Originally Posted by
waterrockets
I believe you that you can feel a difference, I just don't understand the mechanics of it. With respect to radial deflection in the rim relative to the center of the hub, we're talking about fractions of a milimeter. Changing that stiffness by even 100% would still result in an imperceptible amount of rim deflection.
The buzz, I don't know how to quantify something like that. You're feeling it in one of three places: bars, saddle, pedals. If there's vibration in the bars, it's because they're vibrating themselves, not because of some vibration in the rim. The pedals and saddle are unlikely to vibrate due to all the water (your body) sitting on them.
For a rim to smooth out a rough road, it has to be deflecting the same amount as the bumps are pushing up. That would mean 2-10mm on most chipseal roads around here, minus whatever the tire absorbs. I don't see how a wheel handles that.
Have you tried the Mavics at 160psi vs. the Topolinos at 160psi?
The only way I can explain it is trying holding a piece of steel in your hand and hit the other end with a hammer. You will feel the vibration running through the steel to your hand. Now try the same thing with a piece of wood or carbon fiber. You might feel a thud but you won't feel the same vibration.
Did you watch the review on Testrider.com on Topolino wheels? They say the same thing about them.
The same is true with my Calfee carbon frame. It feels different than aluminum frames I have tried.
I have not tried using more air pressure in the tires. 120 is where I fill them before each ride.