General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wheels...weight vs aerodynamics vs price Rss Feed  
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2005-08-29 9:32 AM

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Subject: Wheels...weight vs aerodynamics vs price

So I've just about convinced myself that I should be a little more financially responsible this winter and NOT buy a race bike like I REALLY REALLY want.  I've got my eye on rides like the P2SL with Zipps, P3SL, Kouta Kalibur, Litespeed Blade, and QR Lucero...$3000+ machines.  Instead I'm probably just going to pick up a nice set of race wheels for my current road bike and race on it for another season.  Then I'll be able to move the race wheels over to a new frame and build it up for the following season.

Anyway, the point of this post is to have some discussion of the benefits of weight savings vs. aerodynamics vs price when choosing a set of race wheels..assuming that I can only afford a single set of all-purpose race wheels.  I'd love to pick up a set of Zipp 606s since they seem to be about the lightest and most aero set of whels in the $1500 and under price range (with TriSports 15% discount).  But I've been doing a little research and found that the Hed Stinger 50 is nearly as light (1390g vs 1345g)as the Zipp for about $700 less but is going to be less aero since it's only a 50mm rim opposed to the 81/58mm of the 606.  That $700 could buy me a nice rear disc (Renn Madeiraor Hed ProLite) which would about make up for not having the deep rear of the Zipp set and also give me more flexibility...or I could just save the extra cash (back to that financially responsible thing again).  Finally, I'd consider the Hed3c...about 1500g and $1300 for the set.  Is the Hed3c more aero than the Zipps?  I've heard arguments both ways.  What about a Hed3c rear and a Hed Stinger 50 front? 

Now back to the question of weight.  Anyone know the trade-off of weight vs aerodynamics?  I guess it probably depends on the course and conditions...saving weight would probably be a priority on very hilly courses.

There are also others deep rim carbon wheels out there to consider...Ritchey WCS Carbon (1282g and $1150),



2005-08-29 10:05 AM
in reply to: #236332

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Subject: RE: Wheels...weight vs aerodynamics vs price

How about a Felt B2 with Zipp 404's & Durace for $2K @ http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/?

Check out the zipp website for some aero info and a little bit about weight:

http://www.zipp.com/tech/aero.shtml

http://www.zipp.com/tech/whrims.shtml

From what I have read I think your aero gains will really depend on your average speed on the bike now.  Good luck I think you have a hard decision or two to make



Edited by jf3boardman 2005-08-29 10:08 AM
2005-08-29 11:06 AM
in reply to: #236332

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Subject: RE: Wheels...weight vs aerodynamics vs price
Something to consider is the type of racing you will be doing. I have found that the Tri's in my area are techical and have rolling hills, not a lot of flat, striaght sections. So for me I looked around and went with Nimble Crosswinds, light, areo and the cost is in line with the others. For me they were a good combination of all the attributes you listed.
2005-08-29 11:30 AM
in reply to: #236332

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Subject: RE: Wheels...weight vs aerodynamics vs price
Thanks.  The Crosswinds are 1550g for the set and run about $1400.  I'll add them to the list of options
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