i was all set to get a hed disc but found a good deal on an old zipp 840. old meaning it was the model before the current one with the dimples. although looking at it closely it seems to have a rough surface as well. but i’m pretty sure it is the older model because the decal is just one big “zipp” horizontally, not like the current 3 decal radial set-up.
i can get this used disc at about half the hed superlight’s price. if it was the new model i would get it in a heartbeat. i’m hesitating a little given that there’s already a “newer” technology.
what do you guys think?
Kim
“there’s already a “newer” technology.”
Kim,
Don’t get sucked in by this. A disc is a disc is a disc. A few dimples, scratches or a painting of Mickey Mouse’s face won’t make it any faster.
Kraig Willet compared a sixty dollar CH Aero cover against a Zipp in a wind tunnel. It’s a pay site and will cost something like $4.95 but the result is very interesting. Check it out.
dockimpoy,
You obviously have the discretionary income to afford a new wheel. The time difference in the two wheels over a 40 km time trial is probably well under 10 seconds. That may make the difference between 1st and 2nd place for the pros when seconds count.
If you are a top age grouper it may make the difference for you too if you have exhausted all other options, i.e. training (coach), bike, clothing, wind tunnel testing to perfect position, high altitude tent, etc.
If you have not turned over every stone (leave no stone unturned) and are not contending for a spot at Kona, then the additional expense for this new technology will probably be the most expensive purchase you make in terms of return in time (seconds) per dollar spent.
Maybe it will motivate you to train harder to justify the expense. But hey, if you can afford it and want to buy it, go for it. Just don’t expect to see the time difference because you used this wheel vs some other disc. There will be greater differences as a result of how rested you were, how well hydrated you were, how windy it was, how humid it was etc, such that it will be impossible to quantitatively say that the newest disc technology enabled you to ride 3 seconds faster or 2 seconds faster or 5 seconds faster than you would have without it. It definitely will not shave minutes off your time in an ironman distance vs another disc wheel.
Now wait just one minute Cerveloguy. Do you have any proof to back up your claims? I seriously doubt Kraig has any real data to back up you claims.
Micky Mouses face would definetly be faster. Not as fast as Minnie’s, mind you, but definetly faster than a regular disc.