Flo Cycling Wheels (Page 17)

I started this thread based on your offer to facilitate a group buy with BT forum members... to retract that offer nearly a year later would be bad business... just sayin'....

Scott,

I have to apologize.  You and I had a private conversation regarding a group buy about a year ago.  At the time I told you that our group buy details and pricing were not yet established and that a group buy would be available to teams and groups.  I did not mean a forum... but that was your understanding of my message and I cannot fault you for that.  I would like to apologize for the miscommunication since my ability to convey my message is ultimately my responsibility.  So for that I'm sorry. 

All of that said...  A lot has changed in a year.  Most importantly our carbon fiber factory changed.  What does that mean for us?...

• Pricing has gone up
• No more price breaks on higher quantity orders (where the group buy idea originated)
• Higher priced molds
• etc.

I realize that BT has been a big supporter through this whole process and we appreciate the support more than anything.  Because I was not clear in my message and because this forum has been so good to us, we are going to offer a 1 time group buy for the members of BT.  The details will be released when they are ready. 

All the best and sorry again for the miscommunication,

Thanks for asking.  Molds are progressing really well at the factory.  We are currently placing component orders for our first big order and awaiting final prototypes before the production of our first full sized order begins. We are doing our best to offer the pre-order in February and hope to ship wheels in the April-ish time frame. 

Let me know if you have any additional questions,

 Although the wait has been hard, the delay worked in my favor as I should be getting a little bonus check in January or February  Can't wait to use my new Flo's in the 2012 season for my first Ironman attempt. Thanks for sticking with it and making sure that you put out a quality product at a HUGE discount over the big boys.

*cough*powertap*cough*

Ugh, this cold is killin' me.

Excited about this!  Now if I can just decide on 60's front and back or 60 front/90 back.  I'm thinking 60/90 as I'm a bigger guy, but just not sure.

The FLO 60 and FLO 90 are both great wheels.  It really depends on how you plan on using them.  Can I ask you a few questions?

• What will be your primary use for the wheels?  Triathlon, cycling, training etc.
• You mentioned leaning towards a FLO 90 rear since you are a bigger guy.  Can I ask why?

Take care,  

I only have a road bike and use it primarily for triathlons, group rides, and some local training crits.  I'd really like to only have 1 set of wheels, though after getting these, I still have my stock wheels to fall back on as needed.  The reason I equate the 90 with being bigger is just because being 210+ I wouldn't be as impacted by crosswinds as much as a 160 lb rider might be.  Please correct me if I am wrong.  I know your aero data for the 60's and 90's is similar.

I think both wheel would be great fits for you.  Crosswinds have a much smaller effect on a rear wheel.  I weigh 155lbs and have never noticed a cross wind on my deep rear wheel.  The front wheel is where people notice the force.  This is because less weight is over the front wheel and because it has an additional degree of motion (the steering tube).  

Here are some considerations for the FLO 60 and FLO 90.

The FLO 60 is a little bit lighter.  If you plan on doing a lot of hilly crits, road races and even triathlons, you might enjoy the extra weight savings... especially since the aero benefits are pretty similar.  

The FLO 90 may be a better rear wheel if you decide to buy a wheel cover.  This is because our FLO DISC is based off of the FLO 90 shape and... adding a wheel cover will most likely give you the same aero benefits of our FLO DISC which are pretty substantial.  

All in all both are great choices for a rear wheel and I don't think you can really "go wrong" with either one.  I would suggest that you do not make your decision based on the effects of a crosswind on your rear wheel.  It just doesn't matter enough to be influencing your decision.  I would make the decision based on "your intended use" and what I mentioned above.  I think that will make you happier with your decision in the long run.  

I hope that helps.  Let me know if you have any additional questions, 

Chris-

    No apology necessary... I appreciate your reconsideration on the topic... I honestly think a group buy on BT will be a great opportunity for your company to get a bunch of wheelsets in the market in short order... I know there have been a lot folks on here waiting out the delays and will be thrilled to be riding the new FLO's next season... nothing more potent in a competitive marketplace than positive word of mouth advertising from satisfied customers.... keep us posted on the status...

Scott

Good questions!  We don't have specifics on our new wheels yet.  That is because our carbon factory is currently building our first samples.  We hope to have them soon.  As a ballpark guess I will say 100grams.  

For the spokes... (64) 260mm CX-Ray spokes weigh 278 grams.  Our rear spokes on our Standard wheelsare are 292mm and 294mm long.  That is a 293mm average.  Our rear spokes on our Clydesdale wheels are 298mm and 300mm which averages out to 299mm  So doing al little math...

278/64 = 4.34 grams per spoke (at 260mm)

4.34/260 = 0.0167 grams per mm of spoke

Standard Wheel

0.0167 * 293 = 4.895 grams for 1 FLO spoke for a Standard Wheel

24 * 4.895 = 117.48 grams of spokes for a Standard rear FLO Wheel.

Clydesdale Wheel

0.0167 * 299 = 4.995 grams for 1 FLO spoke for a Clydesdale Wheel

28 * 4.995 = 139.87 grams of spokes for a Clydesdale rear FLO Wheel.

Therefore 139.87 - 117.48 = 22.38 grams

Finally add 12.8 grams for the extra 4 nipples and you get... 35.18 grams extra for a clydesdale wheel.

Thanks again for your question.

Chris,

I am getting excited again for Flo wheels and can't wait. I have been looking around for wheels for some time and will definetly be getting some for next season. I think you guys are doing a great job keeping everyone informed on what's going on, and being honest in your situations and testing.

I think alot of companies would probably tell everyone to buy the most expensive ones the 90/90, or buy the disc. Even though you guys will be selling a disc, you tell people it would be similiar to just get a wheel cover on the 90. Where as other companies would probably say, buy the 90 and the disc. So I think that says something right there about Flo's integrity as a company.

Can't wait, black wheels with white logos will look great on my black frame/white logo'd bike, although I was faster when I had my red bike.

Thank you for the kind words.  We realize that not everybody can afford 3 or 4 wheels.  Affordability is the whole reason we started this journey.  We are just firm believers that by helping our customers make the right choice... they will in turn be happier customers.  We'd much rather have happy customers with 2 wheels than customers who feel misled with 3 wheels.  I remember the whole bike buying process when I got into cycling.  It was overwhelming with so many choices and so many things to learn about.  I know I would have appreciated an honest answer back then, so it only make sense to give out honest answers now 

All the best,

Hey Chris,

I am also back and forth on the 60/60 vs. 60/90. I am a smaller guy (135 lbs.) and average about 20-21mph on longer courses. I want these wheels mainly for my Kueen-K during triathlons but I like the durability of the wheels and the idea that I can throw them on my road bike when I want to feel fast. The 60/60 may be better for the road bike but I want the most benefit for my triathlons.

What are your thoughts on a wheel cover on the 60 rear? Would this be close to the same as a cover on a 90 rear or is it to hard to tell without wind tunnel testing?

So many decisions.

Thanks,

Steve

Oh I completely understand.  Anyone who is balking at paying your price for what you are offering is off their rocker IMO.  I was just giving you a hard time.  I owe you a beer.