Road Bike Racing - 90mm rear for road races?

Anyone ever done this realistically? I'm getting ready to order a new set of Stinger 60's for crits and rr's. Speaking with Tim at HED, he suggests that I take a look at the Stinger 90 rear for all an around. To me that seems WAY too deep and possibly even hard to handle on a technical course(like a disc is hard to handle on a technical course, not due to winds.) He doesn't seem to think it's a problem, and says the shortened spokes will make for a stronger wheel.

Anyone ever seen someone on a freaking 90mm rear ina crit or RR? That just seems crazy. I'll probably just stick to the 60's unless I see a compelling reason otherwise.

Thanks.

I've seen someone on 808's. Until the first hill.

Yeah, that's a decent point. I don't really do RR's(mainly crits), but will be doing a few more RR's this year. But.......the 90 is only 100g heavier than a 60.

But as I was driving home, the more I was thinking that the 60's will be much more versatile than a 90. So I'll still probably go with 60's. Unless, again, there is compelling reason to use their aeroness.

Seems like it doesn't add up for road racing. In a pack, how much of a benefit are you getting from a slightly more aero rear?

Pack?

I'm a breakaway artist. :)

I think you should get both..........and then let your I-Pro buddies borrow them.:D My new bike will be Campy so they should fit right up. Also, I prefer non-folding rims.:rolleyes:

Anyone ever seen someone on a freaking 90mm rear ina crit or RR?



I've seen some idiot run a full disc rear wheel in a crit. Me thinks Tim doesn't really know what's best.

Pack?

I'm a breakaway artist. :)

http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/92/77/22627792.jpg

I wear a bowler.

I've seen some idiot run a full disc rear wheel in a crit. Me thinks Tim doesn't really know what's best.

I know what you mean, but to ignore the top dog at HED about aerodynamics?

That being said, I did speak to the one pro guy that I know ran a 90mm in a RR. He liked it, and thinks it helped out, but I still think it's going to be a bit much.

I think you should get both..........and then let your I-Pro buddies borrow them.:D My new bike will be Campy so they should fit right up. Also, I prefer non-folding rims.:rolleyes:

Haha! Come to the dark side.

I know a pro Tri guy that races bikes (stage races manily) and uses 808's for everything. The rear is not the issue, it would be the front wheel in those pesky sidewinds, but he doesn't seem to have an issue.

Paul Curley always runs a disc or disc cover in back, and he's been masters' national crit champion a few times. Doesn't seem to hurt him or anyone else, and it's legal, so why not?

Yeah, Tim recommended a 60 front/90 rear. I do come from a tri background. Maybe that explains the stupidity.

And FABIAN CANCELLARA runs 808's front and rear.

That's it, if Fabian has it, so will I. They seem to make him faster. :)

Pack?

I'm a breakaway artist. :)
It's funny how much you can tell a rider's strengths and intentions by his equipment.

I know, but everyone around here already knows what I am going to do. Attack when the pace slows and go with any attack that looks promising.

The have nothing for the end if it doesn't stick. :(

Can't get away with anything deeper than 50mm here in MT. Much too windy... You'd wear yourself out trying to Jiu-Jitsu the handlebars.

I've seen someone on 808's. Until the first hill.

has nothing to do with the wheels, but thanks for the story.

has nothing to do with the wheels, but thanks for the story.

I still felt it was poignant. And you're welcome.

Guy on my old team rode 404 front, 808 rear all the time

T-Mobile rode 404f/808r in almost every flat stage of the Tour this year...

As did Fabian, Jens and Stuey.

I know what you mean, but to ignore the top dog at HED about aerodynamics?

.

it has nothing to do with aerodynamics... it has everything to do with him being a businessman. the're overstocked with 90s and are coming out with a new line in '08. they need to clear out the '07 stuff and are trying to push them.

be wary when a salesman says, "you need...."

it has nothing to do with aerodynamics... it has everything to do with him being a businessman. the're overstocked with 90s and are coming out with a new line in '08. they need to clear out the '07 stuff and are trying to push them.

be wary when a salesman says, "you need...."

Okay:

1. The 90's are the same price as the 60's.
2. If they're so overstocked, why are the 60's shipping while they are waiting on 90's to be built?
3. What's changing for 08?(I'll give you a hint directly from HED......nothing on the Stingers)

will the extra rotating weight of the 90mm be a hinderance to you?
Will slightly quicker accelerations or slightly faster climbing be a priority?
do massive crosswinds effect your race courses?

if you fancy yourself a breakaway artist, then they extra weight (provided climbing does not determine your planned races) shouldnt really matter, particularly if it does give you an edge (even if only a mental edge) over the 60.

If it were me, I'd get the 60... more versatile and lighter... and still very aero. i'm no TT specialist though.

either way, the 120 gram reduction at the rim would give me a mental edge, and this is most important to me.

Which wheel would make you "feel" faster... more aero, or lighter?


this conversation seems silly, but I know how you feel when it comes to selecting gear, so hopefully this helps.

-L

Yeah, I went ahead and went with the dual 60's. A teammate went with 90's for his TT bike, so I am going to borrow a 90 rear for a low priority race to see how it is.

That's why I was seeing if anyone had successfully raced a deep rear, to see if they thought the extra 100g was worth it, and to see about the handling, i.e. similar to a disc or more like a true spoked wheel. Like I said though, I went with the 60's because a couple of the races have sustained climbs in them, but also have 80% of the race where aero will be beneficial. Trying to find the best mix. I'll update once I ride the 90 rear to see what my impressionas are.

Thanks guys.

I'm late to this thread but so what.

What crits do you think the deep profile will help you in? Regardless of whether you're out front on the break or not, most of the crit courses I can think of around here are too "start and stop" to gain much of an advantage.

Would not use them at the Renaissance park because of the wind.
Ault Park would have no advantage (hill, never a break will be held)
Pur Tour would have little advantage maybe
Woodlawn would probably be good to use them
Troy and Miamisburg - no due to the course itself
Mid Ohio would be good

Playing percentages, I would not get them. But you are on a rival team. Go ahead, buy them. ;)

A lot of my racing will be done abroad as the tentative schedule says right now. I'd use them at Renn Fest, Pur Tour(definitely), Troy and Burg have that nice long front stretch, Ohio Police and Fire Games RR and crit are always pankake flat and I have been in the winning break the past 3 years. Frosty Toes, Lynchburg and Germantown would be good too. But, if I can, TX, PA, MO and IN are all on the schedule too.

And you should be pushing me to get them. It may be you and I hanging out front next year. :D

And BTW, I did go with the 60's.