
The Best Skinsuits for Cycling: What You Need to Know
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If you've ever wondered whether cycling clothes actually make you faster, you're not alone. The short answer? Yes, they do. And when it comes to the most aerodynamic choice, nothing beats a well-fitted skinsuit.
Let’s talk about skinsuits, what they are, why they matter, and how to choose the best one for your rides or races.
What Is a Skinsuit?
A skinsuit is a one-piece cycling outfit that combines a jersey and bib shorts into a single, seamless piece. It’s made to fit close to your body, reduce drag, and help you cut through the wind like a knife.
You’ve probably seen pro riders wear them in time trials, track racing, or even road races. But they’re not just for the pros anymore. More and more amateur riders are starting to see the benefits too.
Do Cycling Clothes Really Make You Faster?
Oh yes and especially skin-suits.
Regular cycling jerseys are designed to fit well, but a skinsuit takes it to another level. No flapping fabric, no loose pockets, and no unnecessary seams.
The result? Less drag, more speed.
In fact, studies have shown that a good skinsuit can save you up to 20–30 watts at race pace. That’s huge. Can you imagine gaining that much free speed just by changing your kit?
How Many Watts Does a Skin-suit Save?
Let’s break it down simply.
A well-designed skinsuit can save between 10 and 40 watts, depending on your speed and the quality of the suit. For example, if you’re riding at 40 km/h, that could mean saving 1 to 2 minutes in a 40K time trial, without pedaling any harder.
This happened to a friend of mine before a local time trial. He borrowed a high-end skinsuit just to try it out. Same route, same power, same conditions. He beat his previous time by 90 seconds. “It felt like cheating,” he told me. “But legal.”
Are Cycling Skinsuits Worth It?
If you race or take your group rides seriously, absolutely.
They give you a noticeable advantage in speed and efficiency. But even if you don’t race, skinsuits offer a clean, streamlined fit that can feel amazing on the bike. No riding-up, no sagging, no wind drag.
They're also great for track events, crits, triathlons, and even gravel races, especially when aerodynamics matter most.
How Tight Should a Skinsuit Be?
Good question. A skinsuit should feel tight but comfortable.
It’s supposed to hug your body like a second skin. You shouldn't feel loose fabric anywhere. But you also shouldn’t feel like you’re being squeezed in a wetsuit.
When you try one on, get on your bike or bend into your riding position. That’s when it should feel just right. Standing up straight? It might feel awkward. That’s normal.
Think of it like this: it’s made for riding, not walking around the coffee shop.
What Is the Fastest Skinsuit for Cycling?
The fastest skinsuits are tested in wind tunnels and designed using aero-specific fabrics, seam placement, and body mapping.
But remember, the fastest skinsuit is the one that fits you best. Even a world-class suit won’t work well if it’s wrinkled, too big, or too loose.
Final Thoughts
So, is a skinsuit worth it? If you’re chasing speed, the answer is yes.
It can make you faster without extra effort, help you stay comfortable in aggressive positions, and give you a sleek, pro look on the road.
What do you think? Ready to try one and see the difference for yourself?
It’s a small change that can lead to big results. And hey, you might just feel like you're flying out there.
Try it on your next fast ride. You might never go back. Check out our Supersonic Race Skinsuit Pro-I.