OK, this subject has already been discussed many many times but I must take a decision, and I need some advice …
… my race wheels are a set of Mavic CXP33 laced on PMP hubs (italian made, very very smooth …) with Sapim CXray spokes (28 front and rear). Considering rim height and spoke number, they are probably not much aero, even with those very thin aero spokes but they are reasonably light (1660 g), very stiff, durable and without surprise in crosswinds …
I have the opportunity to have a set of Gipiemme 416 that are heavier (~2000 g) but more aero, probably as Shamals but when I use analyticcycling to evaluate the gain, I am very disappointed because it’s only a few seconds for a 40 km TT !
Any thoughts ?
Bike : cervelo one / syntace base bar + C2
I would get a disc wheel. Get a Renn disc to go along with those Gipiemmes.
Races are won by seconds!!! This is why a pro will do a modification if it could possibly give them a one second advantage. The gains are not that great, but great enough to merit using the more aero wheels, especially when you are evenly matched with the person in your age group or in the overall and the wheels could give you that extra bit of time to get you into a podium spot.
What one has to remember when addressing aero modifications, these time savings are based on what they save over conventional components. You have a case, as you are upgrading from a box-section to a deep wheel. Wheel weight does matter, but that can be reduced through lighter tyres.
If you are a light enough rider, I would consider this combo: Nimble Fly front with as few spokes as you can get away with, and a Renn disc rear. It will be very light, deeper than your current wheels without compromising bike handling ability, and as aero as you need. A Nimble fly will weigh in the same neighbourhood as a Reynolds Stratus and cost a LOT less.
Thanks Bunnyman, I’ll buy those wheels and I think it’s a good deal for less than $150.
For the disk, I think I’ll wait because even with it, I doubt I will be on the podium as a MOPer … !