ST’ers heading to Portland for USAT Nationals. Looking at the ten (10) day outlook in regards to weather it looks like we are in store for some pretty favorable temps. Lows in the mid to upper 50’s and highs in the mid to upper 70’s come race day. Winds the day leading up to the race look like 4 - 8 mph mainly coming out of the WNW. Now, taking the weather into consideration and the topography of the course what wheels will you all be racing on come race day. I am still undecided. I have a set of Zipp 404s, Hed3’s, Real Design 60mm and a Blackwell Disc and 100mm front. What are you all going to run? Bruce Gennari
I don’t have a set of race wheels yet…can I borrow the ones you don’t use 
.
A disc like always…
Grant
No matter what the weather, I am using my disc and 808 in front. Only race wheels I have.
Dave
Hey, if you want to pay the cost to ship them out and back I am game. Bruce
Thanks Bruce, I may actually be able to borrow a set from my coach’s husband. I am in the market for wheels and wondering about type, where to buy, etc so I would value your input. I am a smallish (5’5"/120 lb) female with a Kestrel Talon FWIW.
how do you get to these “nationals” do you have to qualify, pay extra or what? thanks!
Go to the USAT site. Has all the answers to what races you need to do, and what results in your AG you
have to have.
Dave
I have a set of Zipp 404s, Hed3’s, Real Design 60mm and a Blackwell Disc and 100mm front.
you sir, have one heck of a lot of money to spend …
I ride budget gear-- pre-owned Hed3 Tri spoke front and wheelbuilder wheel cover on the back. I don’t have all them fancy options. Even if I did, I’d say tri-spoke in the front w/ disk in the back is still the way to go. Not that I’m an expert.
You’ll be super fast regardless of your choice, I’m sure.
I think wheel choice is all about how much one wants to spend for some added speed (and also to look cool). The topic of which wheels to but has been talked about on this website ad - naseum. Most people will tell you that you need a disc in the back. Some people will tell you that a Hed3 will suffice. I guess it all depends on your pocket book. Now, it you being smallish in size I would steer clear of the Hed3’s. They are tough even for somebody of my size to handle in any kind of cross wind. Personally I’d go with something like a set of Blackwell 50mm or Zipp 404 or 606 wheel set. The HED Stingers are pretty much the same as the previous wheels mentioned. You can throw in the disc at some other time. If money is no object the go ahead and buy the disc. It’s pretty much up to you. Honestly, all things considered, it’s more about the engine than it is about the wheels. Again, this is just my $.02. I am sure there are people that will have more to add to this wheel conversation.
I am torn between spoked in the back or disc. Think I am going to bring both and decide after I preview the course on Thursday. If those rollers are steep and depending on how curvy the course is I might go spoked.
Greg, not really. I got the Zipp 404s for winning DeSoto Triple T last year. I have a PowerTap hub laced in the rear wheel. So, 12 hours of pain got me these. The Real Design (Flash Point) 60mm came with my bike (2007 Lucero). The HED3’s I got from John Cobb a while ago at a very decent price. The Blackwell wheel set I absolutely love. Even though I am not formally sponsored by Blackwell I feel like I am. Dave Bunce at Blackwell has helped me equip my rig with Blackwell Concorde aerobars, Blackwell stem, Blackwell Time Bandit Fork and the set of wheels. Dave Bunce is the Man! So, realistically I didn’t pay a whole lot for the stable of wheels.
I was thinking the same thing. HED3 in the back and maybe the Real Design or Zipp 404 in the front. Great minds!
Yeah, I was actually debating the same thing last night. So I pulled the course up on google earth last night which left me even more indecisive Think the computrainer course is a little harsh regarding those grades.
Another reason to bring both is it rains a lot up there. Might want some flex.
how do you get to these “nationals” do you have to qualify, pay extra or what? thanks!
Anyone can race in that race, you just enter like a regular triathlon.
There are also ways to qualify to have your results considered for the national championships.
Damn, that’s a pretty nice selection of race wheels! I haven’t seen the topography of the course, but I’ve never seen a triathlon course where you would not benefit from the use of a disc.
Have fun!
-C
I am riding Zipp 404’s. I have a Hed Deep rear wheel (probably as deep as 808 but not as light), but I don’t think I will use that because of the extra weight on the hills. I think the 404’s are just as good this wheel anyway.
Has anyone ridden the course before? I always have a hard time telling how hilly races are from the profiles.
I think some one was worried about rain. It does not rain much in Oregon in the summer (knock on wood). You are much more likely to see heavy rain somewhere like…oh…say…Kansas City.
I am in the market for wheels and wondering about type, where to buy, etc so I would value your input. I am a smallish (5’5"/120 lb) female with a Kestrel Talon FWIW.
Do you ride a 650 or 700c bike? I got a new bike recently (went from 650c to 700c) and have yet to put my race wheels on the market (hed alps front, hed 3 rear both tubular).
I am close to your size (5’4.5’’ and 105lbs) and just got zipp 404’s. So far I like them too. I did well with the hed wheels. I have never tried a disc. I have heard conflicting advice on whether small riders should ride disc wheels.
hey Bruce,
I am going with dual Hed3’s full carbon rims with tubulars 700C on a P3 Carbon. I look forward to seeing you there!
