Rear Disc Cover Questions

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2011-09-10 7:07 PM

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Subject: Rear Disc Cover Questions

I've searched high & low and google'd my a$$ off.  I cannot find anyone who has shared their time saving experiences by putting on a rear disc.  I have the Felt TTR3's and am wanting to spend the $100'ish and invest in one of these; however, if we're only talking a a 10sec difference in a 40k, then I'll just save my money. 

Does anyone have a time difference they would like to post or brag about?  I know all riders are different, but I just want to gauge for myself.  Thanks.

2011-09-10 8:02 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Master
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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions
I put one on this spring. Its wasn't just the disc but my bike speed average improved from about 33km/hr to 35km/hr for 40km. I also cleaned up my bike (got rid of behind the seat bottle / luggage rack)  and I did train more - so its a combination of factors.


Edited by mgalanter 2011-09-10 8:04 PM
2011-09-10 8:26 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions

My best guess is that over 40k, my best guess would be 20-35 seconds for someone like myself that will ride in the 22.5-24 mph range.  Keep in mind that if you're riding a bit slower...say in the 18-19 mph range...you're out on the course longer, so your benefits carry over for a longer period of time...so you may see a 30-50 second improvement.

Whether that is worth it is up to you.  It's definately worth it for me.

2011-09-10 8:31 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions
Also, does it really make that wha-wha-wha sound or is that just the solid carbon wheel and not the cover?  Although time is more important than sound, it sure gets me amped up when I hear it.
2011-09-10 8:37 PM
in reply to: #3680614

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions

No 'wha-wha' sound (unless you're inclined to humm it yourself).  I put a spiral sticker on mime so it looks like a hypno-disc. I get compliments on it (I'm of the school-of-though that if I can't be fast, at least I can look good going slow).

2011-09-10 8:48 PM
in reply to: #3680620

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions
mgalanter - 2011-09-10 5:37 PM

 (I'm of the school-of-though that if I can't be fast, at least I can look good going slow).

 

HA!  Love it

2011-09-10 8:49 PM
in reply to: #3680548


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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions
sandall81 - 2011-09-10 7:07 PM

I've searched high & low and google'd my a$$ off.  I cannot find anyone who has shared their time saving experiences by putting on a rear disc. 


The reason you cannot find any documention of time savings specific to a rear wheel disc cover, because there isn't any. There are so many factors that effect your bike speed that trying to isolate it one change is almost impossible. The rider position has by far the most impact on speed. Once you get beyond getting a good aero position anything else provides very small improvements. Improving the engine has the most impact onb the time.

If seconds matter, then there are several things you can do. Aero helmet, sero wheels, etc. Only you can determine what it worth.

2011-09-10 8:54 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions

As I stated, I know there are too many factors for science, I just want to hear peoples experiences so I can get a feel for it.  There's always an average if I have enough responses.  That's what surveys are for.

2011-09-10 9:16 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions

I don't have very good evidence, but my two fastest times are from this year after I picked up the disc cover.  The flat Olympic beat out all previous events by a few tenths (mph) including sprint.  The slightly hilly sprint distance duathlon beat that by a few more tenths.

The disc does not add the noise.  My wheels are deep section and made that already.  I'd need a second opinion because I'm so used to it, but it may actually tone it down some.  They were pretty loud, but a different pitch than a full disc.

I'm going to use it everywhere it's legal, with the possible exception of something like Mt Washington.  A steep all-uphill race.



Edited by brigby1 2011-09-10 9:18 PM
2011-09-10 9:23 PM
in reply to: #3680548

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions
Anyone have any prob's with the disc cover like it coming loose, rattling, hard to air the tire, etc.?
2011-09-10 10:09 PM
in reply to: #3680668

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Subject: RE: Rear Disc Cover Questions

Oldteen - 2011-09-10 9:23 PM Anyone have any prob's with the disc cover like it coming loose, rattling, hard to air the tire, etc.?

Only had it 7-8 weeks or so, but so far no.  Isn't it a good idea to check any screws, bolts, or fastened items on the bike periodically anyway?

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