Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

Air-oh-wheel

Noun

A type of wheel used by cyclists to reduce air resistance and improve aerodynamics.

Example usage: 'I'm going to upgrade my bike with aero-wheels for my next race.'

Most used in: Cycling circles and competitions.

Most used by: Competitive cyclists looking for an edge in races.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Deep-section rim, Aero-rim, Aero-wheel, Carbon-wheel,

.

What is an Aero-Wheel?

An aero-wheel is a type of wheel designed for use in cycling that is specifically designed to reduce drag. Aero-wheels are designed to reduce air resistance by having a more aerodynamic shape than traditional wheels. They usually have fewer spokes and are made out of lightweight materials. Aero-wheels are most commonly used in road and time trial cycling, where aerodynamics are important for achieving the best possible times.

Aero-wheels can offer significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency. According to studies, aero-wheels can reduce drag by up to 30-60%, resulting in an increase in speed of up to 10%. In addition, aero-wheels are typically more lightweight than traditional wheels, which can also help to reduce energy expenditure.

Aero-wheels can be expensive, however, and are usually not suitable for off-road cycling. For riders who are looking for an aerodynamic advantage without the added expense of an aero-wheel, aero-bars can be used to achieve a similar effect.

.

The Origin of the Term 'Aero-Wheel' in Cycling

The term 'aero-wheel' first appeared in the cycling world in the 1980s, and was used to describe a wheel with a deep section rim profile. This type of wheel was designed to reduce drag, and was popularized by professional cyclists in the Tour de France.

The first deep section aero wheel was created in the early 1980s by Mavic, a French cycling company. The wheel featured a deep V-shaped rim that was said to reduce drag and increase speed. This wheel was used in the 1984 Tour de France, and was soon adopted by other professional cyclists for their competitive advantage.

Since then, the term 'aero-wheel' has become a part of the cycling lexicon, and is used to describe any wheel with a deep section rim profile. This type of wheel is still popular today, and is widely used in road cycling and track cycling.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER