improved support, and in many cases, more relaxed shoulders and sustained aero positioning.
They’re not just visually striking—they’re functionally better for many athletes.
💧 Hydration Placement: Small Tweaks, Big Gains
One of the most noticeable and accessible changes we’ve seen in recent seasons is in hydration system placement.
- Rear bottle mounts are increasingly horizontal rather than upright.
- Front-mounted bottles are positioned based on wind tunnel testing, often tucked low and far forward to reduce drag and avoid interrupting airflow around the hands and arms.
These are the kinds of marginal gains that don’t require huge budgets, just intention. You already have bottles and cages—why not use them better?
🧰 How We Help Athletes: Aero on a Real-World Budget
Not every triathlete can—or should—chase every high-end upgrade. But understanding where the real returns are lets you invest wisely.
Whether it’s:
- Choosing extensions that better support your riding style,
- Adjusting your hydration systems for reduced drag,
- Or simply fine-tuning cockpit positioning...
...you can unlock more speed without adding effort. We’re here to help you find those gains—especially the ones you already have on your bike, waiting to be optimized.
Final Word:
The athletes we see at the top of Ironman, T100, and 70.3 podiums are pushing boundaries—but not just with fitness. They're adapting their gear choices year over year, chasing both performance and efficiency.
The good news? You can too.
Come in, bring your bike, and let’s take a look at your setup. We’re happy to help you find the aero advantage that fits your goals—and your budget.
💬 Got questions about aero setups or hydration placement? Pop by the shop or shoot us a message—we're here to help you ride smarter and faster.