Share the post "Aeroscale: gain watts without pedaling harder?"
Sometimes, a simple video can change our perception of cycling performance. This is exactly what happened at 3bikes when Gilles, a friend of the magazine, shared an episode of the podcast « On va se refaire la cerise » titled « Gagner des Watts sans pédaler plus fort : la méthode Aeroscale – Manuel Sellier ». Intrigued by this bold promise, we decided to take a closer look. And what we discovered goes far beyond a simple technological gadget. It is a true silent revolution, which could well redefine the contours of cycling optimization for years to come.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: Aeroscale
A French Technology That Measures What Others Ignore
At the origin of Aeroscale is Manuel Sellier, a former engineer at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), and a cycling enthusiast. In the podcast, he states: « Today, a lot of energy is put into increasing power… But what happens between this developed power and the speed obtained is still too often neglected. »
In other words: it’s not by pedaling harder that you necessarily go faster. It’s by reducing resistance: aerodynamics, friction, wind conditions, gradient… This is precisely where the F-EXPLORER sensor, Aeroscale’s technological core, comes in.
Mounted on the bike, this little gem analyzes all the resistances experienced by the cyclist in real conditions. Unlike wind tunnel protocols, which are cumbersome and often disconnected from the field, here, everything is done on the road, dynamically. And with remarkable precision.
This precision is not a matter of chance. According to the information we were able to consult on Aeroscale’s official website, the F-EXPLORER sensor integrates very high-precision sensors associated with a patented field test protocol, designed to be easily deployed in real conditions, without the need for a power meter or complex installations. It allows for rigorous measurement of not only aerodynamic drag, but also rolling resistance, taking into account wind, air density, and specific road characteristics. In other words, every watt counts, and every piece of data is processed with the aim of providing a faithful image of cycling reality.
Gain Watts, Without Sweating More
Aeroscale’s strength lies in its ability to improve performance without requiring additional effort. Yes, you read that correctly. Several high-level athletes have already benefited from it with concrete results:
- Florian Jouanny, Paralympic handbike champion, gained 100 seconds on an 18 km time trial after a complete optimization of his position and equipment.
- Marion Borras, member of the French track cycling team and European pursuit vice-champion, was able to improve her road performance thanks to the analysis of her aerodynamics. She notably finished 6th in the French ITT championship in 2022 after precise adjustments to her skinsuit, wheels, and bike.
- Anthony Cheytion, an Elite rider, observed a measured gain of 3% in useful power by changing his helmet and adjusting his position, all confirmed by Aeroscale sensors.
These performances are not due to extra training. They are the result of intelligent adjustment, at the intersection of science, engineering, and biomechanics.
An Approach For All Cyclists
The other strength of the method is its democratization. Manuel Sellier insists in the podcast: « Our goal is for this technology not to be reserved for pros. We want an amateur triathlete, a sportive cyclist, or even a simple enthusiast to be able to access it and benefit from the same gains. »
Aeroscale now offers personalized test sessions, mainly around Grenoble, where cyclists can analyze their data in real conditions. The results help guide very concrete choices: should wheels be changed? Should the extension height be adjusted? Should the posture be modified? The recommendations are tailor-made.
These sessions are offered at different levels of depth and budget. A quick 30-minute evaluation (DIAG formula, at 190 €) provides a certificate with an aerodynamic efficiency score (CxS) and rolling resistance (Cr), accompanied by three priority recommendations. For those who wish to go further, the PERF formula at 390 € (1h30) includes several comparative tests (up to three configurations). Finally, a full half-day of optimization (PRO formula, at 890 €) allows for up to twelve tests to refine one’s position or equipment. Customization options are available (private slot, location outside Grenoble, etc.), with adapted rates.
And the gain can be massive: up to 20 watts recovered simply by optimizing position. As a reminder, this can represent several minutes of advantage in a long-distance triathlon event, it seems, according to what we have gathered from our readings.
More Than A Sensor, A Philosophy of Performance
What Aeroscale offers is not just a tool. It’s another way of thinking about performance. We no longer just seek to push our physiological limits; we learn to unleash energy that is already available, often constrained by small details invisible to the naked eye.
The team is already working with equipment manufacturers to test the gains of new components (tires, helmets, frames), and the start-up eventually plans to develop a simplified version of the sensor for the general public. This would allow for integrating this data into training platforms, just like power and heart rate.
In Summary
The Aeroscale method opens a new chapter in the history of modern cycling. Gaining without forcing, by maximizing every watt produced, is now possible — and measurable. All thanks to a 100% French innovation, which is both accessible, intelligent, and above all… seemingly formidably effective. At 3bikes, we will continue to closely follow this technology that is clearly heading in the right direction.
Thank you Gilles Sanchez for sharing this video with us: https://youtu.be/
Sources:
Podcast « On va se refaire la cerise » – episode with Manuel Sellier
Share the post "Aeroscale: gain watts without pedaling harder?"
