I’m looking for some input on a possible wheel upgrade. I’m wondering what sort of performance improvement I’d see upgrading my 2007 Felt s22 from the factory wheels to a pair of Spinergy Stealth PBOs. Some info that is probably important:
-The bike is a good fit and I have had a certified Slowtwitch fit done recently.
-I live in Fl and mostly ride on what most would consider flat terrain. We do have a lot of wind as we are near the beach.
-I am a 45yo woman upper MOP training for a 1/2 after a fairly long period of inconsistent training. I’d probably average mid 18’s in a 1/2 right now and 21ish in a short race. Goal is to break that 21 barrier in something with at least a 15 mile bike leg by the end of the season.
-I have done 2IMS in the past, but intend to keep it at 1/2s or shorter from now on.
I know that wheel weight is a factor. The Spinergy’s are about 250g lighter. I don’t know if that is a significant amount. I’ve also read that the quality of the hub makes a difference. I’m adding links to spec sheets for both wheelsets if someone is interested in looking.
Here’s a link to the Spinergy’s http://www.spinergy.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=20&products_id=81
and to my current wheels which are Alex AL 295Rs(probably a newer version as mine are 2007’s) http://www.aclass-wheels.com/road_alx295r.html
Hi so I have a few thoughts on wheels for you. First you and riding primarily in wind. So I’d sudgest a lower profile wheel, 50mm dish and under. I’m not the biggest Zipp fan (strike me dead I know) but from 15 years of racing tri’s and 6 years as an elite I’ve learned that there are equally as good wheels out there for way way less. First sudgestion, Blackwell Research 50’s. Kind of an obscure company but John Cobb is a genus when it comes to aerodynamics (just ask Mr. Empfeild (slowman)). They are stiff, responsive and durable…and not overpriced and have stupid demples. Second thought…Reynolds. They are just starting to make a dent in the wheel market but what a dent they are making. The wheels are very cost effective and super nice to ride. They are stiff, aero, durable and generally awesome. They also come in so many different specks so you can almost in a since custom your wheels. Those are my two thoughts.
I personally left Zipp for Blackwell. I race in low wind conditions on a pair of 100 and sometimes put a disc on. And in higher wind conditions I rock the 50’s. Nothing against Zipp I just really think there are other wheels out there that diserve an equal look. Oh also…check out Roll wheels. Sean is an awesome dude who makes great wheels. Ok, that’s my thought.
Thanks for the inputs. Glad you mentioned the Blackwell’s. One of the LBS’s carries them and mentioned them when I called. I have to admit that I was quite hesitant as I had not heard of them. I’ll follow up with them on that.
I guess there is no quantitative means of determining how much approximately 200-300grams lighter and more aero will improve performance. Someone needs to write some software to do that!
There are numbers that show the effects of aerodynamics on wheels. (I just don’t know them) but what you will notice is that they can tend to be harder to get moving but once you get them rolling they (the wheels) just don’t want to stop rolling. It’s quite nice. I don’t know where you stand on all your other tri apparel and what not but check out KompetitiveEdge.com. I have all the new TYR line in and it’s awesome. The wetsuit in particular (don’t know if you really need one in FL) but they make an awesome swim skin too. The company ships all over the US…sorry shameless plug for the bizz. Cheers