So i have noticed a lot of bikes that have just one all carbon 3 or 5 spoke wheel in the front (sometimes in the back). Along with a full spoke wheel for the back. The question is, what is the point behind that? I have been able to come up with some ideas, but not sure what is right:

1. Back wheel takes more of a beating and needs to have a stronger spoke. (not sure if that makes sense considering carbon is pretty strong).
2. aerodynamics, are better. but having one in the back doesn't matter as much due to your legs causing drag before the back wheel anyway.
3. Just for looks.
4. all carbon wheels are expensive, so most people start with one in the front first.

combination of 2 and 4 seem to make sense to me.

Either way, i am just wondering if there is some performance benefit that i am not getting...

Mostly street cred

For the vast majority of people it is all about being cool. If you search around about Aerospokes you'll find some people mentioning quicker/easier locking up which is what messengers want and everybody wants to pretend they are messengers. Cantstopdontwanttojgl

All* forks are spaced the same, and there is no special considerations needed for front wheels. So more front wheels exist in the world for fixed gear riders to use. Its hard to impossible to convert road rears into being able to be used for a fixed gear. Wheel manufacturers only make carbon wheels for racing, track racers basically only use rear disks. So there is not really a market for fixed ready rear trispokes, etc.


*In bike terms all means 90%.

I see, makes sense.

I am all about looking cool, posing as a messenger, and street cred. I might have to get one, just one...

Thanks for your responses.

Aerodynamics?

Haha said wheels are horrible to ride outdoors in general. Especially with a front, the wind easily interferes with them and your steering. You'll have to be constantly mindful of the fact and counteracting the effects of the wind to keep yourself from crashing.


I would look over them. Not worth the money or trouble whatsoever.

Combination of #3 and #3

old, craigslisted, front aero wheels swap right over to any bike. Rear wheels? Notsomuch.

It's mostly for looks. I've always wanted a rear carbon fiber zipp or hed disc wheel. They just look so fine. But if they ride them on the streets there's no point. Velodrome only people. But they're still cool, except for aerospokes. I don't like aerospokes.

I own both HED and a ZIPP, couple of reasons.
One. Looks beautiful in my opinion.
Two. I can afford them.
Three. I ride my fixed gear bicycle as if I would ride a road bike(Not into the 'messenger scene'). I want to ride with fast wheels.

That was a beautiful response as to why you ride carbon fiber aero wheels.

ftfy

srsly.