Triathlon - Aero Wheelset

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ex4cylnotch
01-27-09, 02:22 PM
Getting ready to start a 2nd season of triathlons, last year i did 4, this year im going to do 7 or 8 (2 of them being olympic distance and 1 half iron distance) This off season i worked on some more weight loss so i can go a little faster this year.

Right now im thinking would be a good idea to maybe make my bike a little faster. Looking at a maybe adding a set of wheels. Im looking for something that would be good to race and train on. for around $500, buying used is not an issue as long as they are in good condition. i have been looking at what others run. below is a list of what i have seen. Which of these would be a good choice? Or if there are others please name them.

Easton Vista
Cosmic Elites
Bontrager Aero race lite
Hed Jets
American Classics 420



thanks

Triguy
01-27-09, 05:46 PM
If we were just talking new wheels; I'd say these:
http://bikesoul.com/s4.html

And I'd put an Bontrager Aero TT 19mm tire on the front and a Bontrager Race Lite Pro 23mm on the back.
landshark1
01-27-09, 10:00 PM
How about putting a wheelcover http://www.wheelbuilder.com/store/product.php?productid=16265&cat=0&page=1 on whatever rear wheel you're currently running, and picking up a used Hed Tri-spoke for the front?

biffstephens
01-27-09, 10:06 PM
HED for sure....great for training and racing.

Many good places sell them and support them as well.
Psydotek
01-28-09, 07:34 AM
+1 for a rear wheel cover for a pseudo-disc wheel and a HED trispoke for the front.

I haven't done it yet, but this seems to be the best bang-for-the-buck approach.
StanSeven
01-28-09, 07:36 AM
Don't consider the American Classics. The rim is about the less aero shape you can find.
ex4cylnotch
01-28-09, 08:38 AM
Thanks for all the replies and information, im going to keeps my eyes on ebay for the hed 3 spoke.
Barchettaman
01-31-09, 09:01 AM
+1 for the Wheelcover option. Their website is easy to negociate, and they ship fast.

But bear in mind that something like 80% of the drag on the bike is YOU. Look carefully at your position on the bike - I have seen a number of clips on YouTube of people inviting opinions on their TT position (having set up the bike on a home trainer).

Alternatively, do you have an LBS that does fitting for triathlons? Maybe worth getting your bikefit checked out.

Oh, and maybe look at an aero helmet too, ride ´narrow´ to the toptube with your legs, get your elbows close together, get a NeverReach reservoir behind the saddle, shoe covers, aero front fork...... lots of little things will make a diff.