It makes sense. I think I was under the impression that a newer bike would be faster, and turns out, that both are very very very similar. Well, on second thought, the Cannondale might be faster as the TCR has a pair of 36 SLR2 carbon wheels and GP5000. And the SuperSix a pair of cheap Fulcrum and Vittoria Rubino. I’m planning to upgrade those wheels next season.
I’m not soo convinced that the frame plays a large role in aero gains. I’d say wheels, and cockpit. If, you have all other things mentioned dialed. (clean drive-train, body position, etc)
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Indirectly, I think it does: most aero bikes have a more aggressive geometry, which lets the rider get into a more aero position. But in the sense you likely mean it (aero tube shapes, etc.), I think you are bang on.
Probably the two biggest gains are body position and tight-fitting clothing. Then wheels and cockpit. Likely the best aero upgrade is a yoga course.
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Old thinking. Just look at the positioning in the TDF time trial stages. Much higher front ends than of old.
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This is an interesting and excellent observation 
Why do so many people slam their stems then? 
Less drop to the extensions yes, but look at the drop to the base bars!
I think to get their back flat - ie: so their torso isn’t presenting itself to the wind at all.
Or just because that’s what someone told them to do, and they didn’t question it at all.
Because they think it looks cool. And they think it looks pro.
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Yes, you can see this trend with a lot of bikes. 3T’s latest bikes have more stack than their predecessors, which was previously thought of as being less aggressive. Whether this is to increase comfort or because a more upright posture is more aero after all, I don’t know.
I still think bikes with more aggressive geometry allow you to spend more time in a more aero position. Being in the aero hoods position is more comfortable on my aero road bike (a 3T Strada) than on my endurance road bike. One reason is that my entire body is “rotated forwards” and there is less pressure on my perineum.
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Well upright posture isn’t more aero. The modern aero road position has the forearms flat to the road surface, with elbows just slightly in front of the shoulders, and this calls for higher stack and less reach, which is why you see modern race bikes going this direction. Assuming your back and head are fixed, this modern position and bike geo will generally be easier to hold for longer periods of time and better for power generation. The best aero position for you is the one that lets you keep your CdA the smallest over a long period of time.
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Found this today -
First watt number is 0-20sweep to show various wind angles; Second is head-on only; Test speed is not known, but probably 45kph; wheels are about 8w basic to best 65mm deep on road tire; bars are 3-5w at the same width here based on their other tests)
A decent gravel bike vs a good round-handlebar w/ climbing wheels vs TT bike vs Aero road (without rider or bottle, so the exact order isn’t important) Aero-Race-Rennräder 2024 im Test: Modelle von Storck, Canyon & Co.
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Without a rider the test is pointless
Also, comparing such different bikes without putting the results into context makes it less useful. E. g. the 3T Exploro was tested with wider tires and compared to aero road bikes. It is clear that the tires and the frame’s features to accommodate such wide tires have an impact. But is the values they measured good for a gravel bike?
I’d add context to say (hypothetically) “This how a best-in-class aero gravel bike compares to aero road bike.
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The sweep is pretty pointless as it’d over-emphasize the seat tube and rear wheel. Head on, probably gives you a decent number if they’re all using the same handlebar width.
Apart from anything else, the OP on this thread picked some ultra slow rolling road tyres in the Corsa N.ext.
Are they really that bad? A quick glance at Road Bike Tires Test Results | Bicycle Rolling Resistance shows gp5000s at an RR of 9 and the Nexts at 13 which in my mind is not “ultra slow”
Bearing in mind the roads I ride on are rough and puncture resistance is a priority. I’ve had awful experiences trying to fit gp5000s.
There is a reason why we aren’t all using TT tires on our road bikes. The fastest tire according to BRR is Vittoria’s Corsa Pro Speed TLR 28, which is significantly faster than the GP 5k.
Tires are a set of compromises, and the optimization point depends on your application. If you are on rough roads or you would like to cover some light gravel without breaking a sweat, then a TT-specific tire is not your best choice, even at the expense of a few watts.
I personally love the way the various Vittoria Corsas feel, their supple ride is addictive. If I lose a few watts, then that’s ok. In the offseason I often like to put on Corsa Controls — they have higher rolling resistance, but provide more grip and more puncture protection.
As an alround tire the Continental’s GP4k and 5k tires always belong at the top of the list as they are an 8–9/10 in most categories (provided that they fit on your rims). There are tires that do a few things better, but that comes at a cost.
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Are the Vittorias performing well? I bought a pair for my training wheels and was very disappointed. The rear one lasted way less than my GP5k STR. Talked to my friend and the option was a bit unanimous that they are not as good.
That’s kinda hard to answer. I’m happy thus far 
But I change my tires annually after winter anyway and I’ve had to replace both gp5000 and nexts due to sidewall slashes that couldn’t be fixed - sometimes the roads are not great 
Speed wise I couldn’t say if they’re better or worse than gp5000s. Grip wise they seem great in dry and wet weather. Comfort is good, but they’re big tires and that could be down to lower pressure.
On one very important metric they are better than gp5000s - they tend to be available to buy in the sizes I want 
. Doesn’t matter how great a tire is if you can’t buy it 
I liked them as well. I didn’t feel they were slower, and the riding was good. The GP5K is better, though. Didn’t have any punctures, but the durability was very disappointing. They would be my training/off-season tires. Summer I stick with the Contis.