Hey - I am looking for pros and cons about upgrading from a carbon clincher 60mm Superteam wheelset to the HED Jet RC Black Series (either 60/60or 60/90). I ride a 2018 Cervelo P3 for reference.
I like the look of the HEDs and know that they’re a high quality wheelset, but aside from aesthetics and the name associated with them, would they provide any added benefits that I can’t obtain with my $350 Superteam wheelset?
Thank you!
Aside from the facts that the HED Jets test at or near the top of every aero comparison, and the brake tracks are peerless, there probably is no difference.
The practical advice is that it makes almost no economic sense to go from a 60/60 of what you have to HED Jet Blacks, unless you are shopping for a brake track improvement. Even a jump to 60/90 does not make a huge change other than aesthetics. However, if you are jumping to 60/disc or 90/disc, then it makes sense to buy new. And if you are buying new, get HED.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
I have the Superteams, in both carbon 50/50 and alloy-brake track 50/50. Have posted before, but they are shockingly good for the ridiculously low price. I would happily race these for my A races all the time.
That said, carbon brake tracks can be suboptimal on super steep descents and/or wet conditions. I haven’t had a problem with my Superteams as I live in Norcal and I’ve been able to only ride in dry conditions, but I did do one race on the coast where AM drizzle and fog kept the roads and transition zone quite damp, and on a short but very steep descent, I had to squeeze my brakes to near-death just to slow moderately. (These were Premier Tactical carbon wheels, not Superteams.)
I’ve contemplated getting the HED Blacks just to have an alloy-brake option, as the alloy brakes do work significantly better in wet and super steep sections. I’m pretty sure that’s the real selling point of the HEDs, unless you’re at the super tippy top and looking for the tiniest aero gains.
At this point though, I think I’ll just wait for Superteam to come out with a deeper alloy rim wheel (they have an 80 but it’s soooo ugly!) and get that though, as I ride mostly in dry.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Male pro cyclists are from 135 to 160. So light. I’m a guy that in race weight has been down to 152. Just 17 lb more. They run discs, I train on a 90/disc combo.
And at that speed you stand to gain more time than a faster rider for the disc. Faster riders save more watts but save less time.
So still disc.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Male pro cyclists are from 135 to 160. So light. I’m a guy that in race weight has been down to 152. Just 17 lb more. They run discs, I train on a 90/disc combo.
And at that speed you stand to gain more time than a faster rider for the disc. Faster riders save more watts but save less time.
So still disc.
In all honesty I really don’t know if I’m a strong enough rider for a disc, or even 90 mm in the back. I was almost been blown over multiple times last summer.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Male pro cyclists are from 135 to 160. So light. I’m a guy that in race weight has been down to 152. Just 17 lb more. They run discs, I train on a 90/disc combo.
And at that speed you stand to gain more time than a faster rider for the disc. Faster riders save more watts but save less time.
So still disc.
In all honesty I really don’t know if I’m a strong enough rider for a disc, or even 90 mm in the back. I was almost been blown over multiple times last summer.
A 90 rear is harder than a disc. Shallower front is really what helps in cross wind as that is the wheel connected to the steerer and handlebars. So in crosswind, the front has that effect. The rear doesnt steer, so thats why rear its not a big deal.
A shallower front and disc rear can be quite stable in a modern front wheel profile like a HED. The modern shape helps with cross wind stability.
Maybe ask to borrow a local riders to try it.0
In all honesty I really don’t know if I’m a strong enough rider for a disc, or even 90 mm in the back. I was almost been blown over multiple times last summer.Is there any chance you could borrow or rent a disc to try it out? They feel completely different in a crosswind. If you are shopping anyway, it is hugely worth making the optimum decision. Maybe even get a disc cover for your current wheels for the interview.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
I’m bit taller than you but 128lb and I ride with a disc wheel. You will be just fine. I wish you could rent one and try. You will never go back.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
I’m bit taller than you but 128lb and I ride with a disc wheel. You will be just fine. I wish you could rent one and try. You will never go back.
That’s impressive…no one I ride with uses a disc and they’re all pretty decent cyclists. Why did you choose disc?
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
I’m bit taller than you but 128lb and I ride with a disc wheel. You will be just fine. I wish you could rent one and try. You will never go back.
That’s impressive…no one I ride with uses a disc and they’re all pretty decent cyclists. Why did you choose disc?
Because they are faster.
My GF is your size, has FTP of ~180 and rides a disc because it’s faster than a 90 or 60.
Hey - I am looking for pros and cons about upgrading from a carbon clincher 60mm Superteam wheelset to the HED Jet RC Black Series (either 60/60or 60/90). I ride a 2018 Cervelo P3 for reference.
I like the look of the HEDs and know that they’re a high quality wheelset, but aside from aesthetics and the name associated with them, would they provide any added benefits that I can’t obtain with my $350 Superteam wheelset?
Thank you!
N=1 here…
Absolutely love my Hed wheels. Tri bike has RC6 Plus rim set. Alloy braking surface is great, and gives me so much more confidence. Road bike has RC5 Plus disc. Reliable producer, at a great price point. Not sure there’s a better all around value out there…
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Male pro cyclists are from 135 to 160. So light. I’m a guy that in race weight has been down to 152. Just 17 lb more. They run discs, I train on a 90/disc combo.
And at that speed you stand to gain more time than a faster rider for the disc. Faster riders save more watts but save less time.
So still disc.
In all honesty I really don’t know if I’m a strong enough rider for a disc, or even 90 mm in the back. I was almost been blown over multiple times last summer.
A 90 rear is harder than a disc. Shallower front is really what helps in cross wind as that is the wheel connected to the steerer and handlebars. So in crosswind, the front has that effect. The rear doesnt steer, so thats why rear its not a big deal.
A shallower front and disc rear can be quite stable in a modern front wheel profile like a HED. The modern shape helps with cross wind stability.
Maybe ask to borrow a local riders to try it.0
THIS!
Actually it’s even better as the disc will act as a stabilizer for the deep(ish) frontwheel. Furthermore it’s important to just stay relaxed on your bike and don’t fight the wind. Just follow the path your bike wants to take.
Marginal aero gains, maybe a little weight savings and the biggest shift would be the braking. I ride a set of non-black Jet 6 Plus wheels on my road bike and they’re great wheels. I imagine the newest generation of those wheels are really nice too.
Is braking a problem for you? Are your current wheels true and spin good? If they’re good, I’m not sure the HEDs will be some noticeable upgrade for you though.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
I’m bit taller than you but 128lb and I ride with a disc wheel. You will be just fine. I wish you could rent one and try. You will never go back.
That’s impressive…no one I ride with uses a disc and they’re all pretty decent cyclists. Why did you choose disc?
Because they are faster.
My GF is your size, has FTP of ~180 and rides a disc because it’s faster than a 90 or 60.
A similar experience–
My wife is a small, slight person (5’ 2") and she would always use a disc, regardless of the conditions, because they test faster and their use offers a good amount of stability in windy conditions. The one time that she raced without a disc was because IM Cozumel did not allow for their use; this ride did not work well for her because of the strong wind, nor did it appear to work for the 100s of riders that I saw on the windward leg of the course.
A lot of riders don’t understand the physics of their bikes and worry that a rear disc’s greater surface area will cause handling problems; these concerns are unfounded. And while the aero gains might not be huge in some instances when compared to a deep 90/101mm rear wheel, the gains in stability are worth it.
If you can’t use a disc, then get a good cover.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Well then you will benefit more from a disc than than a faster rider.
Get a solid rear disc wheel.
I’m a 5’5†135 lb. woman who’s lucky to average 20-22 mph downhill with the wind at my back…that doesn’t seem like a good idea to me 🙂
Male pro cyclists are from 135 to 160. So light. I’m a guy that in race weight has been down to 152. Just 17 lb more. They run discs, I train on a 90/disc combo.
And at that speed you stand to gain more time than a faster rider for the disc. Faster riders save more watts but save less time.
So still disc.
In all honesty I really don’t know if I’m a strong enough rider for a disc, or even 90 mm in the back. I was almost been blown over multiple times last summer.
A 90 rear is harder than a disc. Shallower front is really what helps in cross wind as that is the wheel connected to the steerer and handlebars. So in crosswind, the front has that effect. The rear doesnt steer, so thats why rear its not a big deal.
A shallower front and disc rear can be quite stable in a modern front wheel profile like a HED. The modern shape helps with cross wind stability.
Maybe ask to borrow a local riders to try it.0
Use of a rear disc shifts the centre of pressure on the overall form further rearwards. That’s why a disc makes sense in a breeze on the rear over a deep section there. It also shifts it further away from the steering axis. Never reduce the surface on your rear unless you make the same proportional change on the front at the same time otherwise you could make things worse.
I’ve believed the science of the rear disc being more stable for a while and believe that to be settled.
What I don’t get though is why races like Kona don’t allow a disc when it will actually be safer than a 60/90 combo. Is it a historical thing that just persists because “history?†Also, in that same thought, why do some races make a race day decision to ban discs if it is really windy out?
General question for anyone.
How much time savings are we looking at for a 90 rear over a 60 rear?
How much savings of a rear disc over a 90 and a 60?
I’m trying to figure out what to go with for race day. I have a rear 60, rear 90 and debating whether to buy the rear disc and sell the 90 or just make a rear disc by getting a disc cover. All wheels are the HED JET+ black brake track.
If I get the rear disc, I’ll sell the 90.
If I get a cover, I guess I could still sell the 90.
I know the disc cover will solve my dilemma, but I kinda feel they look cheap. I love the continuous flow look of the actual disc.