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Old 07-02-20, 10:57 PM
  #28  
carleton
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Originally Posted by Ace32
Thanks guys for some really interesting insights there. Feel there's a lot at play with the aero vs. deflection thing, and a fast wheel demanding a specific tyre, thus creating something of a chicken and egg scenario. Any idea what width tyre / when they were running on the Zipp in that 808 vs iO study that I've heard about bazillion times but never actually seen? (btw. anybody got a link?)

So... here's my solution for now... Think I might have to go carbon deep for a season or so, and slide a rear disc into the mix next year. All whilst I keep an eye out for a skinny Gipiemme/Shamal front to run indoors down the line (if n+1 is a thing, then surely w+1 is also a thing) I'm usually outdoors in the wind and I'm not quick enough to negate a yaw angle! With that in mind, I'm prob looking at 23mm width. If someone gives me a wheel I'm gonna use a handful of times a year at a price I can't say no to, then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!

In the meantime, will also tick off Carlton's bang for the buck speed list of helmet / skinsuit / shoe covers.

If anyone thinks that's stupid, tell me. I'm here to learn, don't exactly have extra cash unless I sell one of the kids and most of you guys appear to be in lockdown, so have we got much else to do?
Those wheels mentioned above have to be 20+ years old by now. So, you might not want to track them down as they'd be a bit "long in the tooth". A non-wide 404 is just as fast as a front wheel. That might be easier to find new or close to new. That being said, finding narrow tires might be a challenge, too (not sure).

Basically, the stock of the 19-22mm tires may have been used up and only 25mm stuff is available and fresh now. I ran into this when I was tracking down higher-end Tufo tubular/clincher in narrow widths. I was buying the last of stuff in Amazon and eBay stores and basic Vittoria clinchers in 23mm were in the bargain bin in local bike shops, not to be restocked again...and that was 2.5 years ago.

So, who knows these days. You might be stuck with wide wheels that call for lower pressures. Maybe someone else can comment on what's available now.
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