Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions

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2008-04-05 3:54 PM

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Master
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St. Louis
Subject: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
So I finally got it on there... and the weather was perfect today. Went out for a 36 mi ride, where I time trialed the first hour of my ride. Averaged just under 23mph for the first hour. The ride is dead flat, minus a coulple short(but vertucal) hills. Tail wind one direction, head wind coming back.

I can say withcertainty that the disc cover made me faster.. I cant say how much. I dont have a real good baseline yet this year.

I had no issues with the cover at all. It didnt slide, make noise, rub, or anything... it just worked. Looks great too!

I think if you are on the fence about getting a cover, I say get one! Its a great aero option for $75!!

2008-04-05 4:11 PM
in reply to: #1317842

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Extreme Veteran
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Arnhem
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
How can you say the disk made you faster if you can't compare it to any baseline?
2008-04-05 4:24 PM
in reply to: #1317862

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Master
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Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions

Simondk - 2008-04-05 5:11 PM How can you say the disk made you faster if you can't compare it to any baseline?

Same way a new guitar makes you play better, or new shoes made you run faster when you were a kid. 

2008-04-05 5:07 PM
in reply to: #1317862

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Giver
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Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions

Simondk - 2008-04-05 5:11 PM How can you say the disk made you faster if you can't compare it to any baseline?

I don't think he did...

 

2008-04-05 6:41 PM
in reply to: #1317842

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Veteran
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Long Island
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
I think I may be next inline....
2008-04-05 7:02 PM
in reply to: #1317935

Subject: ...
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2008-04-05 7:08 PM
in reply to: #1317879

Elite
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Oliver, BC, "Wine Capital of Canada"
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
monkeyboy64 - 2008-04-05 2:24 AM

Simondk - 2008-04-05 5:11 PM How can you say the disk made you faster if you can't compare it to any baseline?

Same way a new guitar makes you play better, or new shoes made you run faster when you were a kid.

...and newly washed car goes faster too. 

2008-04-05 7:11 PM
in reply to: #1317862

Bob
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Binghamton, NY
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions

Simondk - 2008-04-05 5:11 PM How can you say the disk made you faster if you can't compare it to any baseline?

The same way I can say I swim faster with shaved legs. I feel faster without looking at a clock. When I throw my disc on my bike I can feel the difference in speed even before I look at the computer. I haven't tried the aero helmet yet but can't wait.

You can't beat $75 for extra speed!! 

2008-04-05 7:59 PM
in reply to: #1317842

Master
2202
2000100100
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
Exactly... basically, I had my fastest ride ever on that trail with my setup today. SO I dont know how much to attribute to the wheel and how much to my winter training. Next time I get to ride on my training wheels, same ride, I will have a comparison.

No matter what, it had a great mental effect.
2008-04-05 8:14 PM
in reply to: #1317842

Champion
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions

Thanks for the review! I've considered getting a wheel cover, but I am such a loser and am afraid of how much longer a tire change would take me vs doing it on a bike without the wheel cover (b/c of the valve extender, how much more difficult it is to access, etc.). I know it's a stupid fear, but it's something I think about. Obviously, for an Oly or shorter, my race is over when I get a flat; but not necessarily for IM and HIM.

2008-04-06 9:54 AM
in reply to: #1318172

Master
2202
2000100100
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
LaurenSU02 - 2008-04-05 8:14 PM

Thanks for the review! I've considered getting a wheel cover, but I am such a loser and am afraid of how much longer a tire change would take me vs doing it on a bike without the wheel cover (b/c of the valve extender, how much more difficult it is to access, etc.). I know it's a stupid fear, but it's something I think about. Obviously, for an Oly or shorter, my race is over when I get a flat; but not necessarily for IM and HIM.



Its not so much the "changing the tire" part, its the airing the tire up part that takes longer.

On my wheel, it is impossible to air the tire up with the cover on. Basicaly, to get the cover on abd off I would budget 5 minutes. Add another couple minutes for the tire change.

Now, what I am not sure of is if you install this on a box rim if you could more easily access the valve than if it is mounted to a deep section rim like my Carbones. My intuition tells me you could get to the valve easie, and wouldnt have to take the cover off, if it is mounted to a box rim.

Edit - Oh.. and you are definitely not a loser!

Edited by ranger5oh 2008-04-06 9:59 AM

2008-04-06 10:05 AM
in reply to: #1317842

Master
2202
2000100100
St. Louis
Subject: RE: Wheel Cover - First Ride Impressions
Oh, some other things I forgot to mention. The disc cover made riding in the wind actually EASIER. WIthout the cover, my bike got tossed around a lot more in the wind, and would be blown from side to side in a cross wind. With the cover on, it really stabilized the ride, and it was far easier to control. Something I didnt expect at all, but a nice secondary benefit.

Also, climbing with the wheel cover on pretty well sucks. Its a lot harder to climb with the additional weight of the cover on . So I can say for certain, the cover will not be on at Alcatraz.

Finally, when you ride... you may notice people pointing at you. It definitely gets more attention than a deep section rim alone.
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