WWBTD - Race Wheel Rentals

If you rent them, a deep front and disc rear will provide the most savings.  Especially on a windy day.  Any aero wheels will make you feel cross-winds more, so you'll have to consider that since you won't really be able to decide if that bothers you much before race day.  The front wheel is generally where you will feel this most, not from the rear disc.

As to how much savings?  A couple minutes, perhaps several.  Is that "worth it"?  Entirely for you to decide.

If you're goal is to race Eagleman competitively, if you're looking for a podium spot or a Clearwater slot, then yeah, it's probably worth it. How much would it suck to miss a world championship by a few minutes?

I upgraded from my standard 28mm aluminum Ritchey wheels to FSA carbon fiber 48mm wheels. I notice a fair difference at speeds of 20+, but not much difference below 18. I would guess less than 5 minutes.

pffffttttt!!!! THAT's not gonna be an issue for me!! However, if I switch my registration from AG to > 40 Athena (which I think I'm probably gonna do), I MIGHT have a shot at a podium spot in the "old fat ladies" division......

Just wondering how you notice a "difference" at different speeds. 

Drag is a factor at all speeds and areodynamics reduce drag.  Meaning for a given level of "output" you will go faster with better aerodynamics than without.  At "slower" speeds you will actually save more time over a set distance course.

I have read that numerous times as well, that unless you are consistently doing 20+ mph, aero wheels are really not that much benefit to you.

You can read it as much as you want.  Does not change the physics involved.

Aero benefits you if you are simply a body in motion.  Doesn't matter if you are doing 1 mph or 30.  You will still receive a benefit from having a better coefficient of drag.

As someone who has done E-Man three times, did Chessieman iron distance aqua velo and a few other cycling time trials on the course, let me tell you straight up that if it is windy, you will not want a really deep section front/rear set up, especially if you are smaller.  I'm 175 and at Chessieman (constant 15 - 20 mph winds with up to 30+ mph gusts) I was blown from one side of the lane to the other - almost into ongoing traffic - using a disc/deep section front.  And once when reaching down for a bottle had a gust almost take out my front wheel.  I've been riding for years and have only had one or two other times where the pucker factor was that high!

But the cost to benefit is really good with wheels especially rented ones.  I would suggest a 606 combo.  They don't sell that anymore, but it is an 808 rear with a 404 front.  Gives you the best of both worlds with a little more control up front by not being too deep, but enough to give you an aero benefit.  Just tell them that is what you want and they will accommodate you.  I personally would not recommend the disc for you.

The key thing you need to remember on that course is to stay aero the entire time unless you are standing up to stretch.  There is no reason at all to come out of the aero position and if you are fit right to the bike, this shouldn't be a problem.  If you can't hold your position, you lose all benefit of having it to begin with.

Thanks, Rick, that's very helpful! Another stupid question from a potential first-time race wheel user.... Would I need special brake pads for Zipp wheels??

Depending on who you rent the wheels from brake pads might be included. For their cost it makes sense for the people renting the wheels to include them and prolong the renting life of the wheel. Always best to check though. If not..it might not be abad idea to get a pair. For most race wheels with clincher rims..they aren't needed though.

Drag is proportional to the square of velocity so the benefit is exponential with speed.

Work on your math. 

The faster rider will see a bigger PERCENTAGE increase in their speed.  The slower rider will see greater TIME savings (out on the course longer so their benefit adds up more).

Nice to see we are in physics class today!