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Have you wasted money on super light new wheels?

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  • April 29, 2013 at 5:49 pm #18632
    spongebob

    Ok, so I’m currently researching a new set of wheels, I was primarily looking at the weight of the wheels but during my research I came across a number of articles that would imply that 250g’s off a set of wheels would make a minimal difference.

    Here is an article backed with scientific research: http://www.biketechreview.com/index.php/reviews/wheels/63-wheel-performance it shows that reducing a wheelsets weight by 50% has a sub .5% difference in performance. The main gains that can be made by a wheel are in it’s aerodynamic ability.

    So I thought well, I will need a 40mm+ set of wheels to reap the aerodynamic benefits, then I stumbled on the following research: http://www.cyclingpowerlab.com/ComponentAerodynamics.aspx this data would suggest that the Campagnolo Zondas are a more aerodynamically sound choice than a Mavic Carbone SLR!

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  • April 29, 2013 at 8:15 pm #730829
    spongebob

    Indeed from the info I have
    Indeed from the info I have gleaned wheels made by SRAM, zipp and HED provide good aero benefits whereas other brands do not incorporate the same technologies and therefore do not have the benefits even if you buy a deep section rim!

    April 29, 2013 at 7:50 pm #730827
    Simon E

    Based on a little experience
    Based on a little experience and lots of reading, I’d say that lighter wheels feel nicer but won’t boost your speed by much, even on hills. Deep section aero wheels don’t help as much as the adverts suggest, whether carbon or alloy. Also, I’ve read a number of times now, including from a couple of wheel builders, that bladed spokes are overrated.

    If you enlarge the graph on this page you’ll see that some so-called “aero” wheels don’t necessarily fare better than some pretty ordinary hoops:

    Great wheel test 2008 – Part 1 – Aerodynamics

    April 29, 2013 at 7:40 pm #730825
    Gkam84

    I could buy super light
    I could buy super light wheels for the trike, not that I can afford them, because they are expensive. It would make minimal difference to my speed and climbing ability.

    I decided, just to get a bit fitter and loose a couple of KG from…..around my waist line 👿

    April 29, 2013 at 7:17 pm #730823
    TheHatter

    I’m not sure I understand
    I’m not sure I understand your point. It almost sounds like you’re suggesting that spending money on bike upgrades may not be a good idea…?
    nope, still not getting it :/

    April 29, 2013 at 7:10 pm #730821
    jengy

    250g is half a water bottle,
    250g is half a water bottle, you cant really tell much difference in pace with a change that small. My summer bike is 2kg lighter and goes maybe 1kmh quicker than the all-year one.. which is likely partly down to aero of not having mudguards. Feels a bit racier though..

    Aero wheels seem to make a bit of difference, but you need to be going pretty quickly in the 1st place, and might not suit if you go up lots of hills as they tend to be heavier, and the best ones are lots of pennies.

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