General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Aerospoke Wheels Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-07-25 12:14 PM

User image

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: Aerospoke Wheels
I was able to get some Aerospoke wheels that I wanted to use for training. They are supposed to be more aero and bombproof for heavier guys like me (230 lbs). I really like them so far, but I'm worried about the weight. They are advertised to be heavier but I wasn't ready for the extra 2 lbs of rotational weight they added to my already 22-23lb bike (it's a BIG frame).

I plan to make my usual ride this weekend and see if over the 30 miles, there is any time savings before I make my final determination.

Any others with experience with these or other heavy wheels?

thx


2007-07-25 1:21 PM
in reply to: #900867

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels

Aerodynamics trumps weight in all but the hilliest of triathlon courses. Whether the time/efficiency savings are worth the dollars is up to you.

Not sure where you're getting the 2 pounds from, especially compared to stock wheels. I'm seeing, for instance, that a set of HED 3s is actually 250g lighter than a set of Mavic OPs.



Edited by the bear 2007-07-25 1:27 PM
2007-07-25 2:13 PM
in reply to: #900867

User image

Elite
4344
2000200010010010025
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels

Here are some weights I found for Aerospoke clinchers.  These are from a positive review from an owner of a set.   The Aerospoke company lists all of their road wheel models as "Out of Stock" and they do not give the wheel weight.   The main marketing claim is that the wheels are durable.

Weights may vary slightly.

700c Clincher:

front-  1274g

rear- 1440g

650c Clincher:

front- 1200g

rear- 1380g

 

TW



Edited by tech_geezer 2007-07-25 2:14 PM
2007-07-25 2:18 PM
in reply to: #900867

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
Yeah, those are heavy. I was looking at 1800g for a set of HED3 700 clinchers.
2007-07-25 2:20 PM
in reply to: #900867

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2007-07-25 3:45 PM
in reply to: #900867

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
Bombproof -- yes.

Aero -- not so much.

They're pretty old. Hed 3's would be pretty much equally bombproof, and FAR better aero-wise. But for training, you're fine. Bombproof is the better consideration for training.

But when you slap on the REAL race wheels, you'll feel like you're flying...


2007-07-25 3:55 PM
in reply to: #901317

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
briderdt - 2007-07-25 1:45 PM

Bombproof -- yes.

Aero -- not so much.

They're pretty old. Hed 3's would be pretty much equally bombproof, and FAR better aero-wise. But for training, you're fine. Bombproof is the better consideration for training.

But when you slap on the REAL race wheels, you'll feel like you're flying...


That's the plan! Thanks
2007-07-25 4:36 PM
in reply to: #900867

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
Wouold aerospokes be faster than stock wheels?
2007-07-25 5:01 PM
in reply to: #901403

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
chirunner134 - 2007-07-25 2:36 PM

Wouold aerospokes be faster than stock wheels?


It is advertised to be about 1mph faster - I'm hoping to get a couple good tests over the next couple weeks and I will let you know. So far, on my 30min rides since I got them - I don't see any difference (but I wouldn't expect to).

What I have noticed so far:
1. They seem to feel heavier when riding - but it could be just in my head.
2. I KNOW they make my bike feel heavier when I pick it up.
3. They look super cool to me for a training wheel.
4. The seem MUCH more stable when riding than my other wheels. (in fact, I never liked taking my hands off my handle bars to get a GU or drink from my jersey - I thought it felt skittish. These wheels seem to track really nicely and I feel like I can let go and they stay on track - I think due to the higher rotation weight and giroscopic effect.)

I figure that if they are a wash with weight/speed on overall time - I'll keep them on for training since they are so tough (rated for a 350 lb rider), they never need trueing, they look cool, and cost the same as many other wheels.

Maybe someone else has more first hand experience and can say more.
2007-07-25 5:12 PM
in reply to: #900867

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
yeah bomb proof wheel are great for training. speed is not important in training but it would be nice to find a nice pair of bomb proof race wheels.
2007-07-25 5:44 PM
in reply to: #901455

Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels
FYI,

I have some Nimble Crosswinds that are pretty good for racing. They have a clydesdale version....

Zipp has several wheels that they call Clydesdale as well...

HED is borderline for me - I think rated for about 230lbs - I'm to close to the edge for that....


2007-07-25 11:41 PM
in reply to: #900867

Master
1831
100050010010010025
Keller Tx
Subject: RE: Aerospoke Wheels

I'll add my $.02 on my Aerospokes.  are they heavy...yup.  Am I concerned when I hit a good bump or pothole....nope, and im a bit heavier than you.

I didn't buy them as much for any aero benefit, as their claims of being bombproof. 

Im not a fast rider, so I can't provide too much seat of the pants speed input, but I can tell you that since they are heavier, I believe I have the ability to keep the speed up easier once I am up to a higher speed 18+(for me)

Jcagg90 who is much lighter than me borrowed them on a flat olympic race this spring, and provided the same kind of speed feedback. 

I firmly believe that there are significant aero benefits to this kind of wheel over a stock wheel.  Plus with all the extra money you'll save on these wheels compared to other wheels, just think of all the other tri stuff you can buy.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Aerospoke Wheels Rss Feed