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Newbie – Why aren’t Aero section rims good for climbing?

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  • May 19, 2014 at 10:29 am #21473
    PaulBox

    Hi, sorry if this is a really stupid question, but I’m currently thinking about buying some new wheels for my road bike and can’t find the answer elsewhere.

    I’m considering a set of Pro Lite Bracciano A42’s because they are supposedly strong (I’m a big lump), have the upside of being aero and look quite nice. Obviously not a sexy as their carbon equivalents, but due to being heavy I don’t want to risk getting carbon wheels at this point.

    What’s putting me off is that I keep seeing references to aero section wheels not being good on climbs and in windy conditions. The windy conditions bit is self explanatory, but I can’t see why they would be detrimental to climbing. Being a big lump I certainly don’t need any other hindrances on climbs…

    Thanks in advance for help/advice, Paul.

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  • May 19, 2014 at 12:25 pm #794161
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    Chris James

    PaulBox wrote:I’ve been told

    PaulBox wrote:
    I’ve been told that aero section rims will improve average speeds on the flat by between one and two miles per hour, is that bull?

    Yes!

    May 19, 2014 at 12:09 pm #794159
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    olic

    FLO cycling have run a number
    FLO cycling have run a number of simulations with deep section wheels vs. climbing wheels and so on – see http://flocycling.blogspot.co.uk/. The data seems to suggest that even with dramatic weight differences, you are better off with aero wheels unless you’re doing something like a mountain TT. Obviously you wouldn’t want 90mm deep section wheels in huge crosswinds though.

    This doesn’t explain why most pro tour teams still ride low profile rims on mountain stages however, but that could be to do with aero advantages being important when riding in a group. The same could be said for aero frames, which can provide an even bigger aero advantage than wheels.

    Finally there is one other thing – weight benefits are easy to demonstrate with data. A lot of manufacturers have data out there on their wheels, but it doesn’t mean a lot to the average cyclist.

    May 19, 2014 at 12:00 pm #794157
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    tom_w

    SammyG wrote:Your not going

    SammyG wrote:
    Your not going to feel 500g on a climb, or notice aero wheels. The only time you do notice aero wheels making a difference is when you have a side wind and your getting blasted of the road, especially annoying on a decent.

    I’d disagree re not noticing 500g, I’ve just switched to 300g lighter wheels and they certainly feel faster up hills to me. My hill times seem to confirm they are too.

    I find it particularly noticeable when spinning them up to speed again after a steep section on a hill.

    May 19, 2014 at 11:42 am #794155
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    PaulBox

    I’ve been told that aero
    I’ve been told that aero section rims will improve average speeds on the flat by between one and two miles per hour, is that bull?

    May 19, 2014 at 11:32 am #794153
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    spongebob

    Your not going to feel 500g
    Your not going to feel 500g on a climb, or notice aero wheels. The only time you do notice aero wheels making a difference is when you have a side wind and your getting blasted of the road, especially annoying on a decent.

    May 19, 2014 at 10:52 am #794151
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    PaulBox

    Ohhh, that makes sense,
    Ohhh, that makes sense, thanks guys.

    I suppose I’d better weigh my current wheels to see how they compare before taking the plunge.

    May 19, 2014 at 10:40 am #794149
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    andycoventry

    Generally speaking aero
    Generally speaking aero wheels (particularly cheaper ones) tend to be heavier than non-aero wheels.

    You wont get the aero benefits when climbing but you will be carrying the weight penalty of a heavier wheel.

    May 19, 2014 at 10:39 am #794147
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    redmeat

    As above, they weight more.
    As above, they weight more.

    May 19, 2014 at 10:38 am #794145
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    tom_w

    I’d imagine it’s the weight,
    I’d imagine it’s the weight, there’s more material in an aero rim and that’s more weight to lug up the hill.

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