I have a Renn disc that I quite like. I also have a powermeter that I got in November- the powertap. I love it, although I’ve only had a few rides outdoors on the thing. I had a polar unit a year ago that nobody could make work.
The powertap is on one of those standard rims (I think a Mavic CXP-somethingorother). My plan had been to train on this and race the disc. My A race is IMC, and I’m aiming for about a 5:20 bike split. Having the powermeter along for the ride would be wonderful.
The big limitation of the powertap is you cannot use it with a disc. The CH covers sound like aerodynamically they’re equivalent to the disc. For sure they’ll be heavier, but then again I’m heavier…
What I can’t find is much information on these covers. They’re not expensive. My questions are on the mounting of these things. How do they mount? Are they secure when mounted (I missed Kona largely because my disc delaminated in Placid this year)? I have visions of a cover wrapped around the seatstay wedged between the downtube… How do you afix the rim? What happens if it rains (Placid again)? How hard are they to take on and off (I probably won’t want to do my really long training rides with them on)?
I received the CH ADC last night from excel sports. I haven’t put them on my bike yet but can tell you they attach with 8 plastic small screws with matching female sides. You have to remove your cassette to install. There is not attachment directly to the spokes.
There’s a foam strip around the edge which I presume creates a tight seal against the rim.
My plan is to install tomorrow or Thursday night. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I have the same concerns as you do about the covers. I can just see them coming apart on a ride but I think it would be hard to sell something that unreliable. They are pretty flexible, not stiff like I expected.
I was impressed with CH. Directions are good and it comes with a warranty and replacement policy.
Exactly how does a disk “delaminate”. Does it just fall apart or is it still rideable?
Mike
PS If it rains, I guess the solution would be to tape the edges to the rim.
They’re quite secure when mounted and don’t feel flimsy when on the wheel. It my not be a Campagnolo disc, but works just as aero and for under sixty bucks how can you go wrong.
i saw Ken’s homemade disc on another thread a couple months back but thought it looked too challenging to create. After further review and an accomplice, i ended up taking the plunge. The process is very easy and the finished product has been great. Thanks Ken!
As for the WOMP, WOMP, WOMP, my disc makes a quiet low pitched humming sound. My buddy’s disc has a much louder WOMP. The only difference i can tell is that i ride 650 and his is 700.
The only tricky parts of the process is that a 700 wheel requires a seem (650 does not) and you must clearly think through the size and placement of the valve access. We both needed to enlarge our cutouts - though not by much.
this solution is VERY inexpensive, doesn’t take that long to execute, and if it breaks down during a race, just rip the film off and go…
As for the durability of this creation, I’ve had this cover on since last April. I use this wheel almost all the time (indoors and out), and have used it in four multisport races, two time trials, and in weather of all sorts, without a tear or anything coming loose. I did stick my rear dropout into it once, but I patched it easily. And the color choices! If/when I get my new TT bike, I’m gonna do something funky.
Does anyone know what happens in the rain? Does the CH or the homemade cover fill up with water. I have been thinking about the CH as well. Can you mount the CH on a deep section aero carbon rim? That might seem dumb but i am looking at a deep wheelset so I would be keeping the set matched especially the better AC hubs.
i just received my CHaero cover last night in the mail, my initial impression is it seems kinda flimsy, i guess i pictured that it would be a little stiffer, also the screw attachments are made from plastic, lighter i guess- hopefully they will last…on the upside the supplier (excelsports) did a great job getting it to me hassle free so i recommend them for web purchases. i plan to install and test the cover on the weekend- i’ll report back then…stay tuned.
