Save Watts, Ride Faster: The Best Aero Accessories for Cyclists
You don't need a wind tunnel or a full time-trial setup to start benefiting from aerodynamics. Whether you're gunning for a new personal best on your local gran fondo, chasing a podium at your next triathlon, or just tired of getting shelled on the group ride, the right aero accessories can make a meaningful difference — and you don't have to break the bank to get them.
Here's the thing about aerodynamics: at speeds above 30 km/h, air resistance is the biggest force working against you. The good news? A few well-chosen upgrades can reduce that drag noticeably, letting you go faster for the same effort — or, put another way, use fewer watts to hold the same speed.
At Bushtukah, we carry a solid range of aero upgrades for road cyclists and triathletes. Let's walk through the key options and what actually moves the needle.
Start With Your Helmet
If you're only going to make one aero upgrade, make it your helmet. Your head and upper body account for a huge portion of your total aerodynamic drag, so an aero road or time-trial helmet can shave more watts than almost any other single change.
Aero road helmets — like those from Giro, Specialized, or POC — look more like a traditional helmet but are shaped to smooth airflow over your head. They typically save 10–20 watts compared to a standard vented road helmet, without making you feel like you're riding with a giant tail on your head. For most riders, these are the sweet spot: faster than a regular helmet, cooler and more comfortable than a full TT lid.
If you're doing triathlons or time trials, a dedicated TT helmet (think Giro Aerohead or similar) can save even more — sometimes 20–40+ watts at race pace. The tradeoff is a bit more heat buildup, but on a focused effort that's usually worth it.
Pop by and try a few on — fit matters enormously for both safety and aerodynamics, and we're happy to help you find the right one.
Aero Wheels
A deep-section carbon wheelset is one of the most visually striking and performance-significant aero upgrades you can make. Wheels with 40–60mm rims slice through the air more efficiently than standard shallow-section wheels, often saving 20–30 watts at typical road speeds.
Brands like Zipp, DT Swiss, and Roval offer excellent options at various price points. Clincher tubeless setups have become the standard — they're fast, reliable, and forgiving. You'll also notice the difference in how the bike feels: deep wheels add a sense of momentum that makes holding speed feel more effortless.
One practical note: very deep wheels (60mm+) can be challenging in crosswinds. A 40–50mm rim is usually the sweet spot for all-day riding in variable conditions.
Aero Clothing and Skin Suits
Your kit is constantly in contact with the wind, so it's worth paying attention to fit and fabric. A close-fitting bib kit made from aero fabrics — like those from Assos, Castelli, or Rapha — can save a meaningful number of watts compared to a baggy jersey. Fabric texture and seam placement both play a role in how air moves over your body.
For race day, a one-piece skin suit takes this further. Triathlon-specific suits are designed to be worn from swim through bike to run, while road skin suits are optimized purely for cycling speed. If you're targeting a specific event and want every advantage, a quality skin suit is worth considering.
Aero Bars and Extension
Getting your body into a lower, more aerodynamic position is one of the highest-impact changes you can make — and clip-on aero bars let you do that on your existing road bike. By supporting your weight on your forearms and tucking your elbows in, you dramatically reduce your frontal area.
Clip-on bars like those from Profile Design or Zipp attach to most standard road handlebars. They're great for triathletes and time-trialists, and increasingly popular for long-distance cyclists who want to hold a more aero position on solo efforts.
A heads-up: aero bars change how you handle your bike, so it's worth putting in some practice time before using them in a race or busy group environment.
Don't Forget the Details
Smaller items that contribute to your overall aero package include:
• Aero water bottles: Bottles like the Trek RSL Aero Water Bottle and Cage reduce drag compared to standard round bottles.
• Shoe covers or aero overshoes: Smooth the airflow around your feet and lower legs
• Aero socks: Taller socks with textured or dimpled fabrics actually reduce leg drag
• Tucking your number: If you're racing, fold and pin your race number flat rather than letting it flap
The Biggest Aero Gain of All
We'd be remiss not to mention it: your position on the bike matters more than any product. A proper bike fit — which we offer at Bushtukah — can improve your aerodynamics while keeping you comfortable and injury-free. Equipment upgrades work best when they're built on a solid foundation of good position.
Come in and chat with us about your goals and budget. Whether you're chasing seconds or just want to feel faster on your next ride, we can help you figure out where your upgrade dollars will have the most impact.
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