Triathlon - Zipp discs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using rear disc wheels? Am planning to get zipp rear discs...

Advantage:
1. Aerodynamic.
2. Some people report a more "stabilized" feeling with a rear disc and deep front in cross winds as opposed to equal depth rims front and back.

Disadvantage:
1. depends on the disc, many are constructed differently. For instance:

a. the newest Zipp Sub 9 disc is apparently quite flexy, but very aerodynamic. It only comes in a tubular. It rubs on some peoples chainstays. It is light. REALLY expensive at $1900
b. Zipp makes a clincher disc, it doesn't rub peoples chainstays, is fairly light, is a clincher. Pretty expensive at $1500
c. Hed's new Jet disc is built around a training wheel and is similar in shape(so aerodynamic as well), but also stiff. Comes in clincher. Is quite light as well. Decent price at $1000
d. Renn multisports makes a completely flat disc(may not be as aerodynamic). Said to be flexy. Average weight. Best price at about $600

Really I think the only disadvantage to all discs is that you can't use the cheapest, most available powermeter, a wired powertap.

I would suggest that you consider purchasing an aero wheel cover to go over a rear wheel you already have. http://www.wheelbuilder.com can custom cut one for you for under $100. The wheel cover gives you all the benefits of a disc wheel (except for the awesome "whoop whoop" rolling sound), including the lenticular shape found on the higher priced discs, at a fraction of the price. For tris, there's really no reason, in my opinion, to get a disc wheel, unless you've got a lot of money to spend on the latest in disc wheel technology, or are planning on doing time trials where wheel covers are not allowed.

Thanks for all your expert advice...

I would suggest that you consider purchasing an aero wheel cover to go over a rear wheel you already have. http://www.wheelbuilder.com can custom cut one for you for under $100. The wheel cover gives you all the benefits of a disc wheel (except for the awesome "whoop whoop" rolling sound), including the lenticular shape found on the higher priced discs, at a fraction of the price. For tris, there's really no reason, in my opinion, to get a disc wheel, unless you've got a lot of money to spend on the latest in disc wheel technology, or are planning on doing time trials where wheel covers are not allowed.

I'll echo this...I thought it was total BS when I first heard about it but after researching and reading testimonials from folks on BF and Slowtwitch, it sounds like the real deal.

Any idea how much the wheel covers weigh? Did not see it on the web site.

Any idea how much the wheel covers weigh? Did not see it on the web site.

They are CH Aero Covers which are 540g uncut. Price Wheelbuilder site: $65 uncut, $80-90 cut depending on the wheel. Don't get it uncut if you know what's good for you.

Get one. They're great.

Do you guys leave these wheel covers on for training, or for race only?

Do you guys leave these wheel covers on for training, or for race only?

I do race only. It's not recommended for long term use, continuous use.

Do you guys leave these wheel covers on for training, or for race only?

For the two months that I had leading up to my HIM this summer, I raced a local TT each week. Just to save myself the trouble (and it isn't that big of a deal to change it out) putting it on and taking it off, I left it on for those two months including my weekly long rides. Doesn't seem any worse for the wear after about 800 miles.

I would guess taking it off and on has just as high of a probability of breaking, cracking it then just leaving it on.

And since its so cheap, I wouldn't freak out if it did crack or break. Now if I had a $2,000 disk, I would be afraid to ride it anywhere.

For the two months that I had leading up to my HIM this summer, I raced a local TT each week. Just to save myself the trouble (and it isn't that big of a deal to change it out) putting it on and taking it off, I left it on for those two months including my weekly long rides. Doesn't seem any worse for the wear after about 800 miles.

I would guess taking it off and on has just as high of a probability of breaking, cracking it then just leaving it on.

And since its so cheap, I wouldn't freak out if it did crack or break. Now if I had a $2,000 disk, I would be afraid to ride it anywhere.

I could see leaving it on for that, but I'm usually a month between Tris (except for this weekend and I have another in 2 weeks). Too late to get them this season, but maybe for next.....

For a month of training between races I would probably take it off, for two weeks, probably not. Depend how much time you like to tinker as well.

I think the key to the wheel cover is getting it on right, tight but not too tight, erring on looser than tight.

Great product for the price.