Hello grumpier.mike and All, Anyone seen more numbers for just the Mavic CX01 blade portion concept of the Mavic CXR80 tire+rim+blade? .... (tire+rim+blade plot below) .... while designed for tubulars ..... is it there a worthwhile gain for clinchers by smoothing the tire/rim interface?
I don't see the CXR80 listed in the present Mavic wheel lineup .... looks like it was dropped.
https://cycletechreview.com/...s-wheels-disallowed/ Excerpt:
"The UCI, naturally, doesn’t like it and has said no, leaving triathletes and British time triallists the only two-wheeled competitors able to ride the wheels with their blades fitted."
The Bontrager 'wings' tire looks like a good way to get the benefits of a smoother tire/rim interface ...
From Bontrager advertisement:
"Bontrager's R4 Aero Tire is all about making you faster and more efficient. Its 220tpi casing creates less drag and provides a supple road feel you'll love, while the tread minimizes rolling resistance and grips great in the corners. The R4 Aero also features integrated flat-tire protection. Plus, this amazing tire has Bontrager's unique aero wing design that saves you energy mile after mile. In fact, it has been tested to save over three minutes in the bike leg of the Ironman Triathlon! No wonder Keith Bontrager himself calls the R4, "the World's Fastest Tire."
....... but what is the best practice method for smoothing other brand tires tire/rim interface?
One of the home brew methods that have been around for many years is to smooth the tire/rim interface crack with silicone sealant.
Other methods?
Or is the aero gain worth the effort?
Cheers, Neal
+1 mph Faster