I did a search and read where a lot of you swear by the CH wheel covers. Some say they are equivalent to a disc. Is there anywhere where I can find this out? Or is there no real results that can be applied to the real world? After reading the thread on the Zipp dimples, from what the zipp guy said (Josh?) it doesn’t look like I need to spend $1g on a wheel as the cost benefit ratio tanks for me, but now I am wondering if the same isn’t true for the CH covers vs a $500 disc?
Thanks
Do you race any USCF or UCI events? Note that wheel covers are not legal for UCI and will not be legal for USCF events after December 31, 2006.
Here is a recent thread on disc wheel cover testing from Zipp:
"Cerveloguy: As somebody who counts … as a friend (and one of the smartest people I know) I have to say that we have been trying for years to replicate the data you reference from him and have not been successful, also having looked at and compared historical data from A&M along with data from John Cobb and a couple of other companies in the industry, we have never seen similar results to the … testing with any disc wheel. "
Thanks
The series says “USCF Rules apply”. But if the CH covers are really all that good, they only cost $60, and won’t be outlawed for 2 years, what additional benefit does a disc have on a basically bone flat course?
I know there is a lot to “percieved value”, but I am having trouble believing something so cheap can be as effective as something 10x the cost…but if it is-man, I’m in there.
“wheel covers are not legal for UCI and will not be legal for USCF events after December 31, 2006.”
Gary,
So who f*cking cares. USCF or UCI is totally irrelevant to triathlon. I don’t know why you continue to post that info here in a triathlon forum.
Off course Zipp is going to say something like that, at the prices they charge. Let’s see them publish their data if this is so.
Cobb actually also posted on his forum awhile back that a disc cover works like any other disc providing the seal around the cover and rim is adequate. Give one good reason why wouldn’t it. If in doubt a bead of black electrical tap around the rim works wonders. If you want to believe that golf ball dimples on a disc are going to make a huge difference well, it’s your money.
To answer the posters original question the test data is available on Kraig Willet’s pay site.
A Zipp disc was tested in a wind tunnel against a CH Aero cover. The data is available on this url. It’s a pay site but the info is well worth the few dollars IMO. the price would also include a few other reports.
Have you checked out Renn for $400? They make very nice discs. I have only seen a handful of people on the wheel covers, most of them were purchased prior to Renn releasing their disc. I have seen a bunch of the Renn’s at local and state TT’s and used one of their first models back in 2002, very nice.
To hell with the UCI. They are probably the mofo’s that outlawed the 200mpg carburetor too.
I just got a Renn. Closeout price $320 + 20 for shipping. Now if only I can find a cheap H3 for the front.
What can we do. The USCF has adopted the rules and we have no choice but to race by them. 
"Have you checked out Renn "
I won’t argue with you there. Not any faster than a cover or home made but it’s absolutely the best deal in a “real” disc.
they are getting up there in price now though too…
check out the maderia…it’s going for $650…but @ 980g…it’s ALMOST on par with the zipp…and still over $1g less.
The new white one looks pretty sexy too…heavy though.
i didn’t realize how heavy my renn actually is…just was on the page, it’s 1280g…mind you…when the engine is almost 100000g…300g doesn’t make much of a difference 
i love my renn. the one benefit i can see to the wheel cover (ok, 2). 1. stiffness…it’s rock solid.
and 2. it sounds SO freaking cool!