Considering Wheelbuilder Aerojacket

russG

Once decided I would invest in more aero once I was breaking 20mph in my races.  Patriot, 2013, 56m, avg speed 20.0.  So here we are, but with two kids needing braces and camp programs and ... let's just say the budget isn't what it used to be.

Riding a DT 585 with PowerTap in the back; unlikely to invest in new wheels.  Interesting option is the Wheelbuilder Aerojacket:

http://www.wheelbuilder.com/aerodisc.html

Gives you a disk wheel for about $100; adds almost a pound to your rear wheel.  Is this a good idea or a bad idea?  Is anyone using one?  Love it?  Like it?  Not so much?

Thanks!

Joe Matchette

@Russell - a pretty much general consensus is that the Aerojacket is tied for an aero helmet for the highest ROI.  I would hazard a guess that a significant percentage of the Team uses one.

If you decide to get one, you ought to ride with it once or twice in windy conditions so you get comfortable with it.  The fear of 'squirrely-ness' is far greater than any adverse handling effects you will get b/c of it.  A deep dish front wheel will have a far greater effect than the dish in the back.

Bottom Line - Great Idea.

(as to the extra pound of weight....I have never noticed it nor seen it discussed as a consideration)

robin sarner

Great idea. Many of us use one. Black for the cool folks. I use white - family writes messages on it.

rmiller

Got one for christmas. Only problem with it is that when taken off, the extra drag makes you feel like your rear tire is going flat for the next couple rides until you get used to riding without it again. At least, that's what happens with me.

[Deleted User]

Great idea. I have one and can't think of any downsides. Probably lots of posts in the forums about them. I recall one saying it was just as fast (or faster?) than a zipp wheel costing 10x as much. And you can use it with the wheel that has your powertap (if you have one).

Steve West

Weight is only an issue as it adds to your total mass going up hill. Rotational acceleration of a heavier wheel becomes an issue when surging or attacking where you frequently have to accelerate the mass of the wheel. In an IM bike, that should never happen.

Gordon Cherwoniak

I purchased one and use it at several races with no buyers remorse.  Definitely a cheap form of free speed.  As mentioned the aerojacket and the aero helmet are two of the best investments for aero improvements.  I'd purchase another if and when mine gets destroyed.  You just need a cassette removal tool,chain whip and some tape (optional) to install. 

Gordon

Satish Punna

I have one. Have only used in training rides (so far). I don't find it affects handling too much over my regular 60mm wheels. Easy to take off, a bit tricker to put on but not a problem once you get the hang of it. Unless you have a power tap where the free hub slides on and off, you need to remove the cassette to install, remove.mine goes on pretty snug with the included fasteners so I don't use tape. Message coach R- he can get a good price.

ezellrh

times whatever on being a satisfied owner/user. No downside to it that I can see.

russG

Thanks all - ok - I'm in.
If a day goes by when I don't spend at least $100 on something tri-related then I feel lost...
Today it's an aerojacket.

Best!

Coach Rich

About a bazillion EN athletes race with it. Total no brainer.

rmiller

Posted By Rich Strauss on 21 Jun 2013 12:27 PM


About a bazillion EN athletes race with it. Total no brainer.

We're up to those numbers in membership already?  Cool..