Zipp vs HED vs Renn.....etc etc

Triathlon Forum
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  1. I’m an age grouper trying to get to the next level. I seem to ride about 20-21 mph in most of my events in 2006. I am thinking about investing in some new gear for next season. What’s biggest difference in the design and\or benefit from different wheels from different manufacturers. There’s a big range of prices for discs and tri spoke wheels.Will I benefit more from a $1500 zipp than I will from $500 wheel ?

  2. An aero helmet seems like it would be a good investment @ under $200. Would someone benefit from this at 21mph

Thanks

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your going to hear a number of different ideas here. but 2cents says that from experiences (w/o getting to lengthy into it)- the renn discs will be the biggest bang for the buck - aero, more affordable, and excellent customer service and product reliability. as for benefits gained at your mentioned speed of 20-21mph: i’m almost certain an aero wheel or helmet would help but why not put the $ into a power meterdevice and usage book and develop a stronger engine?

aero helmets - make sure they fit properly #1 for protection #2 aero-dynamics. you don’t need to spend over $175 get a nice one either. look for last years models.

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While the following ST article doesn’t specifically answer your questions, it’s a good read nontheless…

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/product2006/wheels/wheelview.html

I’m also looking for race wheels for 2007. I’m leaning towards the HED3’s…

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I’ll second the power meter option- if you are willing to learn how to use it. You can always rent or borrow race wheels for big events at a very reasonable price.

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get the helmet. As far as the discs are concerned, I’ve ridden overr the last 4 years Hed, Renn and Zipp discs. A disc is a disc is a disc. I currently have a zipp but only b/c I got a smoking deal on it costing me what a Renn cost. The Renn offers the biggest bang for the buck. Really though, you are not going to be able to say to yourself in the middle of a race, hmm I should have gotten disc X b/c this disc is slower or that disc is faster. In other words riding on dosc over the other will not win or lose you races.

When in doubt, save your money invest in more running shoes and run more. That will often yeild the biggest bang for the buck.

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Thanks for all the great info.

Hey Brian – How did you know I can’t freakin’ run worth a crap :slight_smile: :)~

Scott

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How did you know I can’t freakin’ run worth a crap :slight_smile: :)~
It’s a common theme with triathletes. :wink:

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Here is my list for what it is worth…

Make sure you get an Aero front wheel before the rear, it is more important.
I have a Renn and love it… Yes get a Renn.
I got my Rocket TT aero helmet on sale at performance for $125
Swimming lessons…
Yes, run lots…
PowerTap

Lots of people would recommed powertap over race wheels but I really like my race wheels :slight_smile:

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This is great advice for me too, as I’m pretty much in the same boat - 20-21 mph rider, and I’ve been debating about an aero helmet.

So if Renn is the biggest bang for the buck in discs, who’s got the biggest bang for the buck in powermeters, and how many bucks are we talking? Can you find great deals on ebay, or is it smarter to buy new? I’m afraid I don’t have an extra $1,000 laying around to buy a cycling device.

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I am always a little hesitant with used electonics on ebay and all the good ones are expensive. I do not have a power meter but I would probably go with a powertap pro if I did get one. My training partner has one and it seems to be reliable. Be aware once you get one, you will need a 2nd for your race wheel unless you just get a cover.

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shortyrock,

I feel I must speak up for CerveloGuy here.

The biggest bang for the buck disc wheel wise is the CH Aero wheel cover. In the wind tunnel, the difference in performance between a disc wheel and a wheel with a disc cover although measurable is insignificant in real world conditions (racing on the road). In a time trial or Ironman one could not separate the winner on the basis of disc vs disc cover.

That said, I ride a Renn 575, but a disc cover is considerably cheaper, about $60. Then you must decide if you are dedicating a wheel to your disc cover or if you are going to put it on and take it off on a regular basis. If you dedicate a wheel to the cover, then the difference in cost between a disc and a wheel with a cover becomes much less.

Some prefer a cover, or at least have a cover as well, because it allows them to use their Power Tap wheel to race as though it were a disc wheel with a power meter. This info on power while racing is beneficial to many who use Power Tap power meters to train.

Someone recently burst the bubble with respect to where one makes the most aero gains and what is the cost for each and where is the cost benefit opportunity greatest.

The greatest opportunity for aero improvement is getting your position “tweaked” to squeeze out the most gains. Even if this costs a few hundred bucks from an experienced and trained fitter, these will be the cheapest seconds you can buy. This person needs to be trained and experienced to know how to position a rider to achieve the maximum aero benefits.

The next cheapest seconds will come with an aero helmet, although taping the vents on your road helmet will go a long way to getting most of those seconds if popping for an “aero” helmet is a major expense for your budget.

There is a caveat for the helmet, however! You must keep the tail of the helmet down on your back. Ideally the tail of the helmet should touch your back. If you are unable to maintain a position that allows you to keep the helmet tail down on your back, then the aero helmet is, in reality, a waste of money. As you tire/get uncomfortable and start to look down at your front wheel or the wheel axle, you are bringing the tail of your helmet up and you are eliminating all the aero benefit of the helmet and probably even losing seconds over just wearing a regular helmet (with vents).

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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I was in your position last year. I wanted a cheap, new, and fast wheel setup. I went with the Hed Jet 60 front and the Renn 575 rear. With race tires (Pro2Race) I think I spent $850, which wouldn’t even get you a new Zipp disc, let alone front wheels or tires. Great bang for the buck, but definitely not as cheap as an aerocover for the rear wheel. You might consider trying that first, especially if you plan on getting a powertap. One downside to the aerocover is that it doesn’t make the cool “woosh-woosh” sound of a disc, which is half the reason to get a disc!

As far as what speeds you need to ride at to achieve benefits from drag reduction, it is irrelevant. You will receive a greater percentage benefit if you ride faster, since drag forces scale with velocity squared, but you may receive a greater overall time benefit if you ride slower simply because you’re on the course longer. I think the consensus on the aero helmet is that it can be a big help but the actual benefit is dependent on the rider and his position on the bike.

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Everyone’s information is very helpful and I certainly will use it in my decision making process through out the winter.
Thanks again.

I think I need to revise my christmas list :slight_smile:

Scott

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"One downside to the aerocover is that it doesn’t make the cool “woosh-woosh” sound of a disc, which is half the reason to get a disc! "

LOL

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"One downside to the aerocover is that it doesn’t make the cool “woosh-woosh” sound of a disc, which is half the reason to get a disc! "

LOL

Yeah, but you can make that noise with your mouth as you pass people :wink: