I currently ride a 2018 Cervelo P2 with Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 wheels. I live in the UK, there’s often a chance of rain on race day, so like the comfort of an alloy braking surface.
But, I want a disc wheel.
Near me there is a second-hand Flo disc with alloy braking surface going for about a third the cost of any new full carbon disc. How much time/performance would I be giving up vs a full carbon disc - should I just stop being previous and accept reduced braking in the wet?
I currently ride a 2018 Cervelo P2 with Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 wheels. I live in the UK, there’s often a chance of rain on race day, so like the comfort of an alloy braking surface.
But, I want a disc wheel.
Near me there is a second-hand Flo disc with alloy braking surface going for about a third the cost of any new full carbon disc. How much time/performance would I be giving up vs a full carbon disc - should I just stop being previous and accept reduced braking in the wet?
Not sure about the UK, but in Oz, people are saying rim brake discs for peanuts. Like 250-300 pounds for a Zipp Super-9.
The market is not dissimilar. Tubs are going cheap, clincher/tubeless slightly less so but still good deals to be had.
The market is not dissimilar. Tubs are going cheap, clincher/tubeless slightly less so but still good deals to be had.
I would look for something other than a Flo. It’s a carbon cover over a spoked wheel. It’s fine, but it’s heavy and doesn’t make the whoosh whoosh noise.
The market is not dissimilar. Tubs are going cheap, clincher/tubeless slightly less so but still good deals to be had.
I would look for something other than a Flo. It’s a carbon cover over a spoked wheel. It’s fine, but it’s heavy and doesn’t make the whoosh whoosh noise.
for example? if he’s cheap and wants the alu brake track, I can’t see many alternatives around. Possibly, he can go for the EZ disc cover, but it won’t be lighter than the Flo, and, still, no whoosh whoosh
The EZ Disc cover is another option I’m considering but, as you say, would be heavier than the Flo disc. I’d also lose the option to use my current rear as a training wheel.
The Flo is a great disc wheel. I think the only other option that suits your criteria is a Het Jet, which is probably a bit more expensive second hand than the Flo.
My understanding is the time difference between this type of disc and full carbon is very very small. Ultimately, both discs have the same shape. The alu brake track version is probably slightly heavier, and the wheel is slightly less smooth around the brake track, but these have limited effect on aerodynamics.
I can confirm the Flo disc does make a nice whoosh sound 
There are a few things you will want to watch out for.
The original FLO DISCs were made from 2012-2015. We did not make a full carbon version at this time. I would be hesitant to buy one of the original wheels at this point. The main difference between the aluminum and carbon rims is the feel of the wheel. Carbon fiber absorbs road vibration better resulting in a smoother feeling ride. Beyond that there is not real difference between these wheels. Braking performance will be similar for both wheels. Make sure this wheel is in good shape. Overtightened spokes can result in cracked rims. This wheel is a blind true and I’ve seen plenty of the them cracked over the years due to inexperienced builders cranking down on spokes.
If you have any other questions let me know.
The market is not dissimilar. Tubs are going cheap, clincher/tubeless slightly less so but still good deals to be had.
I would look for something other than a Flo. It’s a carbon cover over a spoked wheel. It’s fine, but it’s heavy and doesn’t make the whoosh whoosh noise.
for example? if he’s cheap and wants the alu brake track, I can’t see many alternatives around. Possibly, he can go for the EZ disc cover, but it won’t be lighter than the Flo, and, still, no whoosh whoosh
If he’s after rim brake, I would have thought quite a few cheap 2nd hand options?
You would not give up time to a full carbon disc, the shape of the disc is more important. On our Scott Plasma 3s a flat discs turned out to be fast.
Citec discs have an aluminum braking surface and the weight is only 800g in the ultra version. We got recently a cheap 2nd one 2nd hand. In the UK timetrialling marketplace there are sometimes 2nd hand Citec Ultras.
If he’s after rim brake, I would have thought quite a few cheap 2nd hand options?
You’re missing the point that he wants clincher and alu brake track; not so many options possibly, even on the 2nd hand market. besides, he can buy the Flo disc locally (no shipping hassles etc.)