I have an Oly race on Sunday and debating if I should use my Mavic open pro power tap rim with a disc cover or my Hed 3. I dont use the power much in a race, just afterwards to look at numbers. In previuos races the H3 seemed faster, the mavic with disk cover seems like an anchor, although my speed hasnt varied much. Im leaning towards the Hed 3.
Thoughts?
My vote’s with the HED3.
“my speed hasnt varied much.”
Sounds like an either or?
Slightly less drag with the cover, less weight with the H3. Is it a hilly/technical course?
I’d go with the disc cover given that the LZ course if fairly flat, and it looks to be fairly calm wind-wise (no 30+ mph gusts). But I’m biased, the only rear race wheel I have is a disc.
“I’m leaning towards the Hed 3.”
Then go with the HED3. As others have mentioned, it’s a toss up, so go with the wheel you’re most comfortable with. The tri-spokes are hard to beat for a sturdy, fast, all-around wheel.
I would think about it in terms of how useful the power data will be for you. Do you have a good estimate of FTP? Are you trying to figure out pacing goals with power, which I strongly encourage. I can’t imagine the time savings are going to be huge with the H3, they aren’t exactly light, so if the power numbers have value to you, I’d get them with the PT and cover.
Is there a need to regulate your power during a short race? I dont even look at it, I just try to go fast. I do have an idea of my ftp. I could see the power tap being usefull in a 1/2IM or IM but not in a short race.
Pacing with power gets more important the longer a triathlon becomes, particularly for overall effort. So in an IM or a half IM, I recommend that people have wattage based plans for all segments of the race, i.e. flats, the courses’ short hills, the long hills, and the descents. For shorter events, given that effort is so much closer to maximal, such specificity is not always needed. I still do like my clients to use their power measuring devices. No matter the length of the course, people tend to start their rides too hard and to climb too hard. By establishing specific power based limits in those situations, people often use their energy more effectively and they then race better. I also like to use race data to check FTP estimates.
Jason
In previuos races the H3 seemed faster, the mavic with disk cover seems like an anchor, although my speed hasnt varied much.
Looks like you answered your own query. If your perception is that your disk seems like an anchor that could weigh on your mind (get it weigh?) during the race if there’s any sort of climbing. I say go for the Hed because you believe that it’s faster and confidence in your equipment is very important on raceday.