Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost

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2009-07-09 10:22 AM

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Subject: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
Hi all.... I'm considering taking the plunge on some race wheels, but I'm trying to decide what would make sense for me. I'm probably not willing to spend a huge amount of money on a set of wheels, and am considering buying a trispoke or deep rim front wheel, and having a disc cover made for the rear. Can anyone offer any guidance on what the performance benefits might be of different depth rims? For example, How much more would a 90mm deep rim benefit me than a 50mm deep rim? It seems the deeper the rim, the higher the cost -- I'm just trying to get a handle on whether the higher cost is worth it for me...

Thoughts???

2009-07-09 10:49 AM
in reply to: #2272902

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
Deeper is generally faster, but it depends upon the conditions.  I think both Hed & Zipp have some charts on their websites where you can see the differences they measured in wind tunnels to get a rough idea and decide what's "worth it".  FWIW, I bought a used 808 off ebay a couple years ago and couldn't be happier with it.
2009-07-09 10:52 AM
in reply to: #2272902

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
I've heard the ideal combination for those of us on a budget are a tri-spoke front and a disc cover on the rear. No budget - trispoke front and disc rear. I would go used; there is usually a pretty good selection on eBay. A good used tri-spoke can be had for around $400; disc cover from Wheelbuilder.com for $50 or so. If tri-spokes are above your budget, used deep section HED's can be found for a little less. Tubulars seem to go for less than clinchers, but you can easily make that cost up in tires.
2009-07-09 10:53 AM
in reply to: #2272902

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Edited by JeepFleeb 2009-07-09 10:55 AM
2009-07-09 11:05 AM
in reply to: #2272902

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
Zipps are only fractionally more expensive as you get deeper (in the overall scheme).  So get what suits you best and the races you plan on doing.
2009-07-09 12:04 PM
in reply to: #2272902

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
I would caution you on going too deep on the front especially if ride/race in an area with a lot of wind. I have a 60mm on the front and have had some scary moments with crosswind. I personally would not go deeper on the front as the extra depth doesn't translate into enough extra speed for me to offset the risk of getting knocked over.


2009-07-09 3:19 PM
in reply to: #2272902

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost

Read this

http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/

Basically, a deeper rim will stall out at a lesser yaw angle and slower riders will be at higher yaw angles a greater percentage of the time, therefore a slower rider may actually be faster with a shallower wheel.

2009-07-09 3:48 PM
in reply to: #2274101

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Subject: RE: Race wheels: rim depth vs. time gains vs. cost
StarGazer - 2009-07-09 4:19 PM

Read this

http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/

Basically, a deeper rim will stall out at a lesser yaw angle and slower riders will be at higher yaw angles a greater percentage of the time, therefore a slower rider may actually be faster with a shallower wheel.



Thanks! That was quite useful!!
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