You say the "aero numbers" will compete with the more expensive competitors. How will you know this? Are you going to spend the $2,500/hr in the wind tunnel? If so (and make the data know), sure I'll buy! I do think you can save *some* money by not using the absolute lightest stuff since most *here* know that aero trumps weight.

Also, if you discover that the torroidal rim ship is indeed fastest, how will you get around the patent?

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Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

Do some research on J-Disc. I raced them for years and still would if they were around. Low cost and every bit as aero as a Zipp disc, but for .15 cents on the dollar.

If you could make a wheel that wouldn't break I would be more interested in that than the aero numbers as long as it's close. I have broken way too many carbon rims in my day. Having great luck with my Mavics......those guys can make a tough wheel.

Sure, subject to durability and performance (normal stuff: aero, reasonable weight, decent brake track, etc.).
Have you looked at Renn's discs?

I think that if you can truly bring the wheels to marked for about $550 a set, you are going to sell some whether or not you have testing data to back up your claim. You may not sell a ton, but at that price, you'll probably have some people taking the chance. However, I'm assuming that the prices you state are based on the assumption of being able to sell a certain number of wheels. Depening on what your target number/break-point it, you may not reach it without some wind-tunnel data to support your claim. That's where it really gets tricky. Do you spend the money to test the wheels in hopes that you'll sell more, or do you not do the testing and hope that the price-point is too attractive for people to pass on.

Also, keep in mind that you need to be able to deal with warranties/repairs. If you aren't ready to deal with someone sending a bad/damaged wheel back, the public bashing you'll get for poor customer service will kill your reputation quicker than you can imagine.

I know its semantics, but the A2 Wind Tunnel in NC is $390/hr.

Their resume of cyclists and triathletes that have tested there is impressive.

Thanks! Just throwing out the numbers Zipp uses for the one(s) in Texas/San Diego. Love "real" data though 8-)

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Fatigue is biochemical, not biomechanical.
- Andrew Coggan, PhD

 
Let me try and answer a bunch of questions

Yes we will do aero testing and post our numbers.

Our wheels will be very durable

Regarding the patent, we've got that 99% taken care of.

Material selection and our manufacturing process will allow us to offer the prices.

Custom color options will be no extra charge.

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Chris Thornham
Co-Founder And Previous Owner Of FLO Cycling

Yeah, I think there is a niche to be filled. It would fall between the generic Asian wheels and the Zipps/Heds.

Even if the wheels were a little heavier, and a little less aero, I think people would buy them at that point, certainly over a generic 5-times-rebranded Asian wheel.

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Portside Athletics Blog

i would totally support you guys, youre def one of my favorite posters on ST!

i really hope you can get some sort of modified toroidal shape to compete with zipp/hed.

whatever happend to Token? Didn't they try this?

x2

If you can make a wheel say, 90-95%(or something like that) as aero for that price, then I think a lot of people would be interested.

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-Andrew

I'd also consider the customer service portion of your business. This goes a long way in building a reputation. People want to know you stand behind your product and will help them out with problems, crash damage etc.

The big thing in the wheel market is not the end user consumer - it is OEM accounts where you can make money. I have no idea how many dollars changed hands between Zipp and Felt with the B2 (404)...I am sure it was not a small number and a boon for each company. If someone can make a set of aero wheels at that price point their main focus on marketing by all rights should be on the mid/upper TT bike OE's.

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

I'm sure that's true, and I know there's a lot more to the triathlon market than individual consumers. But for a small start up company to get started, they'll probably need to target a specific niche for an entry point. It might take a while to get to the point where high end TT manufacturers want to include the wheel on their stock bikes.

I think there is a huge segment of triathlon consisting of BOP/MOP folks, people new to the sport, people without a lot of disposable income, or people who simply can't justify large sums of money for a wheel. A lot of these people would probably ride race wheels if they had them, but are priced out of it. If the OP can make it affordable for these folks to buy a pair of resonably priced wheels, then he's got his foot in the door.

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-Andrew

The aero/carbon Token wheels I've seen aren't $550 for a set...

I have seen PX and others at that price point - and more and more we are seeing carbon as OE wheels (at least carbon fairing style wheels) - certainly from the kind folks at ABG.

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

what innovation have you figured out that will allow you to compete with zipp and hed's toroidal patent?

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Bingo! We think alike. I feel if Felt for example could offer a 60/90 combo on their entry/mid level TT/Tri bikes they would have a bit of an advantage over their competitors. There are also other ways to get our product into the public eye. But I can't tell you all of our secrets.

We are ready to build our first prototypes. But we are getting some public opinions before we invest.

Thanks for the great input. Keep it coming.

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Chris Thornham
Co-Founder And Previous Owner Of FLO Cycling

Clincher, carbon clincher, Tubular, alum braking surface? Which route are you planning on going? carbon clinchers seem to be the sexy option now.

Don't under-estimate the power, nor the cost of, marketing. Your business model may show sustainable profitabilty on low price point and margins, but it costs alot to get the visibility and appeal that the bigger players have. Look at this year's Kona wheel count, where Zipp was 8.5 times greater than the number 2 aero wheel. Advertising, sponsorships, promos, p/r wheels, etc, all add up really fast. There's a reason why Nike shoes are $180 a pair, and it isn't the cost of production...

Interesting though, it sounds like you're on to something. I like the colour option part...

the patent ended a few months ago, they might as well just copy it

Regardless this isn't going to happen. I don't see how you can beat the price direct from taiwan with old open molds that didn't require fatigue or aero testing.

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Ride Scoozy Electric Bicycles
http://www.RideScoozy.com

I see how it could happen

copy the hed jet but use a normal plastic instead of carbon fiber

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Yep, you and your evil twin are both crazy. Good luck, though. And put me on the mailing list...

If it all comes together like you say it will, then I'd definitely buy a set.