Aero is written on a lot of kit these days, and it is fair to wonder what it means on a pair of shorts. It is not a gimmick, but it is not magic either. Here is what changes, what it does for you, and who it suits.
Short answer: Aero bib shorts are bib shorts cut closer and lighter than usual, so the fabric lies flat on your skin and nothing flaps or wrinkles in the wind. They suit riders who like a firm, race-close fit and spend time at speed. If you prefer a softer hold, a regular close-fitting bib is the better choice.
What aero means on a bike
Ride on the flat at a steady pace and most of your effort goes into pushing air out of the way. Your body is the biggest thing the air has to get past, far bigger than your bike. Anything loose adds a little more: a flapping sleeve, a wrinkle of fabric, a hem that lifts. Aero kit is about taking those small losses away with a closer cut, smoother fabric and edges that stay flat.
What makes bib shorts aero
- A closer cut. The fabric sits on your skin with no slack, so there is nothing to ripple in the wind.
- Compressive fabric. It holds its shape while you pedal instead of creasing at the hips or behind the knees.
- A flat leg gripper. The hem is made to stay exactly where it is, with no lip or roll for the air to catch.
- Less of everything. Lighter fabric and a lower waist mean less material on you.
Our Aero bib shorts
The Aero bib shorts (men's, women's) are cut closer and lighter than anything else we make: 174 g in a size Small. The fit is ultra-close and compressive with a second-skin feel, in a recycled fabric that holds its shape kilometre after kilometre without feeling restrictive. The cut sits lower at the waist, and the leg gripper is shaped to stop any movement and reduce drag without giving up comfort. Underneath is the same chamois as our Performance bib shorts, made to reduce friction and feel invisible after hours in the saddle. They dry quickly, breathe well and have UV 50+ sun protection.
They pair with our Aero jerseys (Lemon, Acid Blue). These have a close, high-stretch cut with aero sleeves, designed to cut air resistance at the front and sleeves while air moves freely across your back. They weigh 106 g in a small and fit 2 cm tighter than our Essentials jersey.
Aero or Performance?
Both use the same recycled fabric and the same chamois. The difference is the fit. Performance bib shorts (men's, women's) are close and supportive, with a second-skin feel that does not feel tight. Aero goes a step further: closer, more compressive and lower at the waist. If you like kit you forget about, start with Performance. If you like kit that feels fast the moment you pull it on, go Aero.
Who aero bib shorts suit
- Riders who spend time at speed: fast group rides, long flat roads, racing.
- Riders who like a firm, close hold and the lightest possible feel.
- Hot days, when light fabric that dries quickly makes a difference.
They are not only for racing. We made ours for the days you want to move fast and for the days you just want to spin to the café. But if you prefer a softer hold, or you are new to bib shorts, a less compressive pair will feel easier at first.
Getting the fit right
Aero kit only works if it fits. Too big and the fabric wrinkles, which is exactly what you were trying to avoid. Too small and the straps and grippers dig in. Measure yourself, check the size guide for the Aero model, and judge the fit in your riding position, not standing up. Our fit check for cycling shorts walks you through it, and our guide to finding the right size jersey and bibs explains how our cuts compare. Riding far rather than fast? Our guide to the best bib shorts for long rides is the better read.
Questions
What does aero mean on bib shorts?
It means the shorts are made to cause less drag: a closer cut, compressive fabric and a flat leg gripper, so nothing flaps, ripples or lifts in the wind.
Are aero bib shorts comfortable on long rides?
They can be, if they fit. Ours use the same chamois as our Performance bib shorts, made to reduce friction over hours in the saddle. The fit is firmer, so if you prefer a softer hold, Performance or Essentials may suit you better.
Should I size up in aero bib shorts?
No. Aero shorts are meant to sit close. A bigger size lets the fabric wrinkle and the pad move, which undoes the point. Measure yourself and check the size guide for the Aero model.
