Normally racing on an 80mm front wheel from Reynolds. On really windy days, it does get a bit tough to handle and I end up getting tired in lower back etc from keeping the front of the bike steady. Have therefore been looking at a 60mm option which should be a bit easier to handle in strong crosswinds.
Now to my strange findings based on Flo’s own tests on their website. Please let me know if there is something wrong with my logic.
According to Flo’s chart, their 60 wheel has slightly less drag than the 90mm wheel until approx 7,5 deg yaw angle. From there on the 90 gets significantly better than the 60.
Looking at typical Yaw angles depending on wind and bike speed, I reach the conclusion that in low to moderate wind I would mainly face a yaw angle in the 0-10 deg range, where the 60 appears slightly better. In very strong winds I will end up with more time spent at higher yaw angles where the 90 mm rim was more efficient.
Given my initial reason for a 60 depth wheel to be used to reduce the effects of strong crosswinds, is there any reason at all for me to use anything but a 60. In light winds it is slightly faster/less drag, in strong crosswinds it will give me better balance and likely also a better time since I will save my core/back.
Is my logic correct or do I miss something?
Normally racing on an 80mm front wheel from Reynolds. On really windy days, it does get a bit tough to handle and I end up getting tired in lower back etc from keeping the front of the bike steady. Have therefore been looking at a 60mm option which should be a bit easier to handle in strong crosswinds.
Now to my strange findings based on Flo’s own tests on their website. Please let me know if there is something wrong with my logic.
According to Flo’s chart, their 60 wheel has slightly less drag than the 90mm wheel until approx 7,5 deg yaw angle. From there on the 90 gets significantly better than the 60.
Looking at typical Yaw angles depending on wind and bike speed, I reach the conclusion that in low to moderate wind I would mainly face a yaw angle in the 0-10 deg range, where the 60 appears slightly better. In very strong winds I will end up with more time spent at higher yaw angles where the 90 mm rim was more efficient.
Given my initial reason for a 60 depth wheel to be used to reduce the effects of strong crosswinds, is there any reason at all for me to use anything but a 60. In light winds it is slightly faster/less drag, in strong crosswinds it will give me better balance and likely also a better time since I will save my core/back.
Is my logic correct or do I miss something?
Your logic is absolutely correct. The number one thing you want to do when racing on a TT bike is stay in the aerobars. Always pick the deepest front wheel that you can handle, because coming out of the aerobars will kill a lot more time than the difference between a 60mm wheel and a 90mm wheel. If you are having an issue on a 80mm wheel, then I’m guessing the 60 will be a great choice for you. The majority of our customers can confidently handle our front FLO 60.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Take care,