canonball

I was just wondering (besides weight) if the performance of lighter wheels in a crit -say A.C. 350's vs bontrager race lites for example - is worth the cost?

jbhowat

I would say it depends on how good you are. If you are consistently running the battle for 1st and 2nd I can see spending that to try to ensure the victory (but then eventually you are going to move up to the next Cat, unless you are Cat 1, in which case if you are finishing first or second every time your wheels are probably pretty light already. The other thing to think about (at least this is my experience) is that wheels get screwed up pretty bad sometimes in crits, what with people falling, running off the track etc, etc. I had a guy get knocked over next to me (this was in a Cat5 race, btw - but most of us in this pack could have done fine in Cat4 - just waiting for experience to move up). I don't know if you can picture what happens when a LOOK pedal and part of an Ultegra crank go into the spokes of a Rolf Vector wheel, but let me tell you it hurts to do a somersault on a bike with your feet clipped in. My wheel was one of a few I've seen messed up bad at crits (as opposed to road races / TTs / Charity Ride stuff - I've seen none in any of these - but of course you see less people on these). Maybe something to keep in mind...

Gustaf

if its flat, the weight doesnt really make a diff.
depending on what type of rider you are - if you are the type who tries to get in a break and work that untill the end, a more aero wheel (404 type) would be beneficial. if your a sprinter who stays in the pack untill the last 200m, then any thing would work.

but in reality, your not going to win a race because of wheels.

Flaneur

In my experience, strong, hand-built (by an expert) wheels made with top quality components, well-maintained and fitted with the correct tyres, will help you stay upright, avoid punctures and survive mishaps like potholes and crashes.

Lightness is not your main concern in a crit....indeed in most race environments. Reliability? Now that might just be the key to success.

Smoothie104

Lightweight Wheels are great in a crit, as long as they are stiff enough, and the road surface is good. If you are stuck shlthooking at the back, all those sprints out of every corner take their toll. And lighter wheels are definatley noticable. I have also realized it is a lot easier to jump on a wheel when the attacks are going with lighter wheels. Sure, maybe the difference is just a few inches, but at 32mph plus, when your really on the rivet, a few inches is the difference between hanging on, and losing touch.