Talk me down or push me over RE: wheels

Triathlon Forum
1

Ooookay, so I’m looking for someone to either talk me down from the ledge I’m on…or to push me over. And you’ve got to do it in a nice, user-friendly way.

Up until this season, I rode an aluminum frame, 650 wheels (Trek Hilo, if it matters). I rode 404 tubulars for race day (before that it was Alps/H3). I am female, 5’9.5", 137 lbs. I am an okay cyclist. I usually average 21-23 mph in races. I race in the Midwest–so rolling to flat, and I do sprints and olys.

SO: I am on the ledge why? This winter, I sold the Hilo, and bought a new Transition Comp (I get fitted tomorrow! Yay!). It is 700. Therefore, I also needed new race wheels. So, I bought a set of 808s (tubular), which I got a decent deal on. I was already vaguely concerned about feeling fat and slow on a carbon 700 bike (my road bike is 700, and even after a few years…it still feels like I am riding on giant hula hoops…it IS aluminum, though). It’s just so…BIG when you look at the wheelbase.

Now, after all I read, I am getting nervous that perhaps I should have gone 404/808, instead of 808/808. I am absolutely, 100% tapped out of funds, so keeping one and buying something else isn’t an option. And before you say it, no…I don’t ride that much :stuck_out_tongue: 3x a week, about 60 min. I’m not looking to change that, so “ride more and get stronger” is not an answer :stuck_out_tongue:

I am not worried about the FIT of the bike–Kevin at Gear West will work wonders (I am getting RETUL, as well), I’m sure. I’m worried that the material, wheel size, and race wheel choice will make me feel like I am dragging a giant tank.

Thoughts on wheel selection? Should I jump off the ledge or get down?

2

go for a ride on a windy day and see if you can handle it.

if you can’t, trade someone for a 404 front and some cash

and put a wheelcover on that rear wheel =)

3

Wow. You are on an even bigger wheelcover crusade recently than usual :wink:

4

I don’t think 5’9.5", 137 lbs is fat at all!

5

Well, thank you… I don’t think I’m fat… but I think I’ll FEEL fat. :smiley:

6

Since you are buying a bike from Gear West, I assume you live in the Twin Cities area. I have a set of 404’s (700) that are older (no dimples) but not used that much. If you wanted to try out a 404/808 set up you can borrow them and see what you think. I don’t use them much (long story) but there is nothing wrong with the wheels. You can try them out for several rides if you want. I am in Minneapolis, send me a PM if you are interested.

7

You are fine with the 808’s.

You should consider losing some weight though :slight_smile:

(Please, just kidding)