Originally Posted by
chas58
how much time are you breaking wind going over 30mph?
It probably depends on what he's eating...
(sorry, couldn't pass that up)
If you are doing time trials, Aero is important (and you can tell by the equipment). If you are doing a mass start race, a bit less so (unless you like to be out front much of the time). For mass start races, dialing in the gearing, having a very stiff frame, and light wheels/tires helps a lot in being able to jump and accelerate effectively. Of course the motor and experience make a huge difference in tactics.
Not just being out front, but it aero equipment can be the difference between getting a lap (or not), or having enough gas left to hang on during the counterattack after gaining a lap. Or how much energy it takes to bridge a gap to a break. At lower levels of racing it will make less difference, but the power difference between aero wheels and box rims with spokes is significant when you're trying to get a solo lap.