I have read all of the posts about the fastest race wheels for any number of particular and different conditions (i.e. hilly v. flat, windy v. not windy, etc.) or races. My question is, assuming I can only afford to buy one set of race wheels, what wheelset will provide me with the most versatility for a cross-section of Half IMs and Ironman distance races across different conditions? I.e. Does it make send to use buy a disc even if some courses will be windy and hilly? Or should I stick with someting like 404s or Hed 3 for both front and rears. Any brands or suggestions would be welcome.
I suppose the most versatile set would be a set of 404’s, as you mention. Legal in all races, no problem with sidewinds, and are fixable/trueable.
I have a 404 front and a HED 3 rear, which I personally think is really good all around combo. It can be used in all conditions and is relatively lightweight (compared to HED 3/Disk combo), quite aero (not as good as HED3/disk).
Some thoughts.
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Based on comments from most disk users, they can be pretty much be used in any wind conditions, ditto for a HED 3 front. I have never ridden a disk, or a HED 3 front, so I cannot speak for their handling, but from an aerodynamics standpoint this is your fastest set up.
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HED 3 and renn disk combo is probably the cheapest setup you can get (slightly less than $1000 brand new at full retail)
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Although weight is really negligable compared to aero, realize that air drag is a velocity squared relationship, so there is a huge difference in drag as speed goes up, 50% increase in drag to go from 20 mph to 25 mph. Effect of weight is constant. Why mention this. If you are say an 18 mph rider, doing a hilly IM (IMLP), the nearly 2 pound weight difference of a set of tubular 404s compared to a clincher HED 3/Renn disk may be of some consequence; for a 22 mph rider it is clear choice, go for the aero, weight doesn’t even matter. Of course I would also point out if you are an 18 mph rider, race wheels are not a good use of your money.
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After writing this I am not sure why I don’t have a HED3/disk combo, since by my logic that is the best choice. I guess sometimes you just dance with the one you brung. I at least am getting rid of my TUFOs.
Good Luck
The 606 (404 front/808 rear) is the top recommendation from Zipp for the “universal triathlon wheelset.”
Truable, legal on all courses, more comfortable than a H3 rear since it is a spoked wheel in the back, faster than a H3 in the rear, you don’t mix and match brands (if you are style conscious)…