Lose less energy while cycling

Lose less energy while cycling

As you probably know, aerodynamics is a crucial phenomenon, especially when cycling. Once you exceed 15 kilometers per hour, air resistance starts playing a significant role. The faster you go, the more resistance you’ll encounter. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this resistance, and in this blog, we’ll specifically focus on the handlebars. And more importantly, on riding in the drops. There’s a lot to gain here. Read on to learn everything about: Here’s how you lose less energy while cycling.

Riding in the Drops

When you, as a cyclist, ride in the drops, you reduce the surface area of your body facing the wind. This increases your speed and the efficiency of your cycling. In the drops, you’ll consume less energy compared to a more upright position on the bike. It might be less comfortable to ride in the drops, but if you want to save energy, it’s a good choice. Especially when facing strong winds or riding downhill, the benefits are substantial. However, keep in mind that steering from the drops might be a bit trickier, and reaching the brakes can be less convenient.

Research shows that when an average cyclist rides at 45 km/h (which is indeed quite fast), riding in the drops results in a saving of 14.0 Watts.

What is an Aero Handlebar?

You might also consider using an Aero handlebar. This further reduces air resistance. Often, the cables run through the handlebar tube to minimize wind resistance. Additionally, the shape of the handlebar is made flatter so that it truly cuts through the wind. This can make you go 1.5 km/h to 3 km/h faster.

And while we’re at it, we recommend opting for a carbon Aero handlebar. This enhances comfort. Carbon is better at absorbing shocks, allowing you to enjoy minimal air resistance for longer periods. Of course, factors like having an Aero bike, the bike’s weight, and other aspects also play a role. We’ll discuss those at a later point.

Curious about how your posture affects your cycling performance? Calculate it here! It’s quite easy to lose less energy while cycling.