Race Wheels for 70.3?

Derrek Sanks

I’ve been thinking about renting race wheels for my 70.3 this weekend. My question is: How much difference does a really nice wheel set make over 56 miles?  How much faster would I be on Zipps 404 or 808s?  

Thanks for the feedback.

Shaughn Simmons

I love the 808s personally.  I raced with the 404s for about 7 years and had no issues.  I weigh about 175 lbs. and find I can use the 808s with no problem up to about 20 mph crosswinds.....

Probably not much difference in time between the two over 56 miles IMO, maybe 1 minute depending on how fast you are.....  The faster the speed the bigger the delta....

 

SS

MattAaronson

They are faster. And there is huge psychological benefit. I'm not joking about that...it makes a difference.

Marceloperod

I agree with Matt, it's a psychological benefit. Regarding 404 vs. 808 it really depends on your weight and how much wind is expected in the race, I'm 161 lbs, and I've used a 808 set and it gets pretty nasty with crosswinds.

Good luck in your 70.3!!

MattAaronson

My race setup is 808 firecrest in the front, and disc in the read. I am 137-140lb when I race and have no problem with wind.

Brad Marcus

I race with Zipp FC 404's. In fact I train with them on my tri bike beginning a month or 2 before race season too. Never have had an issue with wind. I race at 160-165lbs and currently 170lbs riding with them. Not sure how much faster they are over 56 miles, but I always feel like they make a difference anyway...as Matt and Marcelo mentioned. Not only faster from aero perspective, but much faster rolling than the crappy wheels that I use otherwise.

Kane Murphy

Check out this article by Flo.  I find most all of the drag charts, watt saving claims, etc. can get quite confusing.  This put is it pretty plain terms for an average rider, not the 40 kph that is normally quoted for aero savings.  

http://flocycling.blogspot.com/2014/01/flo-cycling-great-debate-aero-vs-weight.html

According to the paper, FLO's best aero wheels will get you less than 9 minutes of savings for a full IM over regular training wheels.  Of course it depends on the type of course and the wheels you are currently riding.  Zipps may be a slight improvement over the FLO wheels, but probably not a whole lot.  At least you know the order of magnitude savings you should expect.  About 5 minutes over 56 miles......    

Sorry I'm not smart enough to figure out how to post a link yet.

 

Marceloperod

I talked with some of my closest friends about their preferences... in the end it's just about how you feel with them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo25ouUT0PM

 

 

 

Derrek Sanks

Thanks everyone for the great input. I decided to rent the 808s. I'm at 168#s so the wind should be a factor.

Marceloperod

Great! just let us know how you did it.

Go and fly like the wind!

William Jenks

I use the same as Matt. I really like the 808 FC wheels. They are surprisingly easy to handle, despite how deep they are. However, they will be different, so do take them out for a spin before you race. nothing new on race day. :-)

Keith Wick

The other thing to consider in renting wheels is how many races will you do this year where you will rent wheels? If that number is 3-4 and the cost will buy you about 1/2 a pair of used wheels, then save that $$$ and look to purchase a set for yourself next year. Also, do you have a powermeter? If you don't then save the wheel rental cost and look to put it toward a powermeter purchase.

Derrek Sanks

Again, thanks for all the input. Like I said, I rented the 808s ($160) and without a doubt, these wheels absolutely made a huge difference. They easily added 2-3 mph to my normal/expected pace. Based on my training rides, I was expecting to average 18-19 mph and actually averaged 21 mph. The wheels were even fast going up rollers and false flats!

I hope to get my race report out soon.

MattAaronson

Awesome to hear. There is no way the wheels themselves added that much speed. But your statement is evidence of the psychological impact I mentioned...