Carbon aero wheel depth
#1
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Carbon aero wheel depth
I am considering some aero profile carbon rims. My rides are generally fairly flat and I ride almost exclusively alone. I am using C17 Zondas now but would like to see if aero wheels can improve my overall speed. Toronto can be a bit windy at times.
I am thinking of getting some 88mm depth rims. I understand 50mm seems to be the all-around depth recommended but in my solo rider situation I do not see a significant issue with crosswinds and slightly higher weight for my mostly non-existent climbing.
Any other reason to skip out on the deeper rims for shallower ones?
I am thinking of getting some 88mm depth rims. I understand 50mm seems to be the all-around depth recommended but in my solo rider situation I do not see a significant issue with crosswinds and slightly higher weight for my mostly non-existent climbing.
Any other reason to skip out on the deeper rims for shallower ones?
Last edited by Narhay; 07-29-18 at 12:06 PM.
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deeper is faster, but yes, you will feel the wind. a modern, rounder wider rim will have less problems with crosswinds than old skinny V shape rims. a longer stem putting more weight on the front wheel will also reduce the steering input of side winds
I really like the Easton EC90 55mm, very rounded shape 28-30mm wide, or the Bontrager Aeolus, 50 70 or 90 deep and 27 wide.
Personally I run a 50 or 55mm deep front and 35mm Aeolus 3 rear. No wind problems. If I was going to go deeper in front I would want a deeper rear to offset some of the sail effect.
I really like the Easton EC90 55mm, very rounded shape 28-30mm wide, or the Bontrager Aeolus, 50 70 or 90 deep and 27 wide.
Personally I run a 50 or 55mm deep front and 35mm Aeolus 3 rear. No wind problems. If I was going to go deeper in front I would want a deeper rear to offset some of the sail effect.
#3
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bike break is right that cross winds are less of an issue with modern rim shapes. That said, 88mm is pretty deep and will be affected by cross winds.
Also, how much speed are you hoping to pick up? At 20 mph, we're talking about a speed increase of a tenth or two of a mph. Not sure that its very significant to ride along solo at 20.3 mph as oppossed to 20.1mph.
Also, how much speed are you hoping to pick up? At 20 mph, we're talking about a speed increase of a tenth or two of a mph. Not sure that its very significant to ride along solo at 20.3 mph as oppossed to 20.1mph.
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Per the aero geeks on ST, you would be anywhere from 5s-15s faster per 40k with going from 50mm to 88mm. That's specifically for going from a Jet 6 to a Jet 9, but the numbers should be in that ballpark for other models. Potentially a big deal at the front end of a TT or triathlon bike split, but for general riding it's meaningless. Even the jump from a Belgium (or C17) to carbon wheels makes almost no difference on a training or social ride, and no difference that you can feel.
Cam Wurf set the Kona bike record last year with a 30mm front, for what it's worth.
Cam Wurf set the Kona bike record last year with a 30mm front, for what it's worth.
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The benefits are real but quite modest. Also realize that deeper will be heavier. I advise 50-60 unless you are a competitive time trialist or triathlete.
You will likely get better speed improvement from a power meter and a coach.
You will likely get better speed improvement from a power meter and a coach.
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Even in triathlon I've moved towards not recommending anything deeper than 50-60mm. That handful of theoretical seconds disappears in a moment if a single sidewind gust makes you come up out of aero. Running a Jet 6, 9, or Disc in the rear with a Belgium front will be faster if it means the rider stays in aero instead of coming onto the brake levers. Even if that only happens once.
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I bought a pair of Zipp 808. Rarely used them. Ended up having them laced with track hubs and now I use them at the velodrome. They work great at the track because there are no sharp corners and the average speed is higher than what one would typically ride solo on the road.
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Had a set of 60/88s. Looked really cool and not super heavy at 1700g. Still, the extra weight on the rear made the bike slow to kick into speed and the crosswinds were more noticeable, even for a 190lb rider. You mentioned no hills but descending on them in windy conditions came close frightening on a couple of occasions.
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I would recommend borrowing a set and trying them out on a windy day before committing to buying them. I love deep rims, but man they are a pain in crosswinds. I run Assaults on my Evo, and even at 42mm they can be a handful in desert winds. If I came across a good deal I might buy some deeper wheels, but they wouldn't be for everyday riding.
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Given the winds you describe, I'd suggest something in the 55-60 range, like Zipp 404s.
There was a study many years ago, so it may be a bit outdated, but the marginal aero gains from rim depth start diminishing at 30mm and the slope really levels out around 50.
There was a study many years ago, so it may be a bit outdated, but the marginal aero gains from rim depth start diminishing at 30mm and the slope really levels out around 50.
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I like my brakes and gears.
Yup. Want one. Can't justify one at all, but still want one.