Im new to the triathlon sport and am looking for race/aero wheels for a 70.3. Im 6’2 200lbs so Im looking for something durable.
I have been trying to do research but its confusing to a beginner. Im looking at Zipp404fc, mavis cosmic carbone and the profile design 58/78.
Is there something specific I should be looking at when deciding on which wheelset?
First of all, welcome to the tri world! Couple questions though- do you want clinchers or Tubulars? Fairing or structural carbon? With the Mavics, what model are you considering? And how competent of a bike rider are you? Also, price range? If you can answer at least some of those I think I can help.
Along with the above, is the wheels for just tris and time trials or will you possibly road race with them? A lot of people doing just tris and TTs will be just fine with an aero front wheel and a disc cover for their existing training rear wheel. For road racing, where discs are not legal, a 50-60 mm combo for the front and back will work well, and add a disc cover.
what problem are you trying to address with the new wheels? Do you just want a decent set of wheels or is the light / aero a big deal?
Zipp 404s are a very safe selection. You can race on these things on any course any where in the world and be confident that they will not bite you. Tim
Thanks for the offerto help, I want clinchers for sure.
Im not sure of the aero difference between the fairing only and structural carbon, except for the price and needing to use specific brake pads.
I think the mavics were the cosmic carbones, aluminum braking surface like $1000 new if that helps.
Im competent in riding road bikes havent got the tri bike off the trainer yet, Connecticut weather not allowing out doorriding yet.
I have a line on zipp 404 fc wheelset used 3 times with tires tubes brake pads valve extenders and skewers for 1500, but not sure if this are the best fit for me
I’d strongly consider a Flo 60/90 or HED Jet 6/9 combo. I personally run Aeolus 7s but, if I had to do it again, I’d go with something with an aluminum brake track.
If I were you, I would go with the Mavics. I am partially biased, as I own an older pair if the exact wheels you’re looking at. I love them t death. They’re bombproof, which is good for training on. They’re cheaper than the zipps, but probably less aero. The 404’s are faster, as I said, but braking suffers. That’s part of the reason if go for the Mavics. If you’re on a long steep descent, you don’t want you’re braking to suffer. 404’s may handle in crosswinds better, but at your body type that’s something you’re lucky you don’t have to contend with. So my final vote is Mavics.
You can buy my Cosmic Carbone SLs from me since I ordered a FLO 60/90 set! But seriously, when it comes to aero race wheels on a budget, I don’t see how you look anywhere else but FLO if you’re willing to put up with mashing the order button when they get new stock in. Otherwise, Cosmic Carbone SLs are a solid race wheelset that will serve you just fine as training wheels to boot, and you can probably snag them for under a grand.
Just get Flo 30’s. Get the Clydesdale build rear wheel. You will love the wider rim profile and having your tires wider. $500 and you’re done. They are basically as aero as the Mavics. Mavic and Zipp are great – but the technology is a decade old. For what you describe, you can’t beat Flo 30’s. Total no brainer in my opinion.
Later, if you like the sport, save for ENVE’s – very durable and wheels like the 6.7’s can be build stronger for a somewhat bigger guy like yourself. Zipp Firecrest are good too.
…For road racing, where discs are not legal…
This is a common misconception. There is nothing in the USAC rulebook stating that discs are not legal for road racing. The only “fairing” allowed is one that covers spokes. The applicable rule is 1I1c. Wheels covers are not legal for UCI races.
I’ve never seen anyone show up with either a disc or a wheel cover for a road race or crit, though.
my only concern with the 60/90 combo is the fact that every review says the flo are terrible at climbing. i dont need anyore weight at my size.
Maybe the flow 30s would be a compromise but I dont know how much free speed I give up as opposed toa 404fc that is good climbing although I dont have any experience to know if that is the case or not
X 10. Wheels are not the answer at this point in your journey. Get off the trainer, keep training, and get strong enough to roll past those folks with zoot wheels and big-money bikes because you’re fit. Your fit on the bike and an aero helmet first and foremost to get aero. After that, wheels only if you’re averaging 20+ in a 70.3 and you’ve done at least 5 of them. Other than that, it’s a waste of money chasing aero wheels…you can train for big speed improvements, but you can’t buy it.
I was once new to triathlon and weighed 200lbs. By the time I finished my first 70.3 I was 154. My point is, don’t worry about the extra 100g on the FLOs.
my only concern with the 60/90 combo is the fact that every review says the flo are terrible at climbing. i dont need anyore weight at my size.
Maybe the flow 30s would be a compromise but I dont know how much free speed I give up as opposed toa 404fc that is good climbing although I dont have any experience to know if that is the case or not
X 10. Wheels are not the answer at this point in your journey. Get off the trainer, keep training, and get strong enough to roll past those folks with zoot wheels and big-money bikes because you’re fit. Your fit on the bike and an aero helmet first and foremost to get aero. After that, wheels only if you’re averaging 20+ in a 70.3 and you’ve done at least 5 of them. Other than that, it’s a waste of money chasing aero wheels…you can train for big speed improvements, but you can’t buy it.
I agree Im doing thst now but was looking at all my advantages. I have been looking at aero helmets but that is a different topic and post.
For a newbie, if I had to do it over again (started at age 42 and now 60) I’d buy a CompuTrainer or Wahoo Kickr or get a good fluid trainer and a subscription to TrainerRoad or PerfPRO Studio software. I can’t tell you how many guys I rolled past (with their full-on carbon and dimpled wheels and titanium bottle cages and all that) on my old road bike with training wheels, simply because I suffered in the basement to Sufferfest videos. You can’t buy enough speed to trump power. Come push 280 watts for an hour and then convince me that Flo 60s or Zipp 404s will give you the advantage…
I don’t believe in race wheels. I train on the same wheels I race on. If the wheels you race on have different aerodynamics and it’s calm while you train but a windy race, you’ll be in trouble. I like moderate zip, but I’m an old guy, so take no notice. Great sport, I love it.
You can buy the wheels, look like a stud at bike check in, then watch as a dude 20 years older than you on a bike that is twice as old as your bike blows past you on the course. But at least you look good on your race wheels.
Or you can take everyone else’s advice here and train properly.
But what the hell, its your money, spend it however you want.
You can buy the wheels, look like a stud at bike check in, then watch as a dude 20 years older than you on a bike that is twice as old as your bike blows past you on the course. But at least you look good on your race wheels.
Or you can take everyone else’s advice here and train properly.
But what the hell, its your money, spend it however you want.
This is funny advice to me on ST, because 90% of what I read on here is related to gear, aerodynamics, etc. Sure, training is most important, but it seems that most people on ST like training and bling.
I am your same size and have zipp 404 FCC that I use for every ride. Maybe a disc cover down the road for races, but i love that they are durable enough to use all the time.