Choosing wheel for PowerTap build

My 1st PT I laced it on a DT swiss RR1.1 which is a bomb proof wheel for training and used the disc cover for racing (I traing on that right now). A few years later I also got a 2nd PT on a Hed Jet 90 for racing (I still add a smaller disc cover if I want a disc). The Jet is a very resistant wheel as it is a regular wheel with aero carbon fairing and it could be used as an every day wheel for sure.

You can certainly go either way depends how much $$ you want to spend and all.

If you are going new check out: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-accessories/2009-cycleops-power-tap-compdt-rr-1.1-complete-wheel-5905.351.0.html

Its cheap but wired.

I guess that's what I don't get.  What's the advantage of using a good race wheel like a Hed or a Zipp if I'm going to put the wheel cover on.  I guess that gives you the option of using the wheel without the cover, but then how much of an advantage does the cover even provide?

Follow up questions:  My plan had been to order the PT through the LBS that is a dealer for Saris and have them build a wheel to suit me.  Is it better to go with a prebuilt wheel?

Jorge, where did you get the Hed PT wheel?  

I like a deeper rim because you get a better fit with the wheelcover. Doesn't have to be too deep - 27mm or so. If you go with something like a DT swiss your cover will have a lip on it. 

Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, and with that killer deal posted above I'd ignore it.  

That was definitely a good deal posted above. 

I've been playing around on the wheelbuilder.com website, and they have some incredible deals for entire PT systems.  DT Swiss, flashpoint, etc.   Plus they can then build the cover to match it at the same time and ship w/ the wheel. 

Did you call them and do the interview process or did you already know what you wanted when you called?  Also, how long did it take for the wheel to get to you?  Thanks!

Contact wheelbuilder directly and ask them for input.  Rich Sawris helped me to decide that for my purposes, a 32-spoke Velocity Deep V would be the best bet.  I was on the heavier side for a DT Swiss (though they would have built that one for me had I chosen it).  But they patiently answered all my questions and helped walk me through my decision process.

Personally, unless you don't care to much about the cost, I don't see much reason not to go with a "bomb-proof" type training wheel and a disc cover.  Even with the extra weight penalty.

How do you like the Deep V? It looks to be lighter than the DT Swiss, but possibly a little deeper. 

I plan on calling them this morning, so I'll be intereted to see what they recommend.

JorgeM - 2009-03-23 10:51 AM

AndrewMT - 2009-03-23 10:40 AM

JohnnyKay - 2009-03-23 10:14 AM

Contact wheelbuilder directly and ask them for input.  Rich Sawris helped me to decide that for my purposes, a 32-spoke Velocity Deep V would be the best bet.  I was on the heavier side for a DT Swiss (though they would have built that one for me had I chosen it).  But they patiently answered all my questions and helped walk me through my decision process.

Personally, unless you don't care to much about the cost, I don't see much reason not to go with a "bomb-proof" type training wheel and a disc cover.  Even with the extra weight penalty.

 

How do you like the Deep V? It looks to be lighter than the DT Swiss, but possibly a little deeper. 

I plan on calling them this morning, so I'll be intereted to see what they recommend.

Andrew, when you call wheelbuilder tell Rich that you are a Personal Best Multisport athlete and work with me. You'll get a 10-15% off IIRC

That works for me! 

No problems with the Deep V.  I always race it with the wheel cover.  IIRC, the DT Swiss option was a bit lighter than the Deep V.  That was about 3 years ago though...

I would take Rich's advice on wheels over anybody here. 

Don't worry, I took his advice.  Just thought I'd see what the opinon on Kinlin rims were. 

Anyway, thanks for all the help.  The order is placed (including disk covers), so now I just need to be patient and wait!