Originally Posted by
TandemGeek
The only reason I could ever recommend something like racing wheels for a tandem that's not being used for racing is: (a) they look racy, (b) they feel more lively, (c) they're typically lighter than most conventional wheels, (d) they provide a huge placebo effect that can make your team train and ride harder or more often, and (e) you have the cash on hand to buy them as a second set of wheels.
Another reason to have racing-style deep dish rims is wheel stiffness. I had planned to get 45 mm Edge rims as a balance between weight and aero, but the Edge rims are limited to 28 spokes and their spoke holes are molded, which precludes drilling additional holes. Both Rich at Wheelbuilder and Jason at Fairwheel recommended therefore the deeper 66mm rims, as these both strengthen the rim and reduce spoke length.
It will be interesting to determine if these wheels are sufficiently stiff.
Another tandem-specific consideration with aero wheels is braking rim heat. Aero carbon rims are lighter than aluminum. For example, the
Edge 66 mm rim is 500 grams, whereas the
Velocity B43 (mm) aluminum rim is 770 grams. So, those wanting their aero wheel to be relatively light will want to consider a carbon rim. However, carbon does not dissipate heat so well as aluminum, and moreover can essentially melt at a lower temperature. Teams with greater team weight and on steep descents might damage their carbon rims more readily than they would aluminum.
For the rear wheel, this will not present a problem, as we will have an Avid BB7. We will have to be very cautious with the front. I will likely purchase an aluminum front wheel for rides with steep descents.