General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Disc cover on or off? Rss Feed  
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2014-08-05 2:27 PM

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Subject: Disc cover on or off?
I have an Olympic tri this weekend that has some hills. I'm trying to figure out if there is more benefit using the wheelbuilder cover on the back or just keeping it off. I have done this event many times before and never had a cover to put on. There are many hills some people call them rolling and flatlanders glaze over looking at them. My past performance on this course is averaging between 19 and 20 mph. However on a pancake flat oly course I average between 23 and 24 mph.

Felt B-16 tri bike if that matters to anyone.

Event is Steelman in Quakertown PA if anyone is familiar with it.


2014-08-05 2:36 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?
I would go with the disc. No doubt.
2014-08-05 2:37 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?
There is a reason why they make discs and covers. I'd use it.
2014-08-05 2:40 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?
It is my understanding... that a disc can be used in all conditions, except if using it on specific hill climbs exceeding 5 to 6% grade for long periods, ie mountain TT's or the Alp d'Huez. I've been told by more experienced, winning AGer's and Time Trialists, ALWAYS use a disc and when in doubt, use a disc... or cover in this case... the aero advantage is significant... you will always be faster. I think the fear of using a disc in some windy conditions is overblown... if I lost the handling of a bike on the rear, that's easily managed, but the front is another... lose that and it's far more problematic. My .02 cents.
2014-08-05 2:45 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?

Unless there is a significant net elevation gain, or the downhills are so technical that you have to constantly be on the brakes...use the disc.

2014-08-05 2:56 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?


2014-08-05 3:11 PM
in reply to: ChrisM

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?
Originally posted by ChrisM

Read this

aero v. weight




I think it has about 1700ft of gain some of the hills are at least 7% or more.

From reading that it sounds like I definitely should use it.
2014-08-05 3:17 PM
in reply to: mike761

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?
Unless the race prohibits it, you fear for your safety or you're doing a Giro style uphill TT, disc cover.

Shane
2014-08-05 3:40 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Disc cover on or off?

Originally posted by mike761
Originally posted by ChrisM

Read this

aero v. weight

I think it has about 1700ft of gain some of the hills are at least 7% or more. From reading that it sounds like I definitely should use it.

Yup.  The point of that article is you should always use a disc except in a very rare and unique instance (Alpe d'Huez, e.g.). 

BTW, that's a pretty hilly Oly (i'd still use it). 

eta 2 - just checked my logs, I did wildflower Oly last year with just over 2K feet elevation, and it was a good choice.



Edited by ChrisM 2014-08-05 3:42 PM
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