Advanced aerodynamic testing that fine-tunes your bike fit to reduce drag, boost speed, and maximize efficiency in every ride and race
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to optimizing aerodynamics on the bike. Your ideal position depends on your mobility, goals, and equipment.
Why aero matters?
At typical triathlon speeds, ~80–85% of what you’re pushing fights air, not gravity or rolling. Reduce your drag (CdA), and you go faster at the same power—or ride the same speed for fewer watts and a fresher run. Independent testing routinely shows equipment/position choices differ by ~10 W at 40 km/h just from helmet selection alone, underscoring how “free speed” is on the table for most athletes.
Small changes in your fit can result in big gains in speed and efficiency.
What kind of gains could I expect?
Typical position improvements deliver ~5–15% lower CdA when properly fitted.
Even if some riders initially lose a few percent of power in a new, lower position, the aero gain usually outweighs it on triathlon courses. For context, benchmark modeling (e.g., average road-bike CdA ≈ 0.319 m² vs. tri-bike CdA ≈ 0.232 m²) matches the real-world time gaps athletes see in races.
Rule of thumb at this speed/power: ~0:33 saved per 1% CdA over 90 km, and ~1:06 per 1% over 180 km.
Even riding the same speed, a –12% CdA trim drops power need by ~18 W, which athletes feel immediately.
We also focus on position durability—making sure your aero posture is something you can hold deep into a race, not just in the first 20 minutes.
We identify opportunities to:
Process:
Pre-Test Setup:
Baseline measurements: current position video, race equipment, rider data.
Testing Scenarios:
Riding at fixed power in different positions.
Testing one adjustment per trial, example: Arm tilt, head position, elbow width, pad height or different aero helmets, wheels, suits, etc.
Data Collection:
CdA (Coefficient of Drag x Frontal Area) is the key metric.
Power output, speed, and wind speed are taken into consideration for live Cda results after each in-field trial.
Post-Test Report:
Detailed analysis of Cda across each setup, equipment with the best aerodynamic gains. Quantifying time saved over a course (e.g., "Position A saves 20W at 40 km/h").
"Our philosophy is a blend of fitting not just the 'machine to the man', but the 'man to the machine'. We incorporate a detailed global body assessment from a Sport Physiotherapist which involves range of motion testing, manual muscle testing, and specific orthopaedic testing. This gives context to the fitter when evaluating the athlete's position."
Vaughan Physiotherapy Clinic
Our lead Bike Fitter is both a Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Sport Physiotherapist who:
Our Aero-fitting specialist has:
Our Bike Fitting services are ideal for:
Expert care from assessment to recovery, designed just for you. No referral necessary.
Your Physiotherapist will tailor a plan, and we'll schedule sessions that suit you. Healing takes time - we're with you the whole way.
Use your benefits to access top-quality physiotherapy.
Learn about how we handle insurance claims and direct billing.
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Free Phone Consultation (10 min)
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Initial AeroFitting Consultation (90 minutes)
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Personalized Follow-Up Sessions (1 hour)
While AeroFitting isn't typically covered by standard health insurance, some extended health benefits packages may provide coverage. We recommend:
Our 2-hour comprehensive initial Bike Fit session includes:
Designed to fine-tune your initial fitting, our 1-hour follow-up includes:
At Vaughan Physiotherapy, our AeroFitting services stand out by offering a unique combination of Physiotherapy expertise and cycling knowledge. As specialists in both body mechanics and bike mechanics, we provide comprehensive assessments that go beyond basic measurements. Our connections with trusted local bike shops ensure you have access to any needed components, while our experience working with both elite athletes and everyday cyclists means we understand the diverse needs of all riders.
When you choose Vaughan Physiotherapy, you're not just getting a Bike Fit – you're getting a thorough physiotherapy assessment that considers your whole body mechanics and personal cycling goals to create the optimal riding experience.
Recover faster, move better, and feel stronger with expert physiotherapy. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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