I'm thinking about switching to clincher race wheels for the next season. I'm looking mostly at HED and Zipp and with Zipp's new Firecrest wheels the aerodynamics are (according to Zipp) equal between the tubular and clincher version. This makes it easier to judge the aerodynamics from independent tests, as then it doesn't matter which version they have tested (I know the tire can make a difference, though).
I have seen both independent tests of the Stinger 9 and Jet 9 and would be interested to know, how these two stack up against each other. I don't think the shapes are identical, but I could be wrong. Another thing is, that it is very hard to figure out when HED is making changes to the rim shape, making it even harder to try and find out which version is tested in a test.
To give an example: In the Tour test from earlier this year, the 808 Firecrest Clincher tested clearly better than the Jet 9. In Bontrager's whitepaper on their new D3 wheels, the Stinger 9 did better than the 808 Firecrest Tubular. Is this because of difference testing methods, a difference between Jet 9 and Stinger 9, or the tire (or something completely else)?
Thanks in advance for any input.
I have seen both independent tests of the Stinger 9 and Jet 9 and would be interested to know, how these two stack up against each other. I don't think the shapes are identical, but I could be wrong. Another thing is, that it is very hard to figure out when HED is making changes to the rim shape, making it even harder to try and find out which version is tested in a test.
To give an example: In the Tour test from earlier this year, the 808 Firecrest Clincher tested clearly better than the Jet 9. In Bontrager's whitepaper on their new D3 wheels, the Stinger 9 did better than the 808 Firecrest Tubular. Is this because of difference testing methods, a difference between Jet 9 and Stinger 9, or the tire (or something completely else)?
Thanks in advance for any input.