The Swiss Side AERO tri suit was a huge success among triathletes. After more than two years of research and development, Jan van Berkel wore a prototype of the tri suit at the 2023 Ironman Switzerland. The Swiss athlete took the win that year, showcasing the new Swiss Side AERO tri suit for the world to see.
One year later, in August 2024, the AERO tri suit transitioned from prototype to production, along with the AERO calf sleeve. Soon after, Swiss Side also released AERO socks.
And now Swiss Side’s line of AERO apparel continues to grow, this time in road cycling. The brand recently released three new products — the Swiss Side AERO Jersey Ultimate, AERO Bib Shorts Ultimate, and AERO Road Suit Ultimate. There are men’s and women’s offerings and multiple sizes.
Swiss Side AERO – Aerodynamic Focused Regardless of the Product
From wheels and tires to cockpits, Swiss Side’s goal is to push performance to its furthest point in the cycling industry. Regardless of the product, the Swiss Side AERO lineup has long been a leader and innovator in cycling aerodynamics.
This aerodynamic performance now extends to the brand’s new line of road cycling apparel.
“At Swiss Side, our mission has always been to deliver aerodynamic performance to every aspect of cycling,” Jean-Paul Ballard, Swiss Side founder and CEO, said. “With our AERO road apparel line, athletes can now experience the same level of R&D-driven performance in their road cycling clothing as they do in their equipment.”
All of the Swiss Side AERO apparel products are designed and engineered with the brand’s performance-first philosophy. Every product is rigorously wind-tunnel tested and given to Swiss Side’s professional athletes for further testing. Swiss Side takes that data and feedback, incorporating those changes into the product while never compromising quality and functionality.
Swiss Side AERO Jersey Ultimate
The Swiss Side AERO Jersey Ultimate went through extensive wind tunnel testing to select the best materials. Swiss Side’s aerodynamic material design claims to boost performance without compromising comfort and fit. The AERO Jersey Ultimate is lightweight, breathable, and regulates body temperature on long rides.
Front
- 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane
- 150 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Back
- 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane
- 80 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 30 sun protection
Sleeves
- 64% recycled polyester, 34% elastane
- 160 grams per square meter fabric weight
Shoulders
- 76% recycled polyester, 24% elastane
- 129 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 50+ sun protection
The Swiss Side AERO Jersey Ultimate features three back pockets, one enclosed with a zipper. Silicone grippers are around the bottom and on the sleeves. The front fully zips, with the zipper hidden under a flap of material, and another flap acting as a chin guard for comfort.
The AERO Jersey Ultimate retails for $175 and is available in five sizes for men, XS–XL. Women’s jerseys are available in four sizes, XS–L.
AERO Bib Shorts Ultimate
Swiss Side made the AERO Bib Shorts Ultimate with long training rides and races in mind. Featuring anatomical shaping and a multi-density chamois, from 80–120 grams per square meter to ensure the proper support throughout the pad.
Legs
- 67% recycled polyamide (nylon), 33% elastane
- 192 grams per square meter fabric weight
Mesh
- 100% polyester
The Swiss Side AERO Bib Shorts Ultimate feature perforation on the legs for increased ventilation and AIR FLOW suspenders. They also have a laser-cut hem with silicone grippers.
Swiss Side offers these bibs in six sizes for men, from XS–XXL, and four for women, XS–L. They retail for $195
AERO Road Suit Ultimate
More time was spent in the wind tunnel when designing and testing the Swiss Side AERO Road Suit Ultimate. Similar to the Jersey Ultimate, the Road Suit Ultimate is designed to enhance cycling performance and aerodynamics while keeping you comfortable. In many ways, this is a marrying of the AERO Jersey Ultimate and the AERO Bib Shorts Ultimate.
Front
- 90% recycled polyester, 10% elastane
- 150 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Back
- 72% recycled polyester, 28% elastane
- 80 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 30 sun protection
Sleeves
- 64% recycled polyester, 34% elastane
- 160 grams per square meter fabric weight
Shoulders
- 76% recycled polyester, 24% elastane
- 129 grams per square meter fabric weight
- UPF 50+ sun protection
Legs
- 67% recycled polyamide (nylon), 33% elastane
- 192 grams per square meter fabric weight
The AERO Road Suit combines the features of the Jersey and Bib Shorts Ultimate. Three pockets, one with a zippered closure, laser cut sleeves and hems with silicon grips, and a concealed front zipper with a chin guard. The pad features anatomical and multi-density shaping, ranging from 80–120 grams per square meter, to ensure optimal support throughout the pad.
The road suit is only offered in men’s sizes (XS–XL) and retails for $395.
How Much Drag Will the AERO Kit Actually Save?
Oddly, Swiss Side doesn’t actually give an official figure for any aerodynamic benefit of the AERO kit (unlike their socks at 3-6.5W). There is a ‘continued development’ section on their website which simply states, “Using the results and fabric selection from the Swiss Side wind tunnel test, multiple prototypes were developed with different fabrics and structures. The most promising aerodynamic fabrics were tested on the legs, body sides, shoulders, and arms. A total of more than 15 different prototypes were tested in the wind tunnel on the full-sized mannequin.
The final suit prototype was tested against 3 others to validate its aerodynamic performance. Two of the typically best-performing suits on the market, and a main brand top-tier suit were tested.” So they seem to be claiming that the AERO Kit is at least as aerodynamic as two of the best-performing aero suits on the market, without specifying what that is.
