Edit: here's a graph from Zipp showing the H3 as 5 grams (.5 watts) of drag faster than the 404FC at zero yaw:
so the math:
H3 + .5 watts aero
H3 + 6 watts to spin*
H3 - 3 watts for 20mm SS vs. 23mm SS
___________
H3 is 3.5 watts to the good over the 404 FC, at zero yaw
*if my assumptions are correct.
I think the question is, "which is faster, H3 w/ 20mm SS or 404FC with 23mm SS?", because that's the comparable tire for the 404FC, and it's not quite as easy as "no contest"
For comparison's sake the Flo 90 w/ SS 23mm comes within half a watt of the benchmark Roval wheel on Specialized's own wind tunnel, same as the H3 with 20mm SS
A GP4000s that the OP might use is giving up 3.5 watts in Crr to a GP SS 23mm. A GP SS 20mm is giving up 3 watts to a Flo, but maybe more to a 404FC.
So, is the watts to spin of an H3 worth the 3 watts of Crr and any aero penalty over a Zipp 404FC? And is the occasional high yaw savings of a FC wheel worth the loss of watts to spin? In the H3 Deep thread awhile ago, I posited that it's 6 watts savings to spin a H3 over a spoked wheel.
So yes. If all the wheel companies that put their wheels at 1-3 watts faster at zero yaw than the H3 are right. If it's even slightly windy, or the athlete has poor crosswind handling skills, or the road surface is below average, then maybe not.
Titanflexr wrote:
The HED3, no contest (both the tire and wheel are faster). Make sure to use a latex tube.
Eric Reid
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