Subject: RE: Race Wheels Unfortunately, I can attest to the delamination problem with Renn disks. My experience ocurred while descending at 50+ mph from Yellow Lake at IM Canada this year. There's an aluminum ring around the outer edge of the disk that serves as the tube mounting surface and brake surface. The glue holding it to the nomex disk failed and the outer rim and tire separated from the rest of the disk.
When I contacted Renn I was told this was a problem with the first ~90 wheels they made and they had attempted to locate all of them to have them rebonded. I had bought mine used, and they weren't able to track down the original buyer, thus I had not been contacted. I had used this rim in a previous IM, a couple of 1/2's, and some shorter races without incident.
For the record, Renn replaced my damaged wheel with a new wheel.
Regarding cross winds, you're going to feel the effects on a deep dish front wheel such as a 404, Hed-3, or Alps before you will with a rear disk. Only in extreme wind conditions should you be concerned. If disks were allowed at Hawaii I'm sure most of the pro men and top AGers would be riding them.
Also, I think the weight issue is going to be negligible for any IM course in North America. Personally, my disk (and Renn's are heavier then most ) is lighter then my 32 spoke training wheels.
Besides, race wheels look cool! ;- )
scott
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