jdjeep1

I just found this website today and it's wonderful.

I was looking to upgrade my wheel set to either the Easton Ascent II or the Easton Tempest II. The Ascent II are 1419 grams and the Tempest II are 1500 grams. The Ascent have 21 mm profile and Tempest have 30 mm profile. Will the 81 grams help more then the more aero profile of the Tempest? Also what about the off center rear rim of the Ascent's? How much does that help?


Thanks

cryogenic

The weight vs aero factor has been discussed extensively here... 53-11 seems rather obsessed with it, as a matter of fact In short, go for the aero stuff as despite what some people say, tests have proven that aero factor has more of an effect than does weight. In the grand scheme of things, neither accounts for more than 2-3% so I wouldn't sweat it. Buy whichever one looks the best. As far as the off-center hub goes, it increases strength by reducing the amount of dish on the rear wheel. Amusingly, the 30mm rim is going to be stronger so I'd say the strength gain from the off center hub on the Ascents is probably matched by the deeper profile rim of the Tempest.

johnny99

Aero vs. weight depends on how fast you ride and how long are your mountain climbs. If your average speed is under 20mph and you don't climb mountains, then you may not notice any significant difference between these wheels and wheels that cost half as much.

53-11_alltheway

Here are some links I found discussing both aero and lightweight wheels. (In addition to an article found in my sig)

https://www.diablocyclists.com/aerowheels.htm
https://www.diablocyclists.com/pauldec00.htm

Aero still matters on climbs (just not as much). In fact, there are cases where a wheel with better aerodynamics will actually be faster on a climb than a less aero wheel as long as it is only marginally heavier. This depends on how strong of a rider you are and how fast you can climb.

Aero drag acts like "weight" too.

I can't argue with this. In fact, wheels don't really matter that much compared to the aerodynamics/weight of the cyclist and bicycle as a whole.

You aren't riding your wheels, you are riding a bicycle with your heavier and less aerodynamic body on top of it.

pjbaz

I have the Orion II's, just put them on last week and I like them alot. Supposedly 1477g...I'm not sure if they actually are but I can tell you they're definitely lighter and stiffer than the Bontrager "Race"wheels I replaced. They spin up nice and fast and climb well too.

PJ

53-11_alltheway

Both the Ascent II and the Tempest II are lightweight and aerodynamic (low count of butted ovalized spokes). I think it may boil down to strength and rider weight honestly.

I think it's probably more fair to compare the Orion II to the Tempest II wheels strength wise.

cryogenic

and poseur appeal, of course (though both are quite sexy)

gcasillo

The carbon Tempests are pure sex.

cryogenic

Hey! no stealing my phrase!

gcasillo

I'll tell you what I'd like to steal...

cryogenic

mmmm... stop with the bike porn, would you? I'm at work!