I have been looking to get my first set of wheels. I found a good deal on a new set of HED H3D front and rear. Not sure of the major differences between H3 and H3D. On Hed’s website they seem to give both wheels the same description but wasn’t sure if I could encounter an issue with that setup.
Basically, I am looking for a set primarily to race Tris (Sprint to HIM) possibly full IM in few years. So I am looking for something that works in all conditions.
I have seen many recommend the H3D as a rear wheel option, so what issues I might have having front and rear as H3D. Should I just opt for H3 front and rear?
I love my Hed3’s. Not a big fan of H3D, only because on race day, a Hed3 front with a disc on the back is hard to beat. Up to a 70.3 or more. Then I opt for a spoked wheel up front for comfort.
The Hed3’s are a fantastic wheel. They don’t go out of true and can withstand a beating. They are very aerodynamic and don’t cause a problem with cross-winds. But you feel EVERY bump in the road.
the h3 wheels work best with narrow tires. some would run these anyway but if you DIDNT want to run 19mm or 20mm tires then thsi wheel is not for you
the h3 wheels perform GREAT at high yaw angles (lots of wind and or slow average speed) but can be tricky to handle as a front wheel. at middle yaw angles (moderate wind, faster average speeds) they do not perform as well as some of the super deep wheels. however I think at very LOW yaw angles the H3D is one of the best. So if you are doing windless sprint distance tris that may be the best front wheel.
you can’t use them in road races/crits
they are great wheels so if you found a good deal on them you might go ahead and take it. money no object though I think the deep wheels like zipp808/hed jet 9 are a wee bit better in most circumstances. and a disc is almost always best in the rear
The HED3D is a HED3 with a deeper carbon fairing put in place by HED to make the rim deeper. HED3D IS a HED3 in disguise. You can send any HED3 to HED and have them add the Carbon Fairing to make it a HED3D
If you are considering just the HED3 or HED3D, I’d go with the HED3D rear and the HED3 front. If I remember correctly the HED3D rear tests nearly as fast as a disc, with extremely minimal difference. The HED3D front, again if I remember correctly, was only benefical for very fast cyclists, like over 25mph or more average speeds. Slower then that and it was a detriment.
Better check your facts
Neither the Hed3 nor the 3D is close to a Stinger disc.
Plus according to Hed…the H3 performs better in the majority of yaws than the 3D.