I’m looking at picking up a set of race wheels for the upcoming season. Based on what I’ve seen so far, a basic bomb-proof wheel with a custom cut cover is a whole lot of bang for the buck.
Can anybody talk me into why I should spend the $$ to jump up to a Renn Disc, H3, or some sort of deep dish aero wheel? I’m talking just rear wheel right now.
Thanks
I sold my Renn disk (which I really liked) and got a cover. Used the savings for better uses.
I know some one will say it so it might as well be me:
the only reason not to get a cover would be Weight: your wallet will be much heavier with all that $$ you keep in it by not spending extra on the disk 
Seriously, as a budget aero guy, a cover looks to be a great choice for me.
Ewan
A dedicated disc will be lighter than a cover/wheel, but unless you’re TT’ing up the Alps, it won’t matter much. And I guess that something that says “Zipp” rather than “CH Aero” has a bit more bling factor.
I must be the only person ever to go from a cover to a disc. My cover rubbed the cassette and caused horrible drag but it was probably a poor choice of wheel since it had crazy spoking at the hub. Then I found a disc for not too much money so I switched.
Kevin
what are the time savings you’ve seen?
everything I’ve read says 1-2 minutes over a 40k as compared to 32 spoke box rims.
Does anyone know approximately how much an aero cover weighs? I’m thinking about this because spoked wheels that are lighter than a disk are pretty common. Is a spoked wheel plus cover really much heavier than a disk, if you start with a reasonably light spoked wheel?
Stopped Clock
I sold my Renn disk (which I really liked) and got a cover. Used the savings for better uses.
I’ve been using a cover for about 4 years and I sold my disc. I use a Powertap power meter, so the cover allows me to use my Powertap durinng races. It’s a great bargain! As mentioned, the primary downside is weight, however it really shouldn’t make much difference in the vast majority of races. I had the fastest 40k time in my State this year, so it didn’t hurt me too much. ; )
It’ll cost you $14.95 for the results, but aero covers have been tested against a Zipp disc in a wind tunnel. You get a few other tests as well for the sum.
I’ve been using a cover for about 4 years and I sold my disc. I use a Powertap power meter, so the cover allows me to use my Powertap durinng races. It’s a great bargain! As mentioned, the primary downside is weight, however it really shouldn’t make much difference in the vast majority of races. I had the fastest 40k time in my State this year, so it didn’t hurt me too much. ; )
You placed #1 in your state without using a super-light weight weenie wheelset? Now we all know that you are full of $h!t.
How far down does the disc cover go to the rim? Does it get close to the actual braking surface or does just cover up to the spoke nipple? I see that wheelbuilder also offers a customer disc service. Does anyone have close of pics of their cover?
Thanks,
-Joe
off the original topic, but is there any data @ that site for internal cable routing vs external?
Sorry to highjack the thread
Thanks
Ewan
I’d love to have an 808 with my Powertap for the “bling factor” and to a lesser extent, weight savings, but I can’t justify the cost. With 4 children and the need to pay for college soon, I simply can’t justify such a purchase. If I did have the extra money, I’d probably use it for wind-tunnel time; much better bang for my buck!
There is no data that I’m aware of for internal vs. external cable routing at biketechreview.com Plenty of other great info, however!
I found the disc covers to be a bit brittle. First install with the nickels, I cracked the cover. I ended up getting a used RENN. Havent looked back. Keau
I have used them in the past and will again this year so I can run my PT in races. I find the installation to be kind of a pain. You remove the cassette, and then secure the cover to the wheel and return cassette to wheel. Securing the cover to the wheel is the hardest part, mostly just requires patience.
Bump - I’m also close to ordering a wheelbuilder cover for a 650 Easton Velomax rear wheel but would also love some close-up photos - I’m very particular about the finish on my stuff and I know it would bug me if fitting it felt like a ‘botch job’
Cheers
.
“With 4 children and the need to pay for college soon,”
I hear you there brother. My daughter graduated last year (4 yrs at college studying languages and fashion design) and my son is just starting, but he’s opted for a two year film production program. In two years time I’ll be a free man.
Then I’ll finally be able to afford a new Cervelo.
I just ordered a disc wheel cover custom cut from wheelbuilder for my zipp 404. I will post a picture when I get it on. It should be here tomorrow.
Jeff