Yeah, yeah, it’s the aero race wheel question … again! For rookie triathletes like me a $1000 set of wheels is a tough buy, but it seem to be commonly accepted in the tri-community that this is a must in order to gain needed speed on the bike:-) So, as I’m just as gullible as the rest of you, I have decided to invest in a pair of race wheels for next season. My budget only allow one set of race wheels at ± $1000 and they should last me many seasons. For the sake of argument, say that I’m 165 lbs, finish top 25%, my races are non-draft Olympic and 1/2IM, courses will be predominantly light terrain (flat-undulating) but there will always be a few little hills (I’m not going to Nice). There may be windy and gusty days but no Kona side winds for miles and miles. What would be faster for me? A three spoke set like HED3, very aero, 1980g clinchers. May need to use a semi aero 30mm training front wheel on windy days. A deep, less aero but lighter set like Spinergy Tiliums (45mm 1550g) or Blackwell 58’s (58mm 1570g) Other options? (A disc is out of the question) Can anyone quantify how much faster the options above are given that I ride 23 mph over 40K on a set of semi aero 30mm Shimano wheels? I sometimes see drag numbers reported for wheels, frames and forks. Does anyone have a “calculator” to translate this into watts or speed for those of us who do not understand this intuitively?
Sindre
Why not a disc?
If a disc is an absolute no-no, I would then recommend this wheelset: Nimble Fly front ( between 16 and 20 spokes), Nimble Crosswond rear. And remember, if it’s a clincher, it’s not a real race wheel.
Also check the internet, there are many good deals out there on used wheels. I just got a set of HED 3’s for $300 shipped.
Thanks,
I like the Nimble option! Why the fly front though? It’s light, but the 28mm rim can’t be as aero as 50-60mm rims, right? Why not a set of Crosswind? Do you think light weight outperforms aero?
I’m an amateur and still think tubulars are a bit intimidating! Same thing with the disc; I’m not cool and fast enough to ride a disc wheel. In the races I participate in, only the top three have such cool gear!
Sindre
I agree with Bunnyman on all points. A crosswind front would be good too, but I’m not sure how much advantage you’re getting for that much more money. I think the Crosswind set is what $1300 and if you substitute a fly front (which is like 535g) $1050 - which falls in your ± $1000 area.
Doesn’t Shimano do that wierd thing where the spokes attached to the rim from the side? Or is that just on their “aero” model. No idea what the hell they were thinking with that - nothing kills the aerodynamics of a form than putting an obstruction in the middle of the air’s path.
Why buy all that? Why not just pickup a closeout H3 for $300 for the front and a Renn for $350 for the rear?
Under $700 and you have what is probably the best combo there is to have.
Andrew
I’m voting with Bunnyman, if they are race wheels, the only option is tubular.
I’m partial to the Zipp 404s found all over the internet in the $850-$1000 range new, but with last year’s stickers. They will last forever, are dead true, and are very light. The Nimbles are another fine wheelset. Top shelf would be Corima, but I think those would break the budget.
You can pick up a pair of brand new 2002 Zipp 404s or 303s for $799 here: https://www20.secure-website.net/~labicic/LaBiciclettaStore/
or you can get a set of Corima here for $799
http://www.ital-tecno.com/products.asp?cid=38
I’ve never used either of these two stores, so I’m not sure about customer service etc. On the other hand I have a set of 2002 Zipp 909s 700c, that I’ve been thinking about selling for about your price range. Since they got me to Kona, I need a new wheelset for the crazy winds.
Thanks for the link! I just ordered a set of 404s.
I’ll vouch for great service from LaBiciletta. Great tire prices on VeloFlex and Conti also. Picked up a few other things as well from them over the years.
Luntzy, congrats and good luck in Kona.