I’ve read lots of the threads but was wondering if anyone has seen any wind tunnel or “real Life” data on the relative performance of various wheelsets. I’m paticularly interested in data on the following:
Zipp 404, 808 and discs
Xentis 4 spoke
Campy/Fulcrum discs
HED 3 spoke and discs
I have the option to run:
1.404/404
2. 404/zipp disc
3. xentis 4 spoke/zipp disc
4. HED 3 spoke/HED 3 spoke
5. HED 3 spoke/zipp disc
6. 808/zipp disc
7. xentis 4 spoke/xentis 4 spoke
If all you care about is the fastest wheels, then a disc on the rear will always be fastest, so that takes that part of the question out.
Depending on the wind angle and the fork on your bike a tri spoke may be the fastest wheel, if not, then deeper is always better, so the 808 front would be the fastest.
The 404, being shallower than the 808 will be slower. Anything on the rear other than a disc will be slower. The Xentis test very well but not in real world wind conditions.
That said, I use a pair of tri-spokes as I don’t like the super stiff ride of the disc in the rear.
You didnt have a RENN disc on that list…Same speed for less dollars…
Hed 3 with RENN disc throw on some TUFO tubie clinchers, pump to 200 psi and you will FLY…
And dont forger your giro advantange II…if you can find one!
If you read some reviews (Cobb if I recall correctly) the “whoop, whoop, whoop” of the Hed 3 is wind break and speed loss…you may be better of with Hed 60/90 or Zipp 808’s…
I’m pretty sure these wheels are going on a $30,000 bike, so forget the Renn
In that case he can afford an SRM and go field-testing to test all the combos listed. That way he’ll be sure what works best with that particular bike and can also address any differences in feel or handling.
Hed 3 with RENN disc throw on some TUFO tubie clinchers, pump to 200 psi and you will FLY…
I hope you’re kidding about that part. He’d be better off with high quality tires inflated to a proper PSI on his training wheels then Tufos at 200 on race wheels.
200 psi would only be fastest on a velodrome. i would be quicker with 110 psi on every other road surface. every little bump/rock you go over your tire will have to raise off the ground, whereas with a lower psi the tire will mould over the bump/rock and keep going, not diverting the energy. but im sure you knew that!
If you read some reviews (Cobb if I recall correctly) the “whoop, whoop, whoop” of the Hed 3 is wind break and speed loss…you may be better of with Hed 60/90 or Zipp 808’s…
Cobb also said this after ending his sales relationship with Hed wheels if I read some things correctly when I was looking back.
You are correct though that a wider bladed, deeper fork does better with composite spoked wheels.
Tour magazine tested as follows(numbers are watts used at 30mph):
Zipp 808 18.1
rebadged Zipp 404 rim on ritchey hubs 19.3
Hed 3 19.7
another rebadged Zipp 404 20.8
My gut reaction is that it was a low yaw biased test but I have no proof because I can’t read German and I don’t think Tour Magazine gives that much detail to testing protocol. Also, I believe they used a 21-23mm tire on all the wheels.
Money no issue…
I would use a lenticular disc, be it Hed, Lightweight or Mavic. I would go Hed or Mavic to use clinchers.
For days with low yaw situations I would use either a Jet 90(deepest clincher front I am aware of), or in your case an 808, on the front.
For days with high yaw situations I would use the Hed 3 on the front.
To determine what the wind is going to be like look at the course and the forecast.