Just imagine a world without aerodynamics - there would be no flight, cars would be square and humans would fall over in a gust of wind. Formula One races would take days. That got us thinking. Racing cars have evolved to optimise speed in every

minutes by optimising your body position. That's a potential improvement of over seven minutes, and 100+ places, in an Olympic-distance race – all from improving your aerodynamics. A seven-minute improvement might take two or three years of hard training

efficient and powerful way on the bike and run sections of the race. Tri bikes are designed to create the most aerodynamic solution for the bike section. The better the aerodynamics, the less power is required to go at the same fixed speed. This is why

If your goal is to set a new triathlon personal best, consider purchasing a time-trial bike. These midrange models mix value and performance, and are all but guaranteed to improve your bike split. They offer aerodynamic carbon-fibre frames, reliable

by optimising your body position. That's a potential improvement of over seven minutes, and 100+ places, in an Olympic-distance race - all from improving your aerodynamics. An improvement of seven minutes might take two or three years of hard training to achieve

that triathletes most often turn to make those changes that can mean better times. And where better to start than wheels?There are two features in a set of wheels that can help your performance - lower weight and better aerodynamics. Having light wheels

position also improves aerodynamics - the head and shoulders are low and the frontal body area is minimised. Also, tri-specific bikes have features such as aero frames, deep-section rims or disc wheels, all of which increase the bike's 'slippery' factor

blasted into Paris, beating Fignon by 58 seconds and recording the fastest ever individual time trial in the Tour's history. His eight-second victory was largely attributed to the aerodynamic advantages provided by those strange-looking aero

aerodynamic wheel with better bearings to help the wheels roll with less resistance. In other words, money can buy you more speed - but only if you spend it wisely.The light touchWheels can be made lighter and faster in several ways. For example, you may have

that you could possibly shave minutes off your bike splits.Gear ratioUnlike running and swimming, equipment and aerodynamics are hugely important in cycling. Technophobes may yearn for the simplicity and purity of sports like running, but make no mistake