HI, i am going to try this again- ok i am 20 years old and i have been doing tris for the last 5 years, i am smaller, 5’2" and 115 lbs, i am thinking about getting a new set of wheels for my bike because i am going to do my first 1/2 iron man this summer among other races, i am hesistant to get a tri spoke or a disc becuase i am a little worried about the handling with my size- i know that this is not a substitute for lots of training, but at the same time i think that it might be helpful in the long run- literally- i am now on mavic 28 spoke wheels with coda hubs, nothing too fancy, and i am thinking about moving up in the world= but i am a little stuck about the direction to go in, the money factor is an issue as i have college to pay for, but i do know that it will require some $$. ALso, my friend who works at a john cobb bike shop is telling me that i should be getting a professional fitting done as this could help me as much as the wheels- what do you think about all of this and what direction should i go and what wheels should i start to look at? also where in the WI MN area are bike shops that do these fittings? thanks!
I think your associate at John Cobb’s shop is offering sound advice.
My opninion is that issues with crosswinds and subsequent bike handling using disk wheels or deep section wheels are only as big as you make them. If you are concerned about them that is reason enough to use other equipment.
There are some very nice bladed spoke wheels from Ritchey and others that are reasonably priced, have shallower section rims and ride pretty nice. Maybe your friend at John’s shop can help you decide between wheel.
I do think his recommendation for a bike fit is a good one though - You may want tomake that your first priority. It will really make a difference in your comfort and enjoyment of the sport.
Good luck.
You don’t say what size wheels you are riding but at your size you may be on 650’s so I’ll throw this out there.
650’s are going pretty darn cheap on e-bay right now. I got a Zipp 400 front and H3 rear for $345 including shipping for my wife and I was wathcing another auction for HED Jets that went for $275. If I were buying 650’s there is now way I’d buy new right now since used is so cheap.
so where would you reccomend that i go to get this fitting done? and how do i know that they know what they are doing there?
On this website go to the main page and look down the right column for “Dealer Profiles”. It’s here:
http://www.slowtwitch.com/dealersurvey/dealerprofiles.html
Find your location and then see what Dan has to say. He is pretty much right on with most of his comments. When you find a dealer that is at least somewhat close to you (you may have to drive a couple hours, that is normal, we have people visit us from japan, Germany and London, England every week) give them a call and ask them some questions. Based on the information you may want to make a fit appointment, then take it from there!
Let us know how it goes. Good luck with that.
Are you on 650 or 700 size wheels? What is your approx budget.
My wife had a similiar problem. She felt she feeling the wind too much with Hed Deep/CX combo.
You can have cheap but very stable aero wheels for under $200. - get a CH Aero disc cover and pick up a used Campagnolo Shamal off ebay. The covers only work with 700c but are just as good as any other disc and the Shamal is an excellent front wheel because it is quite aero but unaffected by cross winds. It’s the front that causes the potential problem, not the rear.
Definately get the professional fitting done.
first of all- i am on the 650s-
i would be willing to go up to the $500 range- more maybe if it was really worth my while
i COULD go to cobbs but it is really pricey @ 200 (is this normal?) and this is cause he doesn’t do the fitting and hasn’t worked there for a while, but he could help me to find a deal proally and i’m not sure how soon i can get up there, i can be in the madison area more easilly-
and do you really needs pics??
oops- and thanks for the list of dealers i’ll def give some of them a call and see what they have to say
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yes that is the case that the guy would have been trained by JC himself-
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tom i have 1 question who is dan?
trigirl, if you are serious check out
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/aboutus/aboutus.html
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I recently went through the fitting process at the store that you are considering in St. Paul. The process seemed complete and I am happy with the fit that we arrived at. I would sya that there is a little difference between the fit that Cobb recommends and FIST. I think the general principles are the same, but my impression is that FIST willtypically give you a slightly more aggressive position than Cobb’s system. I believe he calls it “system one”. The thing I really do like is that Bicycle sports will include any follow-up adjustments in the initial fitting cost. Since I am a newbie biker, my impressions of what feels right are likely to change. They feel that most fittings will require some minor tweaks after becoming accustomed to the new position.
Now, if they could just make the transition to PCs easier.
i am hesistant to get a tri spoke or a disc becuase i am a little worried about the handling with my size-
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I know people that have been fit by GearWest in the Cities and were quite pleased with the results. I think they paid $50 or something nominal for the fitting.
My wife, who coincidentally is also 5’2" and 115# (I wont give up her age here in case she finds out!), has no problems with a disc rear and deep front on even fairly windy conditions. So on that count you would be fine. However I think that the bike fitting is probably the best place to start.
OOPS
so i was chatting with my dad and found out that no my wheels are not 650s but they are 700s should that make a difference- but i’m interrested in what you think about american classic 350s- or any other wheels that you have in mind yet for me
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"my wheels are not 650s but they are 700s should that make a difference- "
Most wheels are available in either size, but not the CH Aero covers previously mentioned.
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I don’t think anyone really needs pics. It’s more a joke that went terribly wrong. On the other hand, if you’re inclined to post pictures of yourself, no on will object.
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My understanding is that everyone that does fittings at one of John Cobb’s shops has been trained by him. That being said, $200 might be a bargain. Tom D. could probably answer this question with the most authority.
Good luck. Absolutely worth it, this was from last year: ****
System One Fitting with Dave Bunce
My “Big Slam” fit session with Dave Bunce of Bicycle Sports
May 22, 2003. Gary Tingley - TimeTrial.org
Bicycle Sports - Encinitas is opening early next month, I had an opportunity to get fitted by one of the most knowledgeable bicycle fitters in the industry, Dave Bunce, the new manager of the Bicycle Sports - Encinitas store. Dave started out by asking detailed questions about my goals in racing, and the type of training I do. I told him that I used the articles on BicycleSports.com to fit myself with the “Big Slam” (ala the cycling guru John Cobb) position. He put my bike up on the trainer and had me pedal away as he checked my stroke. Using high tech tools to measure my position such as a knee angle ruler and laser temperature muscle guage, Dave expertly aligned me on my bike to allow me to achieve maximum power and comfort. He placed shims under my cleats to balance my stroke, raised my post and lowered my stem. By the time the fit session was completed I felt a new sense of comfort and power on the bike that I had not felt before. By adjusting my cleats, lower my bars and raising my post, Dave put me into a more aero and much more powerful time trial position.
Official SYSTEM ONE Description from Bicycle Sports
Hundreds of hours of wind tunnel testing, numerous physiological studies, and advising countless professional and amateur triatheletes and cyclists have culminated in Bicycle Sports’ SYSTEM ONE. The SYSTEM ONE experience combines the extensive analysis of your physiology, bio-mechanics and riding technique with your riding history and goals to help you find new speed and become one with your bike. SYSTEM ONE does more than position you on your bike–the concepts they apply during your SYSTEM ONE experience are unique, yet essential in providing the results you deserve as a dedicated athlete. Throughout your SYSTEM ONE experience we integrate your body’s physical and mechanical characteristics with our proven aerodynamic technology to mold you and your bike into a single efficient unit. No other shop in the U.S. has ever dedicated the time and resources to master the technical fields of aerodynamics combined with the physiology and bio-mechanics of multisport cycling. This building block process will make your cycling and racing more enjoyable, comfortable, faster and successful than ever before.
Bicycle Sports San Diego, right in the heart of triathlon central. The San Diego area has long been considered one of the “Key Spots” in the world of triathlon. We knew this was an area we had always wanted to service with a store, but we wouldn’t do it unless the right mix of people were on board. Dave Bunce, who many of you know from my Shreveport store, is managing the San Diego shop. This is such an important area that I couldn’t turn it over to just anyone, it needed to be someone that really understood my positioning ideaology, understood our desire to offer the very best service and someone who could go out and ride with the fast guys. Dave has been with me over ten years, does road racing. mountain bike racing, triathlons, and will probably now be a surf guy. He has a great following here in the south on System One positioning and being able to get you the right bike or parts to make you fast. This store will have the leading service capabilities of any shop in the area, combined with an inventory that will offer you the best in speed and comfort for the money.
Finishing Up
I thought I was (self) set up pretty good before I went in, I now know that the System One fit is beyond anything that I could achieve on my own. After a 45 mile ride on the newly fitted bike I felt more comfortable and more powerful than ever. I reccomend that you contact Dave at the Bicycle Sports Encinitas store, 760-473-5700, e-mail: dbunce@bicyclesports.com, and set yourself up a System One fit session. It is well worth your time and will definately increase your power, lower your air resistance and allow you to pursue your cycling goals in a much more efficient manner.
Although I've never ridden them, the Am Classic 350's look like beautiful wheels. They would be a nice upgrade form your standard 32 spoke wheels. Also consider the Velomax Circuit and Ascent ll, and the Bontrager Race X Aero. They are in your price range. My wife rides the Bontragers on her Kestrel Talon SL and feels that she needs nothing else. I think you said that you are still in college, so I doubt that you have $200 to throw around to have someone raise your seat and tell you you are now perfect. College students are usually quite sharp so get your friend from the bike shop to help you and after reading the fit information on this websight and Tom Demerly's sight (www.bikesport.com) use a digital camera and a measuring tape and make some adjustments, try it, make another adjustment, make another..... You'll get it right. Save the $200 for more important things like books, tuition, and food. Once you're graduated and working full time with money to burn, if you still feel the need, stop by the bike shop and have them look you over (your bike fit I mean)!