domestique

Calling all wheel experts,

I'm looking at getting some new racing wheels. Something light, decently priced (400-800 bucks) but mainly "aero". With my price being at the lower end of the spectrum I know I will have to sacrifice weight for a deeper rimed wheel at a cheaper price.

SO....... My question is: How much of a difference do "aero" wheels make? and how deep do the rims have to be until you start benefiting? Should I go with a 100-200 g heavier wheel if it has a deep aero rim, instead of a lighter weight wheel with no "aero" ability?

Background: I am 146 pounds and mainly do RR's centuries and some Crits.

Any websites with supporting research would be awesome!

Thanks in advance.

bigskymacadam

you won't neccessarily sacrifice weight for aero. my rolf prima 34mm vigors weigh in at under 1500 grams. They're bombproof.

i let the other's chime in though. i'm not close to being a wheel expert.

urbanknight

I've seen people win on almost every different kind of wheel there is, but I'm sure you want to know which is most advantageous. If you mostly do crits, you want something with good lateral stiffness, and a deep rim usually helps out in that area.

With that said, I'm not sure what you consider "aero" but I was recently considering lacing these up to some Record hubs.
https://oddsandendos.safeshopper.com/9/130.htm?389
Very lightweight for 30mm deep aero rims. I think I have decided to get the Velocity Aerohead instead, but that's because I'm a recreational rider now (no racing anymore) and just want to climb better while I already descend better than my riding partners. Anyway, here's a link, and they can build these up for you within your budget easily.

rruff

I'd recommed some of Mike G's Niobium 30s or IRD Aeros (same rim), with aero spokes... either WS AE15s (cheaper) or CX-Rays (the best)... maybe with some heavier spokes on the drive rear. Any hubs you like. Wheels like these are not very expensive, but the data shows they should be good for at least .2mph on the flat compared to something like Open Pros with round spokes.

Here is all the aero wheel test data I could find. If you have questions, post them.

https://forums.roadbikereview.com/sho...ero+wheel+data

RD Olivaw

This link from another thread should answer you question -

https://www.cervelo.com/content.aspx?...i=Aerodynamics

Apparently aero wheels can save you 1-2 minutes over a 40k TT.

operator

The deeper the section the more the benefit. 30mm+ at least.

botto 

if you want to do a solo flyer, and ride at 25-28 MPH and faster, then sure, they're worth the cash.

otherwise, i suggest you spend the money on something else, like beer and chips, or seeing as you're in school - books, then beer, then chips and dip.

merlinextraligh

worth it, is a relative term. I have Zipp 303's and 404's. I rarely ride the 303's and wouldn't buythem if I had it to do over. 38mm rim section is not really deep enough to get much advantage. (In fact the new 303's are deeper in apparent recognition of that. the 404's however at 58 mm do dfinitely make a differnece.So the issue is wether 1/2mph, at best, when your riding solo or pulling. (because its not going to matter much in the draft) is worth $1500 bucks.

mrkott3r

Wrong! its beer, then hipster food, then books!

nitropowered

+1 beer first, then bike parts, then you somehow manage to pay utility bills and rent

seely

Something to consider is that in a side wind, aero rims can be a handful. I'm 150lbs so I get blow all over the road in a crosswind on my aero rims, plus I can feel the weight on the hills for sure. For an all around wheelset I would say they are not a good idea, but if you can afford several wheelsets then it would probably be beneficial to have an aero set.

FunkyTang

What is hipster food?

blackcannon

I just bought the Forte Titan wheelset from Performance bike and can't wait until they come...Building my own very first bike...Relatively cheap price for a wheel that people have said is the exact same wheel as the Neuvation M28 without the stickers...

Check out the Neuvation M28 reviews...
Check them out here...

ranger5oh

AT 146lbs.... Id say a better investment is a pass to the local gym and some protein shakes

mrkott3r

food hipster eat!

usually non-GM, veggo, good quality stuff.

None of this maccas or potato chips.

They usually drink the "micro" brewery beer as well.