Weight and aero Emonda SL7 upgrades

[bodriscoll]

I have a 2022 Trek Emonda SL7 with 12 Speed Di2. I want to start racing it, but would like to take some weight off and make it a little more aero (on a budget). Initial thoughts are integrating the bars and getting a set of wider carbon wheels (probably from China).

Any other suggestions or recommendations?

Cheers!

[maxim809]

1. What type of racing? Hill climb vs Flat TT vs Mass Start style will need different optimizations.

2. Secondly, is your SL7 stock config as listed on the website?
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bike ... 7/p/35046/

3. Before going into the bike, have you already aero'd up rider-side (helmet/kit/base/sock/shoes)?

[bodriscoll]

All-round (crits, road, fondos). I've replaced the saddle, have Assioma Uno pedals, but that's it, besides tyres.

Other areas of getting more aero I'm over. I'm looking for some bang for buck on the bike.

[OtterSpace]

If you dont have crap tires or a very poorly maintained drivetrain the biggest thing slowing you down is CdA (aerodynamic drag). Most of it comes from your position on the bike. The easiest way to help it is to go super narrow handlebars which are almost always 2 part and usually are fairly cheap in bike terms. There is a good thread on many options here. They feel weird for the first ride or two and might need micro adjustment but after a few rides "normal" bars will feel weird instead.

After that worth optimizing other losses through running fast tires, fast helmet & kit, good tire to rim transition, and properly waxing your chain.