Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
▬▬▬▬ Video Overview ▬▬▬▬
Can changing your hair really save 12 to 16 watts on the bike?
After our recent episode of Within the Margin of Error series featuring Paige Onweller's preparation for Unbound Gravel, one topic generated more questions than almost anything else: the aerodynamic impact of hair found in the wind tunnel.
In this video, Josh Poertner takes a deeper look at what wind tunnel testing has taught professional cyclists about aerodynamic drag, cycling performance, and the surprisingly large impact of seemingly small details. From Paige's race-day hair setup to Laurent Fignon's famous 8-second loss to Greg LeMond in the 1989 Tour de France, this discussion explores how airflow, pony tails, helmet ventilation, clothing fit, and wrinkles can influence performance on the bike.
Along the way, Josh explains why loose hair, wispy strands, poorly fitting jerseys, and wrinkled clothing can cost measurable watts. He also explains why professional cyclists and WorldTour teams often prioritize fit and airflow before pursuing more exotic aerodynamic technologies.
Whether you race road, gravel, or triathlon, this video explores how seemingly small details like hair, clothing fit, and airflow can add up to meaningful performance gains over the course of a ride.
▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬
Watch "Paige Onweller | Opportunity at Unbound"
youtube.com/watch?v=nh9guZWo8NI
Watch the Within the Margin of Error Series:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQwC0wAMVmB2rHrZQ7kCnIihy4gB95Cd
Find Paige Onweller's channel on YouTube: youtube.com/@PaigePowered
SILCA Website:
silca.cc
▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Paige's 16-Watt Discovery
0:32 - Wind Tunnel Testing Her Hair
1:05 - Does Hair Really Matter?
2:12 - Where The Watts Go
2:50 - The Laurent Fignon Example
4:21 - Was The Ponytail Worth 8 Seconds?
4:48 - Hair, Helmets & Airflow
5:43 - The Cheapest Aero Upgrade
6:29 - Why Clothing Fit Matters More
6:51 - Hair, Wrinkles & Free Watts
7:28 - The Tailor's Trick
8:09 - Final Thoughts
▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬
Subscribe to the SILCA Velo YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@SILCAVelo
SILCA website: silca.cc
SILCA blog: silca.cc/blogs/silca
Instagram: instagram.com/silca_velo
Facebook: facebook.com/SILCAvelo
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/silca-velo
▬▬▬▬ ABOUT SILCA ▬▬▬▬
Founded in Milan in 1917 and now based in Indianapolis, SILCA is renowned for its passion for cycling. Led by cycling industry leader, Josh Poertner, the brand has expanded from the iconic SuperPista pump to a full range of high-end cycling tools and gear, collaborating with UCI World Tour teams to enhance cycling performance. SILCA combines tradition with innovation, inspiring cyclists to enjoy both riding and maintenance.
▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by SILCA
© SILCA
Additional tailoring footage: Tailor_Video by Tailorcafe from Pixabay.com
Dark suspense Thriller cue Sound Effect by OpenMindAudio from Pixabay.com
#SILCA #CyclingAerodynamics #TourDeFrance #LaurentFignon #GregLeMond #UnboundGravel #CyclingPerformance #WindTunnel #MarginalGains #PaigeOnweller
▬▬▬▬ Video Overview ▬▬▬▬
Can changing your hair really save 12 to 16 watts on the bike?
After our recent episode of Within the Margin of Error series featuring Paige Onweller's preparation for Unbound Gravel, one topic generated more questions than almost anything else: the aerodynamic impact of hair found in the wind tunnel.
In this video, Josh Poertner takes a deeper look at what wind tunnel testing has taught professional cyclists about aerodynamic drag, cycling performance, and the surprisingly large impact of seemingly small details. From Paige's race-day hair setup to Laurent Fignon's famous 8-second loss to Greg LeMond in the 1989 Tour de France, this discussion explores how airflow, pony tails, helmet ventilation, clothing fit, and wrinkles can influence performance on the bike.
Along the way, Josh explains why loose hair, wispy strands, poorly fitting jerseys, and wrinkled clothing can cost measurable watts. He also explains why professional cyclists and WorldTour teams often prioritize fit and airflow before pursuing more exotic aerodynamic technologies.
Whether you race road, gravel, or triathlon, this video explores how seemingly small details like hair, clothing fit, and airflow can add up to meaningful performance gains over the course of a ride.
▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬
Watch "Paige Onweller | Opportunity at Unbound"
youtube.com/watch?v=nh9guZWo8NI
Watch the Within the Margin of Error Series:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCQwC0wAMVmB2rHrZQ7kCnIihy4gB95Cd
Find Paige Onweller's channel on YouTube: youtube.com/@PaigePowered
SILCA Website:
silca.cc
▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Paige's 16-Watt Discovery
0:32 - Wind Tunnel Testing Her Hair
1:05 - Does Hair Really Matter?
2:12 - Where The Watts Go
2:50 - The Laurent Fignon Example
4:21 - Was The Ponytail Worth 8 Seconds?
4:48 - Hair, Helmets & Airflow
5:43 - The Cheapest Aero Upgrade
6:29 - Why Clothing Fit Matters More
6:51 - Hair, Wrinkles & Free Watts
7:28 - The Tailor's Trick
8:09 - Final Thoughts
▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬
Subscribe to the SILCA Velo YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@SILCAVelo
SILCA website: silca.cc
SILCA blog: silca.cc/blogs/silca
Instagram: instagram.com/silca_velo
Facebook: facebook.com/SILCAvelo
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/silca-velo
▬▬▬▬ ABOUT SILCA ▬▬▬▬
Founded in Milan in 1917 and now based in Indianapolis, SILCA is renowned for its passion for cycling. Led by cycling industry leader, Josh Poertner, the brand has expanded from the iconic SuperPista pump to a full range of high-end cycling tools and gear, collaborating with UCI World Tour teams to enhance cycling performance. SILCA combines tradition with innovation, inspiring cyclists to enjoy both riding and maintenance.
▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by SILCA
© SILCA
Additional tailoring footage: Tailor_Video by Tailorcafe from Pixabay.com
Dark suspense Thriller cue Sound Effect by OpenMindAudio from Pixabay.com
#SILCA #CyclingAerodynamics #TourDeFrance #LaurentFignon #GregLeMond #UnboundGravel #CyclingPerformance #WindTunnel #MarginalGains #PaigeOnweller
