Is a Aero wheel cover worth it?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m racing IM CdA and I have been planning on using my Blackwell 50mm’s for the race. Would it be worth it to get a wheel-cover for the rear? I’ve never used a disk or wheel cover so I’m totally ignorant to the advantages.

2

Lifted:

Always use a rear disc. Unless it kills you, it makes you faster.

  • Mott 2:1
3

Poke around on analyticalcycling.com and see what the time difference would be for your race from a deep section aero wheel to a disc. Don’t forget that real world conditions have real yaw angles on the wind, so don’t go by the zero yaw values.

4

While some fancy-pants look down their noses at wheel covers I am a believer and a former user. There are few drawbacks and some significant advantages. Most drawbacks are mitigated by a good installation and frequent inspection.

5

Well it’s less than $100 and will make you faster. If you want to buy speed, I’d venture to guess that it’s probably about the most bang for your buck. Up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

6

I’m racing IM CdA and I have been planning on using my Blackwell 50mm’s for the race. Would it be worth it to get a wheel-cover for the rear?

Yes. Period.

7

I had the same question and desert dude convinced me it was worth it. I used it for the first time at IM CA 70.3 and it worked great. I had no issues with it and it definitely seemed faster to me. I have no data to back it up other than the fact that I had my fastest bike split ever at Oceanside, however the conditions were pretty much perfect this year for fast bike times. I still say for under $100 a wheel cover is worth it.

8

tom, how come you are using a cover for a regular wheel and not one cut for your deep dish wheels?

Dan
www.aiatriathlon.com

9

tom, how come you are using a cover for a regular wheel and not one cut for your deep dish wheels?

Dan
www.aiatriathlon.com

Because that’s my PT wheel…which I’m keeping on there for field testing purposes for the time being.

Being the CheapAssEngineer^TM, though, I am also in the process of making my own covers out of some PVC sign board for the Jet 90 rear. I plan on running that for my “A” TT events in conjunction with a CinQo.