Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such

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2014-08-31 8:02 PM


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Subject: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such
Hello. I'm looking at getting carbon wheels. The set I'm looking at has an 88mm depth and weigh 1820g per set. My current aluminum wheels are 1678g. Even the Zipp 808 Firecrest clincher is 1795g per set. Is the increase in weight offset by the increase in aerodynamics?

I ride a combination of hills and flat.

Thanks, Craig

2014-09-01 8:41 AM
in reply to: craigolio1

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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such
Yes. Wheel weight increases with aerodynamics since a larger fairing requires more material.
I would recommend aero wheels with a 40 to 60mm profile for riding a combination of hills and flats. The other benefit is you will need less time to get used to the effect cross winds have on them, and therefore, the steering.
2014-09-01 4:48 PM
in reply to: #5045540


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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such
Awesome. Thanks. I was looking at the 60mm wheels with the aluminum braking surface, vs carbon, I won't need to change my brakes or worry about fading or wet weather. The 60mm wheels are only about 50g heavier than my current aluminum wheels.

Thanks for the input.

Craig.
2014-09-01 4:50 PM
in reply to: #5045759


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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such
Sorry, 110g heavier.
2014-09-01 11:25 PM
in reply to: #5045761

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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such
Aluminum brake tracks don't look as cool as carbon brake tracks. An all-black wheel just looks way more awesome.

2014-09-02 10:03 AM
in reply to: craigolio1

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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such

For individual time trialing (eg, triathlons), use the most aerodynamic wheels you can.  Unless your ITT is something like L'Alpe d'Huez or the Mt. Washington Hillclimb, aerodynamics matter more than weight.

2014-09-02 4:16 PM
in reply to: JohnnyKay

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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such

Originally posted by JohnnyKay

For individual time trialing (eg, triathlons), use the most aerodynamic wheels you can.  Unless your ITT is something like L'Alpe d'Huez or the Mt. Washington Hillclimb, aerodynamics matter more than weight.

Even with a course containing Alpe d'Huez type course lightweight just barely wins
http://flocycling.blogspot.com/2014/01/flo-cycling-great-debate-aero-vs-weight.html

2014-09-02 4:33 PM
in reply to: msteiner

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Subject: RE: Carbon vs aluminum wheels, weights and such

Originally posted by msteiner

Originally posted by JohnnyKay

For individual time trialing (eg, triathlons), use the most aerodynamic wheels you can.  Unless your ITT is something like L'Alpe d'Huez or the Mt. Washington Hillclimb, aerodynamics matter more than weight.

Even with a course containing Alpe d'Huez type course lightweight just barely wins
http://flocycling.blogspot.com/2014/01/flo-cycling-great-debate-aero-vs-weight.html

 

get the best of both worlds... save those 25 grams by leaving one ounce of water out of your bottle, or pee on the swim to shed the weight.

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