MonsterFat

i am looking to replace my current wheels and have read/searched the forum and the net but I am still left with the following quandry: When looking at training wheels of similar weight(within 100 or so grams) and cost, how does one choose rim depths? I recognize in a race situation the benefits of aero vs weight but does that really matter for training? Some examples are Fulcrum 5's vs Quattros, Shimano C24 vs C35, Krysium WTS vs Cosmic Elite S. Not really sure how to decide? Thanks for any input. I'm not really looking for particular recommendations more some guidance in what criteria to use as a guage or if the differences really don't matter.

caloso

For training wheels, rim depth would be way down on the list of considerations, after reliability, repairability, and cost.

Elvo

Rim width > weight > "aerodynamics"

Homebrew01

Yup. The amount of attention paid to "aero" out of competition is puzzling.

MonsterFat

OK, thanks for the input. That's pretty much the way I saw it too. There is so much chatter about aero performance in reviews and comments I was thinking I was missing something.

RJM

Depends if you think strava is competing.

For training wheels I would choose based on reliability, durability, cost and aero wouldn't really factor into it.

Igualmente

From what I've read and learned, the aero differences between wheels in the 24 to 35 mm rim depth range depend a lot on specific wheels rather than rim depth and are generally minimal. In most cases, I think we are probably talking a couple of watts or less difference (per front wheel) at 40kph, and maybe less than that for the rear wheel. So the assumption that there is an aero gain of say more than 3 or 4 watts is somewhat questionable. I should add that there are "deeper" wheels in the 24-35mm range that will excel a bit more than I suggest above, and "shallower" wheels in the same range that will be particularly poor, but you really need data to know which they are.

Clipped_in

Don't forget sexy!

andr0id

I'm liking the Velocity A23 now for everyday use. I have them on 2-1/2 bikes now.

I can run 23 or 25 tires very easily, and they weight is very reasonable.

caloso

Mine certainly fail. They're 32 spoke Weinmann touring rims on Tiagra hubs.

chaadster

Ensuring you get all the other characteristics and features you want, you buy the deepest rim you can afford. Why wouldn't you?

Otherwise, you buy the cheapest wheel.

But, I'm betting the racing/training paradigm is not really relevant, in the sense that the race wheels and tires are too precious and delicate to use regularly, if they exist at all.

caloso

True. I used to train on clinchers and race on tubulars. Now that carbon clinchers have become much more reliable and cheaper, as well as better clincher tire options, there is less and less reason to save your carbon wheels for races.

MonsterFat

Not entirely sure what you mean?

chaadster

What's your objective in distinguishing these new wheels from your race wheels? What do you think you gain, and what do you think you sacrifice in doing so?

MonsterFat

I think you are misreading my original post. I'm not asking about training v racing. I was asking why aero rims matter in a non-race wheel and whether or not that should enter into the decision making process.

chaadster

So the race vs. training paradigm is not relevant, as I suspected, but I'm confused as to why you keep phrasing everything in those terms.

I don't know what you're really trying to ask, but obviously aero is a benefit, not a detriment, so I don't understand why, all else being equal, you wouldn't want it. Maybe your question is one of cost/benefit? In any case, I think it would be helpful to you to stop couching the considerations in terms of "racing" and "training," since besides being complicating, is not even relevant.

RollCNY

If you want to lose weight, you hire a "trainer". Exercise in the vernacular is often called "training". The OP referred to "training wheels" in his post, so if we must be so literal, why not recommend 8" plastic wheels, and then point to articles about balance bikes vs training wheels?

OP, prioritize anything you want. They are your wheels, and there are no right or wrong answers, only opinions. Buy the ones that make you want to ride more.

MonsterFat

I'm sensing a bit of an attitude, I won't bite. Instead I will consider the opinions of those who wish to be helpful rather than suspicious, argumentive and semantic.

Herbie53

something sturdy, not super heavy, and easy to change tires on with cold fingers.

StanSeven

Relatively moderate aero will give you a minute or more time difference over a hard 60 minute effort. If that benefit matters, then consider aero. If you aren't a heavy rider and ride mostly on decent roads, carbon wheels will last a long, long time. As others said, wider is also better. So moderately aero (40-50) will get you reasonable reliability, some speed improvement, and a nice look to your bike. The downside is strong crosswinds CSan make handling a little tricky.

Trsnrtr

One thing when comparing wheel sets that I've had experience with lately is that many companies use proprietary spoke systems. For example, the Fulcrum 5s use a special spoke system.

Just saying that nipple and db spokes are easy to service. Some of the others aren't.

Igualmente

Supplementary Question:

Is it worth using deeper wheels for training not because of aero gains, but because it helps one to get used to dealing with crosswinds etc?