DJRed wrote:
DFW_Tri wrote:
If that 10-20 seconds (and the money you paid for it) makes a difference to you thand n go for it; just know how to use extenders etc. I made that mistake the first and only time I rented a wheelset and ended up with a flat tire when I got to T1!
Hard to describe. I wouldn't say I'm looking to spend money to get 10-20 seconds. Of course, if it's more aero, I'll theoretically have more for the run, which is my strength. Still, even if it's 30-45 seconds total between the bike and run, I'm not simply looking to buy the time. Consider this, though:
- I finished 5th in my last race. Was 8 seconds behind 4th (who beat me by 2:10 on the bike) and 32 seconds behind 3rd. Both had a disc.
- I finished 13th in the race before that. Lost AG by 3 seconds. Was 1:40 behind 6th place. I was beaten on the bike by 1:00, 1:30, 1:30, 3:00, 1:00, and 3:30 by the guys in 6th - 12th. I outran all but two of them.
I guess the thread has gone a little awry from my original request from "What should I try" to "Is it worth it" for me?
After engaging here, I guess my question is really both. Given nothing else seems to make me faster, why should I expect wheels to? I'm nowhere near a pro. I'm not going to Kona. But, I train hard, I am competitive, and love to race so I hate the thought that I'm racing and giving away time due to equipment. The only thing left for me to try is wheels.
Is the only thing left to try wheels?
Your return on investment is very low. The difference between 404/808 from 38/50mm is marginal. You originally asked 'what would you do?'
I would not change my wheel. I'd put a disc cover on the back for a cheaper option (that can be used again in future races, if desired) to equate the benefits of a full disc and look for other ways to pick up speed/time.
More aero clothing, tires, tubes, cables on the bike, aero helmet...These could help, if not yet done.
What was the VI on the ride? Perhaps you rode it imperfectly with power surges rather than more consistently. (*Although my sprint has gotten awfully close to 100% of my FTP, I made 0.99 IF last race) And, do you know if the others who had faster speeds at similar power profiles had better VI's or not? And are the PM's even comparable?
I'd have to believe that there are aero losses in those comparisons, or differences in the PM's.
You have not shown a picture or described your setup, just asked about the change in wheels. Trivial and expensive gain=not worth it to me.