Hey all,
Fastest = Lance’s or whoever has the best engine… o.k. we’re done with that.
I did my first test - Zipp 909’s with Tufo S3 lite <215 g vs. Velomax circuit training wheels with Mich. Pro Clinchers. I did a 20 mile out and back 3x (was supposed to be 4 but I ran out of time…). It was an easy paced ride - all tires pumped to 110 PSI. I have an Ergomo powermeter so I have time for each 10 mile section, and average/normalized watts. The training wheels got 2 sets and the Zipp 1 set in between. My plan is to repeat the test again and do a 3rd test with mile repeats at more like 24 mph. I test only with nice weather - little to no wind - same clothes - 1 bottle - I drink at set points on the course - 96% aero (1 small hill)…I try to keep all things even that I can think of.
Tomorrow I’m testing a set of Hed Alps with Mich Pro Race Clinchers vs. the Velomax (only 1 set each).
I’m planning on testing the following (friend’s + my wheels):
Zipp 909’s with Vittoria Corsa Evo KS tubulars
Hed 3 tubular set - I think they have Tufo’s - I may also put some Vittoria’s on them too.
Renn disc/Hed Alps front (clinchers).
Maybe a Renn disc/Hed 3 combo (clinchers) if I can swing it.
May rent some 808’s if I can raise some money (see below)
Might test my Mavic Krysium (?sp) for the fun of it…
If you want the 1st test - PM me and I’ll send it to you. I send raw data only - no interpretations. Also - these tests are not designed to detect small differences - I just want to know if there is at least 1 min/hour difference. You can statistic anything - you can nitpick(?sp) anything. I’m not trying to do a double blind/placebo controlled experiment with a n=1000/p<.00000001. I’m just trying to convince myself with reasonable certainty.
If you think its a useful format and want the rest of the data (as it comes) - then you need to donate 5$ to the “test 808 clinchers and tubulars fund”. If you thinks its garbage - then don’t send the 5$ - send $50 with a note requesting no more data…If you do not want to donate $5 - maybe I’ll send it to you for free… My plan is to rent both 808’s from racedaywheels.com (or whatever that site is) and test head to head (these would be tested as supplied re: tires…). If you want all the data posted on slowtwitch for free - you can post that opinion. If you think these tests are a waste of time - fine by me - I’d like to see you come up with something better, do it, and post it…
I also tested sleeved vs. sleeveless De Soto wetsuits the other day - plus bibjohns only vs. speedo. 200 meter repeats. These were cruise/easy intervals with 15 seconds rest. These were blind - I just hit the interval bottom on my watch for each - counted 1 mississippi, 2 mississippi…15 as rest. All repeats were quite consistent (1-2 seconds). Putting a wetsuit on in the water while wet is a serious pain (sleeved…- vest was easy once wet). I can easily do 12x200 on 3:30 and have each within 1-2 secs.
Sleeved and sleeveless averaged 2:58.
Bibjohn 3:05. ( it ballons a bit on me as I swim - feels slow but still faster than speedo).
Speedo 3:15. (follows the wetsuit is 10% faster rule).
Despite many saying sleeved is faster - I think its very close for me - I’d race in whatever was more comfortable based on water temp without any concern at all…The sleeved suits are very comfy these days but the vest definitely feels a bit easier on the shoulders. I do think there is some variability between swimmers based on their swimming style (fast turnover/long strokes/recovery position…) but I bet its very small. Buy what fits and is comfortable and is appropriate for the races you do (water temp).
What do you all think?
Dave