View Single Post
Old 08-19-05, 02:31 PM
  #2  
Jose R
downtube shifter
 
Jose R's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 573

Bikes: Custom DeanUSA El Diente CTI, Rich Adams Track, Johnny Coast Fixed, Argon18 Gallium Pro

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
I asked a similar question on FixedGearFever in the beginners help forum.

Spectrum provides a good (and opinionated) discussion on rims and wheels here.

Edward Zimmermann provides a good overview on lightweight tubular wheels here.

Neither is specific to track wheels, but good reading.

Since Kissena is an open air track with a bumpy surface, I personally decided on sub 350gm box-sectioned tubular rims laced 28 hole for comfort and lightweight. For the main reason that I am keeping steady at 60Kg.

Most people who ride the Zipps are well-funded (I guess mostly through sponsorship). Its a lot of change to drop on a set of wheels. I have seen good deals on 404 wheelsets (most recently Don Walker was selling a new pair for ~$1,000 in the sales forum).

You are bigger and stronger than me, so you should be able to handle the deep section rims better than I in cross winds.

But, to what benefit and at what cost? Most people have to choose between aerodynamics or lightweight. With the Zipps you get both.

I think you can have someone build a wheelset that would weigh <1,800gms (including tires) using strong light rims, DT revolution spokes, and D/A hubs for less than $600.

The Zipps are on average 1,800gms and priced retail at $1,600.

I think the issues you have to consider are:

your weight
how aggressive you are on the bike
the surface of the track
the wind and air conditions of the track
what type of racing you will be doing
Jose R is offline