I just purchased a used Renn 575 which I haven’t received yet. I hope to have it for an Olympic race this Sunday. I’ve never ridden a disc, and with the exception of a short ride Saturday morning, won’t have a chance to try it out or get used to the feel. I weigh 205lbs. and am used to riding 60mm wheels (will keep 60 on the front). Should I race the disc or give it a few trial rides? Thanks.
I’ve been racing with a disk for the past 3 years and I would say just go for it but with one caveat… I would say go for it because it really doesn’t feel that different from a regular wheel. At your weight even a 20mph cross wind won’t push you around too much. Now that being said I usually “tune up” my race wheels for about 10-20 minutes the day or two before I race. Every wheel fits a little different and I want to make sure my chain is running smooth and that the brakes aren’t rubbing. If you have time to do this then go for it, if not I would wait till next race.
I’ve been racing with a disk for the past 3 years and I would say just go for it but with one caveat… I would say go for it because it really doesn’t feel that different from a regular wheel. At your weight even a 20mph cross wind won’t push you around too much. Now that being said I usually “tune up” my race wheels for about 10-20 minutes the day or two before I race. Every wheel fits a little different and I want to make sure my chain is running smooth and that the brakes aren’t rubbing. If you have time to do this then go for it, if not I would wait till next race.
Thanks, yes, I will make sure the disc / bike are working mechanically. I was more worried about the feel and handling and maybe getting pushed around a bit. Can’t predict the wind…it could be 5 mph or 20 mph.
I would go for it then! I’m about 165 and have never really been pushed around by my rear wheel, the 808 front, sometimes… I’ve ridden in gusts around 25-30mph and all the disk does is make you go faster!! Good luck!
Thanks.
A disc wheel can feel a little different when cornering, especially high speed corners where you use a bit of lean angle.
It has never been a problem for me, it just feels different and that can be a little unnerving. Of course this will only be an issue on a technical course, which is unlikely for a Triathlon.
The first time I used a disc wheel, I did a 20km ride the day before. No problems on race day, and have used it every race since.
I have to say the same as the others. Unless the wind was a 30 mph crosswind I use my disc. The only thing I notice is I go faster.
I still use my disc wheel in 30mph crosswinds, it can be a handful, but the disc acts like a sail, and speed advantages are fantastic. It also has double the advantage when a lot of other competitors swap back to their training wheels.
Dismounting in a strong cross wind can be very disconcerting. I’ve also had my bike blown off the bike rack, and one day with 40mph winds the bike lifted up off the ground while I was running it through transition. But when I’m properly seated on the bike there is little to no problem. Sure you get blown sideways 6 inches every now again (in strong winds), but as long as you are not riding in a peloton, that shouldn’t be a problem.
The 575 will flex a little under heavy power, so you may want check that out before the race and perhaps open your rear brakes a little so you’re not rubbing your brakes going up hills.
I never seemed to notice my disc in high cross winds and I’m only 150 lbs.
Like others said though, open the breaks a little because if there are any rollers you are trying to power over you may flex it into causing break rub, although I found that really took a lot of effort to do.
Also, like another poster stated, they do corner a little different. The disc will feel like it wants to track straight and not corner at high speeds.
I am 190lbs so, like you, it takes a hell of a crosswind to get me in trouble. I used a disk for the first time this year at EagleMan and it was no problem. Just took it for a 20-min spin the day before.
Good luck!