My next big race is Powerman Zofingen, including a quite hilly 150 km bike leg. (3 * 50 km, 3 climbs each round). In addition to the climbs, there are some rather flat and slightly rolling parts. I have to choose by using my Mavic Cosmic Carbone front wheel, nice aerodynamic (50 mm rim / 890gram ) or my lighter and less aero Ritchey wheel (28 mm rim / 700 gram). Both have 16 flat spokes, no difference in handling etc, so the question is quite simple: The “cost” of the 22 mm deeper rim is 190 gram - is weight or drag most important ?
Use the Cosmic. Pretty much the only time a light wheel beats an aero wheel is on a hillclimb. On a loop course the aero wheel will be faster.
Thanks - I’ll use my Mavic Cosmic Carbon. (In addition to it’s low drag, it’s very stable in fast decents).