Subject: RE: HED-3's for IM Canada? They're a good choice for IMC. I've used a H3 on the front with a disk there, and an Alps on the front with a disk.
The only place they can give you a problem is the descent from Twin Lakes. If the winds are blowing hard, that can be a pretty hairy descent. Fortunately wind conditions have been relatively mild for my races there. But in 2003 on some practice descents on that stretch, my buddies, who were using H3's front and back, and I were getting tossed around pretty good.
If the race is going to be your first time on the course, I strongly encourage you to drive the course and if at all possible ride the descent a couple of times (have someone pick you up at the bottom and take you back to the top ).
If anyone doing IMC is interested, I have a pretty detailed description of the bike course I can send you/post.
As for "breaking-in" the wheels. The only thing I can think is to get some miles on them to get used to the handling in windy conditions.
You can never own too many bikes, or too many sets of race wheels.
scott |