Flo Cycling Wheels (Page 28)

I tried to find if this question was asked and answered, so I apologize if it is a repeat...

Any issues adding a power tap to any of the wheels?

Thanks!

I'll chime in since I saw the answer in either this thread or the other one.

No, you can't lace the rim to a PT hub.  The PT flange is a different size than the hubs Flo is using.  That difference changes the angle the spokes enter the fairing and so the spokes won't fit in the holes as currently manufactured.

dgunthert is correct.  Powertap may be an option in the future but not out of the gate.  

Thanks dgunthert!

Dear FLO,

Do you have a pic of any of the FLO wheels with any color besides white? Also, are there any pics of a tri-bike with a FLO Disc/FLO 90? I looked online and I could only find pics of 90/60 and 60/60.

All of those who have signed up for the launch will have access to full detail high resolution (all the colors you can imagine) pictures on the 20th of February.  I don't have any pictures currently of the 90/DISC on a tri bike but I do have this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkaNzLQMHjk

Thanks for your patience as we compile a huge amount of content.

Take care, 

Happy to help.  You can tack the extra discount on when I order.  

the only decision left for me is white decals or stealth.

I know this is just a shot in the dark, but I want to make sure I have enough money already in my paypal account, should about $100 cover shipping for 3 wheels to nebraska. I'm sure for weight it'll be fine, wasn't sure on size.

Keep in mind USPS has a reciprocal agreement with Canada Post that charges a maximum $5 Duty Fee - we don't get that type of rate from any courier.  Hard to avoid the GST, but sometimes you get lucky, but the Feds usually want their money on anything imported.  As long as we're not paying an additional state tax in the US, it's not too bad.

Canadians by in large get screwed by having a distrbutor because it simply adds extra costs.  The downside being when you have issues with a product you now need to try and deal with returns, etc. cross border, which is never fun.

Just checked.  If you use USPS $100 will be plenty.

Take care, 

Well, between 12 and 20 degrees of Yaw, the 90 is better.  And the weight means pretty much nothing.

However, I wonder if there isn't just a little bit of error in the wind tunnel testing because I don't see how a 60 can flow BETTER than a 90 at low yaw angles.  At best, it could flow equal. 

Based on the randomness of real world wind conditions...if the wind tunnel values are actually completely right then you probably would not have a reason to opt for the 90 unless you lived in a windy area.

Here is some information on how to choose your wheels...

Front Wheel
Our FLO 60 and 90 have similar aerodynamics.  The FLO 90 is faster until about 12 degrees of yaw and our FLO 60 is faster at yaw angles greater than 12 degrees.  This is a common trend among other aero wheels on the market.  It is known that faster riders experience shallower yaw angles.  It's just how the physics works out.  This means faster riders (riders who have and average speed of ~24mph or greater) will benefit more from the FLO 90.  Athletes averaging more humane speeds will benefit more from the FLO 60.  Also, keep in mind that the FLO 90 will be a little more touchy in cross winds. Our new fairing shapes allow all of our wheels handle much better in cross winds when compared to standard aerowheels... but... if you are at all nervous about bike handling, the FLO 60 will be an easier wheel to handle on the front.

Rear Wheel
The rear wheel may be a bit of a different story.  To start, crosswinds really don't effect a rear wheel like they do a front wheel.  This is because there is no steering axis.  For this reason don't base your choice on handling your bike in a crosswind.  Let me give a few examples of what rear wheel choices you could make and why...

Rear FLO 90 
Based on our experience from talking with thousands of people, I would imagine most triathletes will go with a FLO 60/90 combo.  The main reason for this choice is versatility and aerodynamics.  For athletes who are not able to also buy a FLO DISC, the FLO 90 will make a great covered wheel.  Our FLO DISC was based on the FLO 90 shape.  Therefore, a covered FLO 90 should be the next best thing when compared to our FLO DISC.  Getting FLO DISC aerodynamics by simply adding a wheel cover to you FLO 90 gives triathletes a lot of versatility.  Very aerodynamic versatility at that.

Rear FLO 60 
The rear FLO 60 may work better for road cyclist who are racing crits, stages races etc.  Because the rear FLO 60 is lighter, it will help with the continual accelerations you experience when racing crits and the heaving climbing you can experience in some stage races.  The FLO 60 should also be very aerodynamic if you ever need to use a wheel cover.  We haven't tested the FLO 60 covered... but I'm sure the aero benefits would still be very good.  

So you ask... aren't triathletes also concerned about weight?

Good question but...
Since triathletes spend much less time accelerating and typically spend less time climbing, the weight is much less of a concern.  This article here explains why (http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Why_Wheel_Aerodynamics_Can_Outweigh_Wheel_Weight_and_Inertia_2106.html).  For that reason I think most triathletes will benefit more from having the ultra aero option of adding a wheel cover to their FLO 90.

FLO DISC 
A disc wheel is always the fastest wheel.  The FLO DISC is super fast and if you want the ultimate "get from point A to point B in as little time as possible wheel", get the FLO DISC.  

In the end the FLO 60 and FLO 90 are both very aero wheels and any of the combos, 60/60, 60/90, 90/90 will make great choices that are much faster than a standard wheelset.  The aerodynamics of the FLO 60 and 90 are very similar... so... if you have your heart set on any of the above combos, you really can't go wrong with any of them.

I hope this helps,

Sorry Chris, I must have read the chart BACKWARDS.  That's comforting to see because I was doubting the results when I interpreted it that way.

No worries!

In your opinion, how does the Flo Disc (non ceramic bearing) stack up to the Zipp 900 Clincher.

I guess what I am asking is, I will be making a disc purchase in the next month and this will be my first disc.  I currently ride 90mm aero wheels front and back and looking for a rear wheel upgrade.

New 900's are in the $1800 range compared to $500 for the Flo into price.  However, 2011 900's can be found pretty regulary at or under $1,000.  So, while double the price is quite significant, the "risk" with Zipp is basically non existant.  The name itself will carry a high resale value, the quality and speed is well known and there are thousand of true athlete reviews and feedback out there.

In your opinion, how close will the Flo disc measure up to the 900 over a 40k, or even 140.6?  Not looking for scientific data, but rather opinion.  Since their are no athlete reviews and real world feedback, this is the best I can do right now.

What are you looking to compare?  Aerodynamics?  Construction? Weight?

Once I get a better idea of what you are asking it will help me better answer your question.

5 grams is quite small and would likely not be that noticeable.  Here is a rule of thumb for wheels tested at 30mph (like ours were)

50grams of drag ~= 5 watts ~= 0.5 seconds per kilometer  

We can divide that by 10 and we get...

5grams of drag ~= 0.5 watts ~= 0.05 seconds per kilometer

Over a 40K... you would save... roughly 2 seconds if you chose the FLO 90 over the FLO 60 and your yaw angles were < 12degrees.

All the best,

Well, i know your disc is only slightly heavier, which is not a concern for me racing mostly in the south on flat courses and aero trumps weight anyway.

Looking for more aerodynamics and construction comprison.  I know your are using the wide fairing and they use the toroidal design on their clincher discs, but does your evidence show your design to be "faster", equal or slightly "slower"?  If you believe it to be "faster", the obvious question follows.....how can your price point be 66% less for a wheel you believe to be "faster"?

That would bring me to contrsution, obsiouly the hubs are different and they have years of reviews and testimony behind their hubs, so maybe the consumer confidence just isn't there yet in yours, so it has to gain reputation to gain value/price.

I guess what I am asking, in the simplest manner is - many people (I'm on the fence and looking to be tilted one way or the other) think this might be too good to be true.  Could I really get a new clincher disc that is as fast/almost as fast for 50%-66% cheaper than buying a Zipp.  Is this price point so low because the longevity of the wheel is comprimised?  How can this be??

Basically trade $500 - $1300 for 2-4 minutes over a 140.6 when compared directly to the Zipp?

I understand the trade up from a regular open faced wheel to your 60's/90's and a disc, and I agree 100% and even recommended two friends who will make their first aero wheel purchase with the first pre-order (you're welcome ) .  I even understand the upgrade from the 90 (or a SRAM S80 in my case) to a disc, and that is why I want to make the upgrade.  My decision is comparing your wheel to the industry leader.  You have it beat in price (easily) - but at what cost?  Is there any?

Yeah, I said that would be simple and it was anything but. Sorry. 

I have a couple of questions that are pretty trivial

1. How hard will it be to remove the stickers?

2. do you plan on selling the stickers?

just wondering how easy it would be (or if it will be possible) to change the color after my initial decision on the preorder. I know what wheels I am going to get but not the color.

...the final detail so i can relax until thursday :D

Now you can rest easy

Take care, 

During the pre-order we are going to do our best to keep the shipping estimates accurate in the cart.  Depending on how many people purchase right at 10am, that could be difficult to do.  We will also be keeping updates on our Facebook wall.  

After the dust settles we will be sending out a final schedule.  If anyone is unhappy with where they order fit in we'll ask them to let us know and we can refund the money if necessary.  

If we sell a large quantity of wheels we will do everything we can to expedite production in the factory as well.  

Right now there are a lot of unknowns, once we see what happens Thursday, the details will be much clearer.

All the best,