Disc at IMFL

Triathlon Forum
1

While I appreciate that Slowtwitchers will recommend discs under 99.9% of all conditions, I was wondering if I should be riding a disc at IMFL this year. I’m a 5:18 half IM’er on a hilly course, but training hasn’t been the best for the full at Florida this year because of work.

I’ve only used a disc twice, both in sprint races. I’m 5’8", about 155 lbs.

I’ll probably be spending 6 hours out on the IMFL bike course… could be 7 hours if I have a complete mental breakdown. Would a disc still be worth using if I’m going that slow? I’ve got a 404 rear that I’m leaning towards, to pair up with the 404 front.

2

better go buy an Open Pro…

IT NEVER ENDS!!!

3

Use the disc. It’ll certainly be faster, and it actually saves more time the longer you are out there. It’ll add stability to the bike in the event of wind. The only place on that course where it may be an issue is the first and last few miles where you are along the coast and a gust coming from between two high rises may catch you off guard. The other 100+ miles it’s a no brainer.

4

Last year @ IMFL I used 808/disc even with wind gusts 15-20 mph…if it were a hilly course I’d use the 404s.

5

disc wheels pass through the air faster. If you have a disc, put it on the bike so you can go a little faster.

it will save you as much time as it will save a fast person.

6

Always use a disc.

7

ive also been wondering the same thing. my concern is not so much about the wind but more about the comfort. the longest race ive done with a disk so far has been a few olympic distance races and damn that thing is stiff. you really feel every bump of the road. my concern is more of my spine being turned to dust before if get on the run course.

8

what tire is on your disc, how much do you weigh, and what pressure do you run it at?

ive also been wondering the same thing. my concern is not so much about the wind but more about the comfort. the longest race ive done with a disk so far has been a few olympic distance races and damn that thing is stiff. you really feel every bump of the road. my concern is more of my spine being turned to dust before if get on the run course.

9

I’ve used a disk for the last 7 times I’ve done IM Florida. Plan to use one this year also. I am 5’9" - 142 lbs. I would use the disk.

10

Would it make sense to avoid running a disk if you were a lightweight athlete?

Some of the female racers on my team are a little intimidated because they’re worried that by being lightweight it makes the bike harder to control.

Minimum weight? 120? 140? Any guidelines. I notice that not all female pro’s run a disc even when they could.

11

I would put it like this:
if they are comfortable with a 404 on the front, they will be comfortable with a disc in the back.

the rear wheel can’t steer, so even for very light people it is rare that a disc is a problem unless the winds are completely mad.

being female is no excuse to wimp out =)

Would it make sense to avoid running a disk if you were a lightweight athlete?

Some of the female racers on my team are a little intimidated because they’re worried that by being lightweight it makes the bike harder to control.

Minimum weight? 120? 140? Any guidelines. I notice that not all female pro’s run a disc even when they could.

12

My wife uses a disc cover and used it in Florida. She’s in the low 120s. If they are concerned with wind I would use a shallow front like a 404 or Jet6 and certainly avoid the tri-spoke. Everything I have read from the ST wisdom suggests a disc rear provided stability whereas a deep front reduces stability. Granted gusts are a different story, but I would setup the bike based on the 99% of time where its just wind without some crazy gust coming b/t two buildings, b/t berms at Kona, etc.

13

Thanks Jack. Just to clarify these women are as tough as nails, just careful.

Sounds like you need to do at least a few training rides on the good wheels so there aren’t any surprise.

14

also if houston is gusting like austin is right now, great time to test the theory =)
.

15

i used 808’s last year and it was gusty… no problems. I would go with a Disc in the rear if i do this one again…

16

As a recent convert to the disc (cover in this case), given the choice I’ll never ride w/o it on again. It improves bike stability by quite a bit in terms of feel - even in crosswinds. I’m prone to getting the speed wobbles above 28 (super slow by ST standards, I know), but changing to the disc allowed me to get up to 35 and feel stable. I’d rock the disc for sure.

17

I am doing IMFL with a Jet 6 on front and Jet 9 with disc cover on back I am 6’1 185 pounds and ride 110 psi
.

18

I am doing IMFL and riding HED 3 Tri-spoke in front and HED Disc in the back.

19

disc wheels pass through the air faster. If you have a disc, put it on the bike so you can go a little faster.

it will save you as much time as it will save a fast person.

John Cobb showed that slower peeps benefit more from aero wheels and disc than faster ones, since they are out of the course longer.