Triathlon Race Wheels and Tires

It really depends where you will be racing. In hilly areas such as New England it is better to get wheels such as Zip 404, Hed Alps or Stinger, Maveric Carbone, etc. because weight it is more important for climbing. If you are going to be racing on flat land go for a Hed 3 and a disc on the back where speed is more important than weight. Check this article

I'm curious about what you found in your research.  Why did you decide that the Nimlbes would be a better choice?  The Crosswinds (all carbon tubular) weigh 1526g (front - 693g, rear - 833g) and the Zipp 404 (all carbon tubular) weigh 1292g.  For additional comparison, a set of HED3c trispokes weigh 1500g.

Special K - 2005-09-15 4:31 AM I looked around and after seeing how technical and hilly most Tri courses are, (in my area of the country anyways) decided to go with Nimble Crosswinds. Check them out, about $1300 a set very light and also one of the best "real world" areo set around. One second thought go with a set of ZIPPS, why should you be as fast as me.

No...these were older wheels. The Zipp is a 2002 model, and the Hed is about the same vintage (and it's the aluminum braking surface version).

I am not sure how much $$ you are willing to spend but check out this website: http://www.wheelbuilder.com/index.asp

I used zipp 404 clinchers last year with Continental Supersonic tires.  No flats after 6 races (about 125 miles).

I switched to the 2005 zipp tubulars this year and Continental Sprinter tires.  No flats all hear and I LOVE the tubulars....much lighter than clinchers.

A friend got his Felt tri bike with American wheels (I don't what model though) and it seems they are great wheels for training/racing. I mean they aren't Zipps or Hed aero wheels, but hey it is not about the bike after all. The truth is that aero wheels will only benefit your speed as long as you are riding 22mph or higher. I ride my road and only bike with the same wheels it came when I bought it, and let me tell you how much I LOVE to pass those participants with aero wheels, aero helmets and other different TOYS. Eventually I would like to buy some aero wheels of course but for the moment I rather prefer to keep improving my efficiency and power…

Yeah- one of the guys a tthe bike shop (who races and knows a lot about bike stuff- obviously becuase he works at the shop) said they they are just as good as Zipp wheels, but are much cheaper- about 1/2 the price.  To me, it seems like I'd be paying more for Zipp wheels just for the name.  And...since I'm not an elite triathlete, I don't know if I feel like I'm good enough to have the best race wheels.  I usually like to buy things that are priced "middle of the road".  I don't need the best, but I also don't want something that's not going to last or be of good quality.  I am really considering the American Classic race wheels- I think for me those might be realistic!

you should also check velocity . They have good wheels at good prices…

Who says you can't have the best wheels just because you aren't a pro?  I typically go for the best that I can reasonably manage with my budget...and often just a little more than I can manage.  I've found that I spend less in the long run by bucking up and getting the higher end item to begin with because either 1)  I'll want the better stuff eventually or 2) you get what you paid for and you'll wish you had spent the extra from the get go.  First set out your budget...how much are you willing to spend on a set of wheels...then compile a list of the options that are near that limit and consider the benefits of spending your max vs something less.  For example, I'd be willing to spend $1500 for race wheels (which would be Zipp 606s) but I could get something nearly as good for $800 (HED Sringers)...that's a tough call to make but it has nothing to do with what I feel I deserve.

Using a set of "trainer" wheels is fine...if that trainer set is a little heavier & such you'll benefit when you get to race day & switch to your lighter & faster "racing" wheelset.

I use Mavic Ksyrium SL's w/Michelin Pro racing tires for race day...Mavic Kysrium Elites for training...