Vistinator wrote:
Hi Xavier, awesome new offering of wheels from Aerocoach!
I have a question regarding the aerodynamics of the rim brake vs the disc brake versions of the Titan and Zephyr wheels.
If I understand the specifications correctly a significant part of the aerodynamic benefits from the AEOX wheels compared to other brands come from the narrow, high-flange hubs, am I right?
You mention that the disc brake versions come with straight pull hubs, which I assume need to be of a standard width to be able to cope with the added torsional forces resulting from disc brakes.. Do you have any data as to how that negatively impacts the overall aerodynamics of the wheel, and how they compare to the competition then?
Kristoffer
Hi Kristoffer - it's a good question, but something that needs to be considered in the bike as an entire system.
The disc brake hubs don't have the same flanges that you get on the rim brake hubs - but the flange location is pulled in on the non drive (disc) side to accommodate the disc anyway, so you've only really got the drive side spokes that are slightly outwards. In terms of what this does overall will depend on the frame and fork that you're using - so if you have a well designed disc brake frame then it'll be faster than a badly designed rim brake frame, regardless of any slightly differences in wheels. We don't do wheel only testing when presenting data so don't have a wheel only comparison between rim and disc brake. The hub isn't the only drag reducing factor with an AEOX wheel (overall rim shape, tyre interaction at the brake track, hidden valve are the other main ones) so swapping to a disc hub doesn't kill the wheels, so as to speak.
AeroCoach UK
http://www.aero-coach.co.uk