Do I need two sets of new wheels?
#26
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I rode this morning in 15-20mph breeze on 45mm depth wheels. This is a pretty common situation around here. It was fine. A few gusts blew me around a bit, but nothing unusual and I'm pretty sure this would've happened regardless of what wheels I was on.
I assume the wind handling becomes more of an issue with deeper wheels (i.e. 60-80mm) but in my experience, 45mm wheels feel mostly the same as shallow alloy wheels in this regard.
The OP mentioned gusts up to 60km/h, which is 37mph. This seems pretty extreme to me and I would likely avoid riding in these conditions regardless of wheelset. This is a very specific and extreme situation and while I'm sure shallower wheels would make things easier, it's still going to suck.
I assume the wind handling becomes more of an issue with deeper wheels (i.e. 60-80mm) but in my experience, 45mm wheels feel mostly the same as shallow alloy wheels in this regard.
The OP mentioned gusts up to 60km/h, which is 37mph. This seems pretty extreme to me and I would likely avoid riding in these conditions regardless of wheelset. This is a very specific and extreme situation and while I'm sure shallower wheels would make things easier, it's still going to suck.
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#27
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I rode this morning in 15-20mph breeze on 45mm depth wheels. This is a pretty common situation around here. It was fine. A few gusts blew me around a bit, but nothing unusual and I'm pretty sure this would've happened regardless of what wheels I was on.
I assume the wind handling becomes more of an issue with deeper wheels (i.e. 60-80mm) but in my experience, 45mm wheels feel mostly the same as shallow alloy wheels in this regard.
The OP mentioned gusts up to 60km/h, which is 37mph. This seems pretty extreme to me and I would likely avoid riding in these conditions regardless of wheelset. This is a very specific and extreme situation and while I'm sure shallower wheels would make things easier, it's still going to suck.
I assume the wind handling becomes more of an issue with deeper wheels (i.e. 60-80mm) but in my experience, 45mm wheels feel mostly the same as shallow alloy wheels in this regard.
The OP mentioned gusts up to 60km/h, which is 37mph. This seems pretty extreme to me and I would likely avoid riding in these conditions regardless of wheelset. This is a very specific and extreme situation and while I'm sure shallower wheels would make things easier, it's still going to suck.
What was the question? Should the OP buy more stuff? The answer is yes. Always yes.
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I have found that flat bladed spokes (and in the days of Rolf Vector Pro wheels) made a bigger aero difference than 50mm deep carbon wheels. As for the need for a second set of wheels, I say yes. Break a spoke or something like that before a sportive event and having a second set of wheels will be a life saver.
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2 things. Not so much the low speed ,but the constant stops reliably informs me that you are not at a place where you need to be buying upgrades rather than riding upgrades. 23mm tires are nuts in this day and age, and if you do decide to upgrade, go a little fatter.
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Speaking on that note here is a song that used to run through my head in the 70s when I could spin the road. Had a pocket sized cassette player that could fit in my Bar Bag. No lyrics. Just spin, Spin, SPIN...
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No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#31
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Buying more bike stuff based on need??? What crazy sub forum is this ?
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#32
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Re brake pads: I just have two sets of pads. It’s just a couple minutes to swap all four. You’re taking the wheels off anyway, so it’s really quick and easy. Just keep the tiny hex wrench with the spare pads.
#33
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I am thinking of upgrading my factory wheels to a set of aero wheels. After a few months of research, I have kind of settle on a set of Chinese carbon wheel that is 50mm deep, 25mm wide, to be used with 23c tires in front for minimal drag.
However the ride yesterday makes me rethink. It was my first century this year. For half of the ride I battled with 30km/h wind and 60km/h gusts. Many times I was almost blown into the ditch off the roadside -- that was with my low section wheel, with bladed spokes. I even had a zero speed crash when dismounting. When riding head on into the wind, I could only inch forward at about 15km/s and taking breaks every 1-2 km.
In view of this does it mean I need yet another set of 30mm wheels, that is equally wide and made of carbon fiber (so that there is no need to change brake pads and readjust brakes) for windy days?
I am interested whether you guys would go this length in order to have deep section wheels.
However the ride yesterday makes me rethink. It was my first century this year. For half of the ride I battled with 30km/h wind and 60km/h gusts. Many times I was almost blown into the ditch off the roadside -- that was with my low section wheel, with bladed spokes. I even had a zero speed crash when dismounting. When riding head on into the wind, I could only inch forward at about 15km/s and taking breaks every 1-2 km.
In view of this does it mean I need yet another set of 30mm wheels, that is equally wide and made of carbon fiber (so that there is no need to change brake pads and readjust brakes) for windy days?
I am interested whether you guys would go this length in order to have deep section wheels.
I am a small lighter rider and you will find 50mm isn't that deep. You really shouldn't have much trouble handling the bike unless you never ride with you hands on the bars
#34
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Others have mentioned, but it's worth emphasizing that newer generation, wide, deep wheels apparently handle windy conditions much better (u-shaped profile instead of v-shaped, apparently). I'm not sure which type you tried with, but it's worth considering. I debated multiple sets of wheels, or at least a lower-profile wheel up front with my recent bike upgrade, but after trying out the deep wheels (51mm Bontrager Aeolus), I found the handling in the wind pretty dang good for the most part, and haven't bothered with a second set of wheels at all. I think maybe on one ride in the past 10 months or so it's felt a little dicey, but was still manageable. Probably on the crazy windy days (gusting > 30 mph or so) I'd consider just staying home regardless of wheels.
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#35
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just bought 2 sets of these
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Others have mentioned, but it's worth emphasizing that newer generation, wide, deep wheels apparently handle windy conditions much better (u-shaped profile instead of v-shaped, apparently). I'm not sure which type you tried with, but it's worth considering. I debated multiple sets of wheels, or at least a lower-profile wheel up front with my recent bike upgrade, but after trying out the deep wheels (51mm Bontrager Aeolus), I found the handling in the wind pretty dang good for the most part, and haven't bothered with a second set of wheels at all. I think maybe on one ride in the past 10 months or so it's felt a little dicey, but was still manageable. Probably on the crazy windy days (gusting > 30 mph or so) I'd consider just staying home regardless of wheels.
I cheated and made mine tubulars; they're lighter than any lightweight box section clincher. Crazy fun wheelset, worth the hassle.
#38
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waiting on these SuperTeams to come back in stock
#39
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The cost and extra work that accompanies tubulars gives me pause. Compared to tubulars, the cost and extra work of tubeless doesn't seem so bad.
Almost all the pro teams have dropped tubulars in favor of tubeless now.
#40
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50mm isn't that deep however it depends on your skill and weight and also your bike. On my aero bike with deeper fork blades and an overall heavier weight 50mm isn't an issue and I am a lighter rider. However 50mm on my lightweight bike with skinny fork blades and a really light end catches a lot in the wind