clint262

I will apologize if this has been hashed over previously, but I am looking for some input/recommendations on race wheels. I am 180 lbs and racing my first Ironman in July. I will be riding a Specialized Shiv and need to add a wheel set. I am looking at the Zipp Firecrest 404, SRAM S-60, and the Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLR or SLE. Any feedback would be great. Thanks

umcade

Any of those would be equally great, assuming money is no option.

Are you sure you even *need* aero wheels? It is your first ironman, afterall.

valygrl

You can probably rent wheels. WOuldn't do it for the first time on race day.

andyJC

why go so expensive? I been racing these for a year now and love em... https://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/...50_82_wheelset

RedHerring

If your looking at 404 for the same price you might as well get the 808. Aero wise they are faster.

Dalai

808 on the front can be a handful in gusting winds, even at 180lbs. The 606 is a worthwhile compromise... I'd also confirm that the wider firecrest wheels will fit the Shiv before buying.

RedHerring

They are not that bad in a cross wind. The fire crest 808's handle better in a cross wind than my older 404's. They will fit in a Shiv assuming your using a 10 speed. My have to check the fit if your using a new 11 speed drive train.

VA_Esquire

Seriously go with the Planet X wheels. Awesome wheels!

Ludkeh

I've got a few triathlons coming up this summer and have been trying to make my road bike more aerodynamic also. I'm not willing to spend big $$$$$ at this point. I'm looking for the biggest bang for my cycling buck. I think I'll be getting a AeroJacket disc cover for my back wheel. It can be custom cut to my specific rim. At around $100, it has almost the same aerodynamic benefit as a the real thing. The only thing it won't have is the WOMP,WOMP,WOMP, sound of a true carbon aerodisc!

So for me the prioritizes are as follows:

1. Compression, form fitting tri top.
2. Good aerobar setup, comfort with power.
3. Water bottle mount between aerobars
4. Remove all other bottle cages for race day.
5. AeroJacket disc cover.

superfred

Wasn't there testing done by Dan Empfield that placing a water bottle on the down tube will make the bike more aero? I think a whole development of aero bottles and cages came from that one discovery.

Ludkeh

I'm not sure, but I think the study was done by Cervelo . The improved aero effect only happened on their TT frames (P5) using their in house engineered water bottle and cage. All other combinations of seat tube or down tube showed increase drag.

I remember reading the article, but, it's been a while and my memory isn't as good as it used to be,
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