I get the idea that these are pretty good all around wheels, but how aero are they compared to a set of Zipp 404 or Hed 3? I am more interested in the front, as I find a trispoke up front hard to control (in crosswinds), but a rear disk no problem. The reason I ask is that I need a set of training wheels for my TT bike, and if they are reasonably aero, then why not use the front for windy races. I can get these on clearance, BTW.
Thanks,
Dave
I have a set of velocity deep V’s with bladed spokes (18 f and 28 r) that have been very strong over the years. I think a set up like this will be more aero than the the DA wheels, probably stronger, and still cheaper than DA wheels on clearance. I use a trispoke on the front during a race and use the deep V’s for training or the deep V front for hill/windy times.
I think a set of those velocity spartacus wheels would be better for you instead of the DA (probably more aero and durable) as far as that goes. I think you can get those for under 2 bills.
DRAwpt,
there is not much data about the aerodynamics of Shimano wheels (7700, 7701 or 6500), but Tour Magazine (german) released some data 2 or 3 years ago.
The result was that the drag of the shimano 7701 wheel was medium, compared to other 30 mm Vrims, but very constant with increasing yaw, whereas some other had an increasing drag. As usual, the HED3 that was used as a control had that typical drag drop for an increasing yaw.
I can try to scan the graph and send it if you want !
DRAwpt,
there is not much data about the aerodynamics of Shimano wheels (7700, 7701 or 6500), but Tour Magazine (german) released some data 2 or 3 years ago.
The result was that the drag of the shimano 7701 wheel was medium, compared to other 30 mm Vrims, but very constant with increasing yaw, whereas some other had an increasing drag. As usual, the HED3 that was used as a control had that typical drag drop for an increasing yaw.
I can try to scan the graph and send it if you want !
That would be great. Thanks.
Can’t do a one on one comparison for you, but I train and race with the 7700s, in 650 size. I love them, they are by far the most comfortable, light weight training wheels I have ever had. I hadn’t considered racing in them but they’re so nice I went ahead and did so anyway. In 2 seasons they have not moved even 1mm out of true - not many other wheels can match that. I have a Zipp disc and a Hed DEEP CX front combo, but the 7700s are more comfortable to race in - no crosswind issues. I’m not terribly fast, but if it helps - IMUSA 19.2 ave, sprints - 23-24mph ave.
DRA. as i recall the dude who won the prologue of the tdf had a standard shimano front wheel in 03. obviously it was good enuf for him and netted him the yellow jersey and all, but we can expect the savvy s-twitchers to critique the choice, just the same.
OK, the mag is at home, so wait a couple hours and you’ll have it …
here ya go:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2003/tour03/?id=prologue/mcgee
again, good enuf for the jersey on the centennial tour in paris and all - but what does this guy know? he uses road levers on his bullhorns, for goodness sake!
I used to ride with WH6500, that are very similar though heavier than the 7700-7701.
I think they are quite comfortable and reasonably aero, so it’s a good deal and I don’t have the bucks to ride those superexpensive ZIPPHEDblahblah … I’d like but I don’t, period.
My only concern was the low spoke number but after more than 3 years and more than 10000 km, they stayed true.
here ya go:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2003/tour03/?id=prologue/mcgee
again, good enuf for the jersey on the centennial tour in paris and all - but what does this guy know? he uses road levers on his bullhorns, for goodness sake!
Point well taken.
The 7701 wheelset is a solid choice for most riding. It is not aerodynamic by any stretch of the imagination. McGee won using this wheels as he would have with a 36 spoke open Pro.
If you want aero, go with a deep section rim.