Race Day Wheels Rental--Which One for IMWI?

Linda Patch

Hi All,

I don't own race wheels, and have always rented them for IMFL from Fast Splits. B/c FL is at the end of the season, they cut me a sweet deal. This time the owner recommended I use Race Day Wheels since it will be cheaper than renting their wheels for essentially two weeks.

I have an old-school wired PT on a really nice wheel from Wheelbuilder, so I just need a front. What's the best Zipp to get for WI--the 404, 808 or 1080?

Sure, I'd love me some wheels of my own, and a wireless PT, but I love my two boys going to college more. TIA for the advice!

 

gina

L- I  am gonna use my 404 up front. Just got the PT for the back, am +/- on a wheelcover. Not likely to fork over $$$  for a second PT  hub retrofit into my 404.

mancona

There can be a strong wind out there on the course, but becuase the course turns 500 times it has never really bothered me. Typically I find it to be a head wind on G and 92 when you are, and then a tailwind on Whalen back into Madison. I don't really notice the wind a ton on the rest of the course because of all the hills and turns. Plus a head wind and tailwind are easy to deal with on deep wheels, its the gusty crosswinds that get you.

I would skip the 1080 and go 404 or 808. If you are comfortable with deeper wheels and have riden one before I would go 808. If you are nervous about being on a 80mm wheel, then go 404. The performance difference is only a ~6 seconds per 40k so maybe 30 seconds over the entire ride, so not worth being worked up over.

If you were 170lbs I would hands down go 1080 or 808. FWIW, I should be racing at under 135 this year and will be on an 808 front for everything except possibly a 404 in Kona.

michelemoreno

Hi Linda,

Not an expert in race wheels, since I love my all-around training/racing carbon Reynolds clinchers.  Just wanted to let you know about another option for renting wheels for IMWI.  My friend Pete owns Rocket Bicycle Studio, and they rent Reynolds and Hed wheelsets for $150 for 5 days (same price as Race Day Wheels).  No idea if he'll give you a deal for just renting the front wheel, but doesn't hurt to ask.  This might be a nice option if you want to also try them out during IMWI camp.

http://www.rocketbicyclestudio.com/

click on "Do the Demo".  You can contact Pete at: PHONE 608.239.3837    EMAIL peteroyen at rocketmail.com

Nemo Brauch

I'll be on 404's and will have the wheel cover for the back wheel (will decide if to use on race week). I might even bring a regular training wheel for up front if it looks like it's gonna be really windy- I just like to have the option. I don't go nearly as fast as Matt and I'm about 30 lbs lighter, so those two things combined make me a little less stable on a big dish up front than he is :-)

You might want to make that decision after you see the course at Moo Camp.

Kitboo

I will have a Bontrager Aeolus 5.6 on the front (kinda around the same depth as a Zipp 404). Unsure about the back wheel yet.
After our first ride at Rally, we should tawk wheels...

Coach Patrick

I think a 404 would suit you best; 808 requires some skill at handling in wind (or just some weight)...better that you don't have to practice the day before your A race....

Linda Patch

Thanks for all the feedback!

Norton

Linda,



I race on a 1080 in front. This wheel should only be used after lots of practice; it handles differently than any other wheel I've been on.

LynneJ

Linda, another small peep weighing in. 404 and I think they even rent it with a PT hub. I've become most adapt at pairing computer to different hub as I have two(training and 404) so can help with that if needed. Will hit Madison fairly early as coming on redeye from HI. I've raced Honu, Lake Placid, and Moo all on 404 and have felt crosswinds but have also been able to handle it.

Lynne