Deep Wheels on Roadies

Why do aero road bikes miss the point?  Yes, the largest amount of drag is created by the rider, but aero road bikes focus on the drag that is not created by the rider...and it still has an impact.  Cables, brakes, head tube, seat tube, seat post, down tube, stays, etc...they all see the wind.  Reducing drag in these areas will contribute to making you faster.

Do you think that deep wheels help TT bikes but may have no impact on road bikes?  I'm not understanding why you might think this or why you're asking the question.  Yes, deep wheels become somewhat insignificant when riding in a big peloton, but someone has to be in the front eating the wind.  And if you expect to win a race, or contend for the win...eventually you have to put yourself, your bike, and your wheels into the wind.  Or the many other situations during a road race where your wheels can't hide...such as if you're in a breakaway, crosswinds, etc.

As already mentioned, overall weight is usually not an issue for pros given the UCI weight minimum.  Pros on climbing stages may opt for lighter wheels to give them better acceleration for attacks on the last climb.  Still the same overall weight (whether they choose deep or shallow wheels), but reducing a bit of rotational weight when accelerating could mean the difference between marking an attack and getting dropped.

In terms of the OP, weight doesn't really matter at all since he is referencing pros, who need to meet the UCI weight minimum.  They should be able to meet the minimum weight easily...regardless of what wheel depth they choose.  Weight can matter a hair as I mentioned above...when you are worrying about low speed, but high power accelerations on steep climbs.  In those cases you aren't going fast enough (maybe less than 12 mph) for deep wheels to have a significant impact but the rotational weight's impact on acceleration can be a small factor.  Still small...but races are won and lost by narrow margins...especially if that narrow margin means you lose contact with the other contenders and the potential draft later on in the race.

Again...it depends.  Most times we have to climb, we also have to descend.  Aero wheels can help you descend faster...most times giving you more speed than you lose for the added weight (assuming we aren't talking about UCI minimum weights anymore).  

The "general" exceptions would be...

1.  You're doing an all uphill race, or a race with a significant net elevation gain.

2.  The descents are so technical that max speed is not an issue because you're constantly braking

3.  You're going to be descending in a group, can draft whoever is leading the descent, and aren't expected to come to the front and do work.

You guys are missing the point.  Some Zipp 404's on a road bike just look TOTALLY IN COMMAND. 

TW