No longer a lurker.First time poster
This July I will be doing Lake Placid,and I’m hoping to qualify for Hawaii.
I’ll be racing in the 40 -44 age group and from looking at the results of past participants that have qualified,it looks like I will have to finish some-
where between 10:40 and 10:50(give or take).
Right now I think I’m capable of finishing in a little under 11 hours.
The wheels I’m riding on now are Rolf Vectors,which are fine training wheels,but not very light or aero.
My question is,If I were to invest in a set of Zipp 404 tubies,is it possible for me to shave 10-15 minutes off my bike time?
I’m looking to average about 18.25 mph on the bike,with the wheels I have on right now.
Any help would be appreciated.
“Is it possible for me to shave 10-15 minutes off my bike time?”
Yes. Will the wheels be the only thing needed? I’d guess the wheels can save between 5-10 minutes for you. The guilt you feel after spending so much money on them oughta be good for another 5 minutes.
I don’t know if it is mental, but when I put my 303s on, I am 1 mph faster than with my training wheels.
---->Trent
Why not a 404 in front and a Renn disk in back? I would guess something like 1/2 mph range improvement.
10-15 minutes for wheels…no way in hell. Not to burst the bubble but that is just not really the reasonable. I dont think…faster, sure but not 10-15 minutes. Maybe I am wrong. Also, Renn is great and all but why have a heavier wheel on them hills? Get a 909 or 404. Hell I was thinking of 202’s at IMLP to help out on the hills this year.
If I were to average 18.25 mph with the wheels I have on now,a 1/2 a mph increase in speed,according to my calculations would save me about 10 minutes.
Am I being totally unrealistic,to think this is possible with a much better wheelset?
I’m pretty confident of that 1/2 mph being a good rule of thumb. but that is compared to box rims. You may not get as much boost compared to your current wheels. I don’t know how much better they are than box rims.
If I was in the ballpark for a Kona slot, I wouldn’t hesitate to get great race wheels. A 909 set or disc and tri-spoke in the front.
You’ll save time going to 404’s from the Vectors but not as much as you anticipate. The fastest combo would be a 404 front with a rear disc. For the disc it doesn’t matter if you get a Zipp or spend just $60. on a CH Aero cover as the saving will still be the same.
Here’s Jim Martin’s calculations over 40 kms. Just convert to IM distance.
Isn’t LP pretty hilly? I’d think the weight penalty of the CH Aero would be at least measurable compared to a 909.
Here’s a good article by Craig Willet. It shows how even on a hilly course it’s not a wise idea to sacrifice aero for a small weight saving.
So true, but I meant CH Aero vs. Zipp 909 disc. Same aero, big weight (and price of course) difference.
Everyone before has made very valid points. I am not sure if you will pick up .5 mph or not over your current wheels. However, if you do buy the Zipp or Renn discs you will not be able to use either of them in Kona if you qualify. FWIW, I would go with the 404s if you are so inclined to purchase race wheels.