I am considering getting a disc wheel for my Argon 18 tri bike, and am curious about the pros/cons. I currently have a zipp 808 (rear wheel) and a 404 front. Are there any advantages of a disc wheel over my 808, besides they look great and make a really cool “woosh” sound when you ride? 
Is there really any speed gain? How about weight- are they the same weight or heavier than regular wheels? Can you ride them in windy conditions? How easy is it to change a flat? Looking for some feedback from those who actually have and ride with them, rather than wind tunnel studies, etc. Thanks.
Are there any advantages of a disc wheel over my 808, besides they look great and make a really cool “woosh” sound
Do you need any other reason?
I have a super 9 disc and can I confirm that they are faster? no. Do they feel faster to me? yes. The feeling the disc gives is that it is easier to keep going when you are up to speed, anything about 38KPH. Another way to explain it is that when you are going fast the disc don’t loose speed as easy as my usual 88mm deep rims.
Again, this is only my personnel feeling. and I that is enough for me to justify me buying it. As well as it looks awesome and puts a huge smile on my face when I see see the super 9 on my bike in race trim 
I am considering getting a disc wheel for my Argon 18 tri bike, and am curious about the pros/cons. I currently have a zipp 808 (rear wheel) and a 404 front. Are there any advantages of a disc wheel over my 808, besides they look great and make a really cool “woosh” sound when you ride? Is there really any speed gain? How about weight- are they the same weight or heavier than regular wheels? Can you ride them in windy conditions? How easy is it to change a flat? Looking for some feedback from those who actually have and ride with them, rather than wind tunnel studies, etc. Thanks.
Look at this thread
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Feedback_position_and_CdA_field_testing_P7338899/?search_string=marcag#p7338899
I think it gives a good idea of savings in the real world
Pros
Faster
Woosh woosh for some disc wheels, not all
Cons
Expensive, Better $/watt saved elsewhere IMO
No issue
Changing tires
Windy conditions
No issue
Changing tires
Windy conditions
Your last point I would revise to more stable in windy conditions. And it allows you to run a deeper front in higher winds.
No issue
Changing tires
Windy conditions
Your last point I would revise to more stable in windy conditions. And it allows you to run a deeper front in higher winds.
Agreed, so
Pro
More stable in windy conditions
Allow to run deeper front in windy conditions
Cons
Can’t use at races such as Kona and Cozumel
Is there really any speed gain? Yes
How about weight- are they the same weight or heavier than regular wheels? -Typically a bit heavier than other wheels. A good rule of thumb for 99% of all triathlon courses is aerodynamics before weight.
Can you ride them in windy conditions? - Hells yes! This is where they excel! The windier it is the faster they tend to go. A big benefit is they add stability to the overall rider/bike package. In windy conditions your front wheel will stall. This leads to bikes becoming twitchy. A deep rear wheel will stall at some point, usually not the same point as the front. This also can lead a bike to becoming twitchy You’ll be riding like an angry snake wiggling down the road. A disc wheel is the keel in your life to keep you steady. May or may not work for relationships yet definitely should be your main squeeze when racing.
How easy is it to change a flat? Looking for some feedback from those who actually have and ride with them, rather than wind tunnel studies, etc. Thanks. -no more difficult than any other wheel.
I’m in the ride a disc every race camp.
Deep back wheels like the hed jet 60 or zipp 808 have become the default option. If you go back to the 90’s disc wheels would outnumber other rear wheels 8 to 1 or greater at races, even local races. I’ve been in the elite racks w/40 other people and every one of us had a disc wheel or big races with 150 people in my AG and there were 145 discs.
Now deep rear wheels outnumber discs 15-1. I’ve been the only one on my row at 70.3 races with a disc wheel. 40-50 other bikes and no else with a disc wheel. I mean it’s kinda nice knowing everyone is giving up watts to me right off the bat. I’ve been to 200 person local races where <3% of the entire field rode a disc wheel.
it’s an expensive investment for a race day only wheel. Buy used. On the other hand you can keep one for a long time since they get so little use. My hed jet disc w/ a Powertap hub is in it’s 7th or 8th season.
But a wheel cover. Then you can do what you want and save $1000
But a wheel cover. Then you can do what you want and save $1000
Absolutely, but with no woosh woosh
I say this with certainty, that wooshing sound gives me 10w mentally for real. I will not be a fred with my disc wheel on.
I have a super 9 disc and can I confirm that they are faster? no.
I will confirm they are faster then. No need to debate the clear speed gain any more.
The only real con to a disc wheel is money. But, if you are willing to pay, then no brainer.
What do people do when carrying one tube in a race if different a different length stem is required for front wheel (longer)versus the disc (shorter)? Do you have a valve extension in your bag and a tool to install it if required?
Yeah, a 42mm stem with a valve extender and the little wrench are a must with a single tube repair set up.
That woosh woosh is the sound of that money leaving ur wallet. 😂
That woosh woosh is the sound of that money leaving ur wallet. 😂
Another pro: lighther…less cash to haul around
Is there really any speed gain?
Put on your thinking cap. If air is not hitting the hub, spokes, valve stem, and inner edge of the rim, wouldn’t you think the disc wheel would be faster?
What do people do when carrying one tube in a race if different a different length stem is required for front wheel (longer)versus the disc (shorter)? Do you have a valve extension in your bag and a tool to install it if required?
Install the valve extender before the race.
If you get a flat on your rear wheel, remove the extender. Only takes a few seconds.
You just have to be sure that you have the correct valve extender: The Zipp ‘Tube Style’ vs the Extender you actually thread the core into !
I have never heard of an old school valve extender referred to as Zipp style.
But a wheel cover. Then you can do what you want and save $1000
Wheel covers can work well but they have some downsides. If you can’t dedicate a wheel to it for racing, installing and removing the cover can be a PITA. Also, with wheel covers you can get rubbing with the rear derailleur when using your lowest gear. And they tend to be heavier. But they are affordable if you already have a wheel you can use.
Also, there are some good options out there for significantly less than $1000. And they can often be picked up used and in good shape for a good price.