Wheel Weight or Better aerodynamics

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2006-04-10 7:26 AM

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Subject: Wheel Weight or Better aerodynamics

Given a bike course that has moderately rolling to hilly terrain, would I be better off with a a lighter wheel set or a more aerodynamic wheel set.  The trade off in weight is approximately 1.2lbs.  It seems to me the lighter wheels would be better since you have to pull that weight up hills (but then again, on the backside of the hills, the better aerodynamics would take over). So would you choose lighter or more aerodynamic?

Chris

2006-04-10 7:44 AM
in reply to: #392254

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Subject: RE: Wheel Weight or Better aerodynamics
AERO!!!!!
2006-04-10 7:54 AM
in reply to: #392267

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Subject: RE: Wheel Weight or Better aerodynamics
aero always trumps weight ............
2006-04-10 8:28 AM
in reply to: #392254

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Subject: RE: Wheel Weight or Better aerodynamics

Sorry to be be so brief before--was running into a meeting.

Weight is important for long mountain climbs or very technical rides (lots of slowing & re-acceleration).  Once you are moving, aerodynamics is the single most important factor.  If you can go light & aero, great.  If you have to choose, aero is your best bet for virtually any tri course. 

I decided to invest in a PowerTap and wanted to be able to train everyday with it.  So I now have a heavier rear wheel than before (more spokes & the weight of the PT itself).  But I also got an aero cover for the wheel so it is effectively a disc from an aerodynamic profile.  While it is a "heavy" disc, I don't think this will have much impact on my racing (including Timberman this year and possibly IMLP next).

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