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Renting race wheels
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 2009-08-11 9:02 AM |
Expert  1010  Greer, SC |  Subject: Renting race wheelsI have my first 70.3 coming up in Sept and wondering everyones thoughts on renting race wheels. I have a Specialized Transition bike, but only the stock wheels. I think they are around $50-$100 to rent at my LBS. Is it worth it? My main concern is not being familiar with changing tires on different rims. If I did get them, I would get them once or twice beforehand to try out. Thanks! |
| 2009-08-11 9:11 AM in reply to: #2340947 |
Expert 1170  Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels www.racedaywheels.com Good operation--gives you a chance to ride the wheels for a couple days before, and you can choose clinchers or tubulars. They cost a bit more than the shop demos but they have some nice touches--My rental 1080s came with Zipp Tangente tires and a Zipp wheel bag... For tubulars, I keep a bottle of Vittoria Pit Stop in my back pocket on the bike leg. As for whether it's worth it, a pair of fancy race wheels may save a couple minutes on a 70.3 bike leg. There is a certain confidence/power boost to be had from bringin' the good stuff on race day, though, that far outweighs any aero advantage--throw some Zipps on there and you just WANT to go faster.  |
| 2009-08-11 9:20 AM in reply to: #2340947 |
Extreme Veteran 475 Watertown, MA | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels http://www.wheelbuilder.com/ |
| 2009-08-11 11:56 AM in reply to: #2340972 |
Master 1927 Guilford, CT | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels DrPete - 2009-08-11 9:11 AM www.racedaywheels.com X2. I just ordered a set of 808s from them for a race in a couple weeks and have heard good things about them. Costs about $150 bucks give or take depending on whether or not you get discs or whatever. |
| 2009-08-11 1:18 PM in reply to: #2341525 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels acumenjay - 2009-08-11 12:56 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 9:11 AM www.racedaywheels.com X2. I just ordered a set of 808s from them for a race in a couple weeks and have heard good things about them. Costs about $150 bucks give or take depending on whether or not you get discs or whatever. Just got my shipment for this weekend's race... I'm deciding how to spend my tax refund in the winter and have been trying various combinations of Zipps for a couple races... I think this will be the winner. I mean, really--when a set of race wheels make your bike look like this, how can you NOT want to go hard on the bike leg?  |
| 2009-08-11 1:26 PM in reply to: #2340947 |
Champion 8766  Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. |
| 2009-08-11 2:30 PM in reply to: #2341824 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 2:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. So what happens if you have a bad day and can't "back it up?" Oh, wait, that's right.... nothing. I'm pretty fast on the bike so I've never been accused of not "backing it up," but if you've got the cash and want to ride on nice wheels, go for it. The folks who claim you don't deserve them or whatever are saying more about themselves than you. Edited by DrPete 2009-08-11 2:30 PM |
| 2009-08-11 3:18 PM in reply to: #2341824 |
Elite 3315 Miami | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 1:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. w/e....its all in yoru head...why worry wtf others think..... wheels help you to get faster the end. i rode next to Matty Reed, well for the 3 seconds since he was going oh about 6-7 mph faster then me. i bet he was thinking, oh man this guy has nice wheels but can't ride like me, what a chump....I GUARANTEE that is what went through his head as Andy Potts was cutting into his lead. Yeah.....  /sarcasmdon't worry what others think about wheels. go and rent them if they make you faster and you gots the $$$ why not. Edited by trix 2009-08-11 3:20 PM |
| 2009-08-11 3:42 PM in reply to: #2342037 |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels DrPete - 2009-08-11 2:30 PM jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 2:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. So what happens if you have a bad day and can't "back it up?" Oh, wait, that's right.... nothing. I'm pretty fast on the bike so I've never been accused of not "backing it up," but if you've got the cash and want to ride on nice wheels, go for it. The folks who claim you don't deserve them or whatever are saying more about themselves than you. Well, maybe I should explain that I am a firm firm believer in working on the engine first. I'm a fat girl and I won't be caught DEAD on a bike with race wheels again until I'm not a fat girl anymore. Yeah, they can make you faster...but you can make you faster too. So I am a believer in making YOURSELF faster first. Once your engine is in peak shape THEN do things like fancy bikes and aero helmets and fast wheels. I'm not advocating against getting a decent bike or whatnot...because there is a huge difference between a mountain bike and a tri bike...I'm just saying don't go crazy until you've fixed the engine first. |
| 2009-08-11 4:08 PM in reply to: #2342280 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 3:42 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 2:30 PM jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 2:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. So what happens if you have a bad day and can't "back it up?" Oh, wait, that's right.... nothing. I'm pretty fast on the bike so I've never been accused of not "backing it up," but if you've got the cash and want to ride on nice wheels, go for it. The folks who claim you don't deserve them or whatever are saying more about themselves than you. Well, maybe I should explain that I am a firm firm believer in working on the engine first. I'm a fat girl and I won't be caught DEAD on a bike with race wheels again until I'm not a fat girl anymore. Yeah, they can make you faster...but you can make you faster too. So I am a believer in making YOURSELF faster first. Once your engine is in peak shape THEN do things like fancy bikes and aero helmets and fast wheels. I'm not advocating against getting a decent bike or whatnot...because there is a huge difference between a mountain bike and a tri bike...I'm just saying don't go crazy until you've fixed the engine first. Fat boy here, and I wouldn''t be caught dead without my race wheels. Work the engine for sure, but there's no reason you can't have every advantage you can afford. Frankly I don't see the difference between having a tri bike (vs road) and having aero wheels (vs stock). Anyone who does is selectively splitting hairs.. |
| 2009-08-11 4:38 PM in reply to: #2342280 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 4:42 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 2:30 PM jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 2:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. So what happens if you have a bad day and can't "back it up?" Oh, wait, that's right.... nothing. I'm pretty fast on the bike so I've never been accused of not "backing it up," but if you've got the cash and want to ride on nice wheels, go for it. The folks who claim you don't deserve them or whatever are saying more about themselves than you. Well, maybe I should explain that I am a firm firm believer in working on the engine first. I'm a fat girl and I won't be caught DEAD on a bike with race wheels again until I'm not a fat girl anymore. Yeah, they can make you faster...but you can make you faster too. So I am a believer in making YOURSELF faster first. Once your engine is in peak shape THEN do things like fancy bikes and aero helmets and fast wheels. I'm not advocating against getting a decent bike or whatnot...because there is a huge difference between a mountain bike and a tri bike...I'm just saying don't go crazy until you've fixed the engine first. So at what point is the engine fixed? Who do I need to check with before I race Zipps again? do I need to send a power file to someone for review? This is what I don't understand, because the "work on the engine first" thing always comes up--I'm ALWAYS working on my engine. "Engine work" is a lifelong process. Doesn't mean I'm going to deny myself some nice wheels for race day. |
| 2009-08-11 4:46 PM in reply to: #2342415 |
Elite 3315 Miami | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels DrPete - 2009-08-11 4:38 PM jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 4:42 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 2:30 PM jldicarlo - 2009-08-11 2:26 PM For your first 70.3, I would say "unnecessary". Go out there and get the experience. I raced a LOT before using race wheels at a race. I rented them from racedaywheels.com for my Ironman. And then I felt like a stupid idiot when I then ended up uber-slow on race day due to serious GI distress. Felt like every person I rode by was thinking, "Who does that girl think she is riding on race wheels...she needs training wheels!" Just my two cents...if you're going to bring the bling, better be able to back it up.... **NOT saying you can't back it up...just throwing it out there as a consideration. Let it be noted that I did not go check out the OP's logs or anything. Really I'm posting my two cents for the good of the COMMUNITY...a consideration for all. So what happens if you have a bad day and can't "back it up?" Oh, wait, that's right.... nothing. I'm pretty fast on the bike so I've never been accused of not "backing it up," but if you've got the cash and want to ride on nice wheels, go for it. The folks who claim you don't deserve them or whatever are saying more about themselves than you. Well, maybe I should explain that I am a firm firm believer in working on the engine first. I'm a fat girl and I won't be caught DEAD on a bike with race wheels again until I'm not a fat girl anymore. Yeah, they can make you faster...but you can make you faster too. So I am a believer in making YOURSELF faster first. Once your engine is in peak shape THEN do things like fancy bikes and aero helmets and fast wheels. I'm not advocating against getting a decent bike or whatnot...because there is a huge difference between a mountain bike and a tri bike...I'm just saying don't go crazy until you've fixed the engine first. So at what point is the engine fixed? Who do I need to check with before I race Zipps again? do I need to send a power file to someone for review? This is what I don't understand, because the "work on the engine first" thing always comes up--I'm ALWAYS working on my engine. "Engine work" is a lifelong process. Doesn't mean I'm going to deny myself some nice wheels for race day. apparently there is a committee you have to submit your stuff for review.... just to add one last comment, ESPECIALLY considering renting, i never have but how much is it $150-200 for a front wheel and a disc, man for 1x 5-6 hr race i think that is a good deal. Edited by trix 2009-08-11 4:47 PM |
| 2009-08-11 4:51 PM in reply to: #2340947 |
Pro 4507 Simpsonville, SC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels I say go for it! You will be at a disadvantage if you flat and you're not familiar with changing them, though. If you rent some clinchers, make sure you have tubes with valve extenders and you should be good to go. I <3 my race wheels. They make me FEEL fast and they sound so sexy, ooh la la  Pam |
| 2009-08-11 4:52 PM in reply to: #2340947 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels Actually, when you consider that a set like the 808 with a 900 disc sells for about $2500 retail, the $150-180 rental fee for a pair of Zipps starts to seem like a REALLY good deal, especially if you only use them for 3-4 "priority" races every season... and you always get the current season's model, at least from Marc at Race Day... The retail price of the 808/900 combo is good for 14 rentals... |
| 2009-08-11 5:07 PM in reply to: #2342438 |
Elite 3315 Miami | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels DrPete - 2009-08-11 4:52 PM Actually, when you consider that a set like the 808 with a 900 disc sells for about $2500 retail, the $150-180 rental fee for a pair of Zipps starts to seem like a REALLY good deal, especially if you only use them for 3-4 "priority" races every season... and you always get the current season's model, at least from Marc at Race Day... The retail price of the 808/900 combo is good for 14 rentals... see since i have 80 mm Flashpoin in the front, i think i will just rent a disc rather then buy, but i have not made the decision yet. cheapest disc (new) i found was the renn 575, so a zipp rear for 150 for HIM would make me happy. |
| 2009-08-11 6:45 PM in reply to: #2342473 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels trix - 2009-08-11 5:07 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 4:52 PM Actually, when you consider that a set like the 808 with a 900 disc sells for about $2500 retail, the $150-180 rental fee for a pair of Zipps starts to seem like a REALLY good deal, especially if you only use them for 3-4 "priority" races every season... and you always get the current season's model, at least from Marc at Race Day... The retail price of the 808/900 combo is good for 14 rentals... see since i have 80 mm Flashpoin in the front, i think i will just rent a disc rather then buy, but i have not made the decision yet. cheapest disc (new) i found was the renn 575, so a zipp rear for 150 for HIM would make me happy. **cough*cough**disc*cover**cough**<$100*cough** |
| 2009-08-11 7:28 PM in reply to: #2342636 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels the bear - 2009-08-11 7:45 PM trix - 2009-08-11 5:07 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 4:52 PM Actually, when you consider that a set like the 808 with a 900 disc sells for about $2500 retail, the $150-180 rental fee for a pair of Zipps starts to seem like a REALLY good deal, especially if you only use them for 3-4 "priority" races every season... and you always get the current season's model, at least from Marc at Race Day... The retail price of the 808/900 combo is good for 14 rentals... see since i have 80 mm Flashpoin in the front, i think i will just rent a disc rather then buy, but i have not made the decision yet. cheapest disc (new) i found was the renn 575, so a zipp rear for 150 for HIM would make me happy. **cough*cough**disc*cover**cough**<$100*cough** My Reynolds Solitude with disc cover is a full pound heavier than the 900 disc, and after my check ride tonight I can say that my regular wheel is nowhere NEAR as stiff. That's not even mentioning the kick-*** disc sound. |
| 2009-08-11 7:39 PM in reply to: #2340947 |
Master 1927 Guilford, CT | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels Nothing any of us do is necessary unless you are at the pointy end of the field looking to win a prize or are a pro. Spend it if you have it. All americans do is buy things they don't need, it's the very fabric of our society. My plan is to buy nice everyday wheels and then nice race day rentals for big races for fun. That's all it is...fun. |
| 2009-08-11 7:50 PM in reply to: #2342739 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels acumenjay - 2009-08-11 8:39 PM Nothing any of us do is necessary unless you are at the pointy end of the field looking to win a prize or are a pro. Spend it if you have it. All americans do is buy things they don't need, it's the very fabric of our society. My plan is to buy nice everyday wheels and then nice race day rentals for big races for fun. That's all it is...fun. There you go... Really, it's all absurd for us MOPers to have multi-thousand dollar rigs anyway. But riding the fancy stuff is fun, and my kid's not starving. |
| 2009-08-11 7:54 PM in reply to: #2342719 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels DrPete - 2009-08-11 7:28 PM the bear - 2009-08-11 7:45 PM trix - 2009-08-11 5:07 PM DrPete - 2009-08-11 4:52 PM Actually, when you consider that a set like the 808 with a 900 disc sells for about $2500 retail, the $150-180 rental fee for a pair of Zipps starts to seem like a REALLY good deal, especially if you only use them for 3-4 "priority" races every season... and you always get the current season's model, at least from Marc at Race Day... The retail price of the 808/900 combo is good for 14 rentals... see since i have 80 mm Flashpoin in the front, i think i will just rent a disc rather then buy, but i have not made the decision yet. cheapest disc (new) i found was the renn 575, so a zipp rear for 150 for HIM would make me happy. **cough*cough**disc*cover**cough**<$100*cough** My Reynolds Solitude with disc cover is a full pound heavier than the 900 disc, and after my check ride tonight I can say that my regular wheel is nowhere NEAR as stiff. That's not even mentioning the kick-*** disc sound. That one pound and stiffness are worth next to nothing in most triathlons. The cool sound, though, is priceless. Edited by the bear 2009-08-11 7:55 PM |
| 2009-08-11 9:24 PM in reply to: #2340947 |
Expert 1170 Southern Pines, NC | Subject: RE: Renting race wheels It is a consideration in hillier races, though. I totally agree, though, that the disc cover is the way to go on a budget. It's a little more high maintenance than just having a disc wheel, but hey--it's a 90-plus percent $$$ savings. |
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