So I need some wheels for IM distance. So far been using superbly aero Shimano r550 (pb 5:40 split IMAustria) running 21mm Corsa CXs. So as a starting point Zipp 808s right? Nope. Too wide for the Argon E-114.
Also, I’m a big unit - 6’4", 95kg and put out a fair bit of power. The 12 spoke shimanos were OK, but I did kill off the rear wheel on some Mavic Cosmics I used on my road bike when hammering up the hills. I’ve no interest / likelihood of making it to Kona, so am looking for a set of wheels to get me round IMNZ in 5:15- 5:30 ish. I will be sticking with 21mm tyres and not going down to 19s as the surface is naff and I need the width to provide some comfort.
Main factors to me are handling and dependability. Weight isn’t all that of an issue, although everything in moderation.
So I’m thinking SRAM s80s or HED C2 tri-spokes. Or even an old set of pre firecrest 808s? The new Jets / Stingers are too wide, ditto the Firecrest 808s. Enve’s? Gut feeling is clinchers as the roads round here are generally full of glass and punctures are an inevitible part of training / racing (even with armaldillos), but could be persuaded if there is a very convincing reason for tubs. \
Remember that IMNZ is likely to be windy, so handing is an issue. Local half IM races that the wheels will also get used for are either hilly (Rotorua), the same course as the IM, or a flat but windy dragfest along the coast.
So strong aero wheels with a narrow (19mm) rim please. Go
How about running a Reynolds disc and 66 front? They also have an 81mm deep front available. Both are available as full carbon clinchers, and the braking is extremely good with the new blue pads and improved epoxy in the carbon.
If you’re investing in new wheels for the sole purpose of buying speed, none of those races are windy or hilly enough to warrant anything other than a deep front and disc rear.
Also, I’m 30kg lighter than you and have no problem with road “buzz” using a HED3 front/20mm tyre combo on even the worst NZ chipseal (on a stiff alloy frame at that)…not bliss but not as bad as you might think, particularly for a “race day only” application. Don’t rule it out completely.
You’re probably looking for a somewhat older but still very relevant non-bulged Zipp (or any of the re-stickered copies), HED or flat Renn disc to fit your rear stays…and you really can’t go wrong with an 808 as an all-purpose front with the least compromises.
The really tight clearance is the front, the back’s not as bad, although the back is where most of the flex will come frome.
I thought the SRAM S80s were the non firecrest shape, but are they wider rims (ie wider than 19mm)? This is where hours of googling and reading non standardised manufacturers / retailers websites has led me to ask on here and risk the wrath of the aero experts as I’ve dared to race for 6 years on non carbon, non aero wheels and therefore taken the place of someone who could have finished in less than 10 hours.
And that’s just physical dimension / weight limit stuff. I’ve not even got into any consideration of aero beyond deeper=likely to be better. I’m not convinced about a disk for the rear for both comfort and crosswinds. I’m in my late 30s with back issues and so I would expect the jarring of a disk to be akin to the change from aluminium to titanuim frame? I certainly notice that and so mostly train on my old ti TT race frame rather than the ali road bike even in winter.
For you, I’d strongly consider a set of Zipp 808 clinchers, non-firecrest, with alloy rims, these. They even have a clydesdale version (with a few more spokes, front and rear).
These 808s are very strong and they have excellent braking capability in all weather (surpassing that of any carbon rimmed-wheels, including other zipps), and solid performance in all-weather braking is a critical factor for a bigger athlete.
Zipp claims that “the 808 clincher (with the alloy brake hoop) is perhaps the most rugged racing wheelset on the planet, having outperformed all comers in drum impact testing.”
Darn it, just been offered some of the Altairs for a very low price. Now a low price on something that’s rubbish is not cheap, but there’s just no reviews at all, not just any positive / negative ones. Nothing.
And the Altair 80s mean then that I can also get a disk, and I’d be happier with some form of race wheel as backup if I don’t want to use a disk.
I’ve ridden H3s at IMNZ 3 times including a 5:06 using Mich PR3s in 23 width. Twice it was really windy. No problem. At certain wind directions those wheels absolutely fly and went past people like they were going backwards. They are tough enough to train on too.
I will be listing some virtually brand new sram s60s clinchers on trademe soon. They came with a bike I bought yesterday and I don’t need them as I have H3s and a disk already.
For what its worth, I raced IM NZ this year on an Argon e-112.
Used a (non firecrest) 1080 on the front and a Sub9 on the back. The sub 9 its a bit tight but as long as you line it up properly its fine. Ran them at 120psi, tubulars.
The conditions were full on… Raining cats & dogs & very windy but it was fine.
I like the way they put about 200m of nice flat smooth tarmac every 50kms or so of that heavy chip stuff, just to remind you of how nice it could be…
I last did it in 2008 when they finished surfacing the road just by the turnaround the day before the race. Also crap weather.
Then I was stood spectating / supporting half way up broadlands and then about 5k out on the run. Nearly drowned and killed my mobile as the rain went through the goretex and it became an ex-mobile.
