Barrettscv
05-23-09, 01:50 PM
Are Aero wheels useful to long distance riders? What about tire size? Do you need to use a certain size to preserve the aero benefit?
Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Does anyone here use clincher Aero wheels?
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Six jours
05-23-09, 05:47 PM
Well, if you're trying to go as fast as possible, then aero wheels make a lot of sense. Personally, I don't quite know why the "personal best" riders aren't all mounted on time trial bikes with disk wheels, aero bars, and the rest of it.
If you're just out to enjoy the day, and don't care that you will end up a few minutes slower to the finish line, then the wheels don't matter as much.
There is an argument that aero wheels may not hold up as well as traditional ones. I think this is probably true for some of the ultra-low spoke count, trick lacing pattern, etc. wheels, but can't speak to the carbon multispoke wheels because I have rarely used them on the road.
Tires? Narrower is more aerodynamic, essentially without exception. You have to balance aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance, comfort, puncture resistance, and longevity yourself, though.
Fun, eh?
If you're just out to enjoy the day, and don't care that you will end up a few minutes slower to the finish line, then the wheels don't matter as much.
There is an argument that aero wheels may not hold up as well as traditional ones. I think this is probably true for some of the ultra-low spoke count, trick lacing pattern, etc. wheels, but can't speak to the carbon multispoke wheels because I have rarely used them on the road.
Tires? Narrower is more aerodynamic, essentially without exception. You have to balance aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance, comfort, puncture resistance, and longevity yourself, though.
Fun, eh?
CliftonGK1
05-23-09, 08:29 PM
The biggest issue I have with aero rims is the harsh ride. Those 40mm+ deep section hoops are really stiff. Combine that with low-count, high-tension spokes and high pressure narrow tires, and you're in for a butt-hammer of a ride.
The aero benefit provided isn't worth the fatigue it causes (IMO) through transferring every little road vibration to your hands and behind.
The aero benefit provided isn't worth the fatigue it causes (IMO) through transferring every little road vibration to your hands and behind.
Barrettscv
05-23-09, 08:37 PM
The biggest issue I have with aero rims is the harsh ride. Those 40mm+ deep section hoops are really stiff. Combine that with low-count, high-tension spokes and high pressure narrow tires, and you're in for a butt-hammer of a ride.
The aero benefit provided isn't worth the fatigue it causes (IMO) through transferring every little road vibration to your hands and behind.
Yes, I'm starting to see the limitations. Plus damaging a set of expensive wheels and being stuck in the middle of nowhere could lead to a bad day.
These are not traditional aero wheels, but they do look ideal for LD work: http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/ardennes_c2.asp
The aero benefit provided isn't worth the fatigue it causes (IMO) through transferring every little road vibration to your hands and behind.
Yes, I'm starting to see the limitations. Plus damaging a set of expensive wheels and being stuck in the middle of nowhere could lead to a bad day.
These are not traditional aero wheels, but they do look ideal for LD work: http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/ardennes_c2.asp
jimblairo
05-23-09, 08:43 PM
I do a lot of long rides on a set of Topolino AX 3.0 which are 40mm deep and they really soak up road vibration. The key is that they have 18 spokes on the drive side and 12 on the non drive side.
brian416
05-23-09, 09:04 PM
I do all of my long rides (100+ miles) with 50mm wheels and 23c tires. I use them all the time, I do not notice any problems using them for long distance, but I do not weigh much and I'm not very hard on wheels.
CliftonGK1
05-23-09, 10:17 PM
Yes, I'm starting to see the limitations. Plus damaging a set of expensive wheels and being stuck in the middle of nowhere could lead to a bad day.
These are not traditional aero wheels, but they do look ideal for LD work: http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/ardennes_c2.asp
The aero benefit from those HED wheels seems to be the 23mm profile and 23mm tires. Barring the weight difference, couldn't you save some $$ and build a set of Velocity Chukkers (32mm deep, 24mm wide) and a pair of Conti GP 24mm tires?
These are not traditional aero wheels, but they do look ideal for LD work: http://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/ardennes_c2.asp
The aero benefit from those HED wheels seems to be the 23mm profile and 23mm tires. Barring the weight difference, couldn't you save some $$ and build a set of Velocity Chukkers (32mm deep, 24mm wide) and a pair of Conti GP 24mm tires?
Barrettscv
05-24-09, 07:32 AM
;) Bike Polo!?
robertkat
05-24-09, 05:34 PM
The aero benefit from those HED wheels seems to be the 23mm profile and 23mm tires. Barring the weight difference, couldn't you save some $$ and build a set of Velocity Chukkers (32mm deep, 24mm wide) and a pair of Conti GP 24mm tires?
Those Chukkers weight like 8 tonnes. You're better off with the Velocity Fusion. It's light and strong, a bit aero, and looks cool. Besides, on a 400k, a set of aero wheels might save you a minute or two.
Those Chukkers weight like 8 tonnes. You're better off with the Velocity Fusion. It's light and strong, a bit aero, and looks cool. Besides, on a 400k, a set of aero wheels might save you a minute or two.
cheval
05-25-09, 05:08 PM
My longest timed event is a 160 mile ride across indiana. A new set of zipp 404s, according to zipps catalog, would only net me about 7 minutes of saved time. I just can't make myself spend $2400 to save 7 minutes.