General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Race Wheels Rss Feed  
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2014-02-21 9:35 AM

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Subject: Race Wheels
I ride a 2011 Kestrel Talon with Schwalbe Ultremo ZX's on the stock wheels (Oval 530's I believe). I am looking at purchasing race wheels for the first time this spring and I am learning as I go but I'm not really sure how much of the technology is really relevant when the rubber hits the actual road. I race mostly sprints and Olympic distance but will be doing a half iron in September.

How much of the technology (ceramic vs. steel bearings, carbon vs. hybrid, etc.) really matters for my first race wheel purchase? I am leaning toward buying a new set of carbon/alloy (for the braking reliability) rather than buying used.

Let me hear what you think really matters in wheels (obviously the aerodynamics!!!!) vs. what you can fudge.

Thanks in advance.

Patti



2014-02-21 10:11 AM
in reply to: pugpenny

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Elite
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Cleveland
Subject: RE: Race Wheels

In triathlon, in general, aerodynamics and rolling resistance trump all.  Weight of the wheel should be one of the last considerations unless you do a LOT of very hilly riding.

 

Ceramic bearings - unless you can add it for dirt cheap, I wouldn't bother with it.  The reason I say that is that one of the fastest wheel setups going is to have a HED3 front wheel, and HED themselves state on their website that they will not offer ceramic bearing for their wheels because it isn't worth it.  So, if you can be part of the fastest wheel setup going without them, what value is that additional $100 per wheel?

 

If you want cheap, find a used HED3 front or a FLO60 or 90 front, and get a disc cover for your rear wheel.  You're done.  That's as aero as you need.

 

Your cheap knock off carbon wheels will be plenty good.

FLO's will be great.  

2014-02-22 5:50 AM
in reply to: pugpenny

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Pro
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, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Race Wheels
Al brake track also has another great advantage; you can use the same brake pads for both race wheels and training wheels. CF brake track requires specific pads (and cannot be used with al rims as you'll pick up shards from the rim that grinds down the CF surface very quickly).

I have experience with Flo, but people seem to like them and the data behind the design seems to be solid. Personally, I love HED wheels. I have 3 pairs and my wife has 2 pairs. Very comfortable, al brake surface (on the HED Jet series), durable and great customer service.
2014-02-22 11:32 AM
in reply to: pugpenny

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Veteran
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Sykesville, MD
Subject: RE: Race Wheels

Hey... congrats on stepping up to race wheels! If you are interested, I have many sets to offer - new and lightly used that wills ave some money. Some are full carbon, while others have aluminum brake tracks that may be of more interest to you. Let me know what you think, and I would be happy to send some pics and prices. Here are a couple links be low to a couple sets I have.

http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/triguy44/library/2013%20Zipp%2060s

http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/triguy44/library/2013%20Vuelta%20C50s

http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/triguy44/library/2013%20HED%20Jet%2069

 

thanks!

2014-02-23 8:30 PM
in reply to: #4953255


3

Subject: RE: Race Wheels
Ceramic bearings provide no benefit. Just another marketing gimmick.
2014-02-24 11:38 AM
in reply to: audiojan

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Subject: RE: Race Wheels
Originally posted by audiojan

Al brake track also has another great advantage; you can use the same brake pads for both race wheels and training wheels. CF brake track requires specific pads (and cannot be used with al rims as you'll pick up shards from the rim that grinds down the CF surface very quickly).

I have experience with Flo, but people seem to like them and the data behind the design seems to be solid. Personally, I love HED wheels. I have 3 pairs and my wife has 2 pairs. Very comfortable, al brake surface (on the HED Jet series), durable and great customer service.


Yes, that is another reason I am leaning toward the "lower end" model... that and next year I turn 50 and the husband wants to buy me a "real" bike and at that time I would go hog wild.



2014-02-24 12:07 PM
in reply to: 0

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Elite
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N Carolina
Subject: RE: Race Wheels
As mentioned earlier, HED3 used front wheel and a rear wheel cover. You'll be all set.

Edited by japarker24 2014-02-24 12:08 PM
2014-02-28 8:51 AM
in reply to: pugpenny

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Master
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Race Wheels
i second that the flo are a great call, i even use them. I only upgraded to the ceramic bearing because of the good cause
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