Rolf Vector Pro or HED 60mm?

Triathlon Forum
1

I have a few questions. The Rolf Vector Pro has 14 spokes. The HED 60mm has 24. Do the number of spokes matter that much when the rim is 60mm deep? Could the Rolf Vector Pro, with its 14 spokes, be more aero than the HED simply because it has less spokes? Which do you think is faster/more aero? I’d like to think the HED is more aero/better simply because it’s a HED. Just throwing this out there.

          ![http://forum.slowtwitch.com/http://i26.tinypic.com/2zef32w.jpg](http://forum.slowtwitch.com/http://i26.tinypic.com/2zef32w.jpg)    ![http://forum.slowtwitch.com/http://i32.tinypic.com/34gsdhh.jpg](http://forum.slowtwitch.com/http://i32.tinypic.com/34gsdhh.jpg)
2

i would say the hed, but i dont really know
.

3

I have no idea of the validity of this data. It did come from the internet so it must be true
0° Yaw 5° Yaw 15° Yaw 30° Yaw Side Force
Trek/Rolf 98 107 110 114 383 HED Jet 68 70 78 85 372 0° Yaw 5° Yaw 15° Yaw 30° Yaw Side Foce

If I remember something from an earlier study it is actually amazing how “un-aero” rolf wheels are. I would love for the aero gurus to weigh in on this since I have a set of rolfs and I love the fact that after 18000 miles I have yet to true them

4

The info for both wheels comparatively might be misleading. It really depends on the course they are being used on. Straight out, I’d guess the Hed would be more aero because of the deep rim. But, because the Rolf is lighter, if there are climbs or undulations on the course, you might get a slight time advantage from the lighter wheel at your peak physical condition.

5

no idea on how aero they are, but my aging set of vector comps that came on a 2001 Trek have withstood some serious ham-fisted abuse for many thousands of miles.

6

Slowman on the Vector Pro:
“But all reports are that they are a terrific set of wheels. … But I’ve also been apprised by those who’ve tested the wheels in the wind tunnel that–while they may be fabulous wheels–they are not particularly aerodynamic.”

I do agree they are pretty bomb proof - they do take a special tool to true (or at least I’ve been told)

Are you looking for race-day wheels or a good all-around training/race wheel?

7

I already have the Rolf’s. I am purchasing the HED 60mm front wheel in a week. I am just wondering if the HED is better than the Rolf. Spokes and all.

8

Some references to Zipp technical notes to see what they have to say about the relative value of reduced spoke count vs spoke shape or rim shape (and depth).

A Note On Spoke Count

A Note On Spoke Shape

A Note On Rim Shape

And what shape are the spokes on the Rolfs? Round?

9

The Rolf spokes are bladed.

10

years ago someone actually tested the Rolfs (perhaps Mr. Cobb when he still was at his Bicyclesports store in Shreveport?) and said they performed horribly in the wind tunnel. The HED’s will be faster aerodynamically.

With that said, I had a set of Vector Pro’s for probably 5 years - those wheels were bomb proof! At 180 -190 pounds, those wheels could take anything I put them through and have been thinking of putting together a cross bike with a set :slight_smile: