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Can a person be too light weight for a disc wheel/cover?

vykkiovykkio
in General Training Discussions

When purchasing wheels over the past 12 years I have been told by two bike shops that I am too light (130 lbs) to use any rims deeper than 30mm on the front and 60mm on the rear wheel. Two years ago I took a chance and purchased a set of wheels with 60mm rims on front and 90mm on the rear wheel. I rode with them at IMAZ and 5 HIM races with no problems, however I have not raced in blustery/windy conditions. I am contemplating getting a PT with a disc cover. Is there such thing as being too light to use a rear disc wheel? I am not a waif at all and am actually somewhat stocky.   Thanks!

Comments

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    It's the front wheel where you need to be most concerned. Deep rims up front will cause a light person to be more unstable.

    That said..... I'm 105 lbs and ride a 404 up front with a 404 plus a wheel cover on the back. When I'm not racing I just ride the 404 on the back. If the forecast on race day is something higher than 15mph gusty winds, then I'll just go with the 404, otherwise I pretty much always race with the wheel cover (and I live and race where it's routinely quite windy).
  • manconamancona
    Local Bike Shop = BS and uneducated advice

    As Nemo said the front is the only thing to worry about and I think this comes down to your handling skills and pactice.

    I race at 135 on a 808/Disc for every race but Kona and have been in many high wind situations. Never had a problem. Sure I get pushed around but it is no big deal.

    If you have done 5 races on a 60/90 setup, you will be totally fine on your 60mm front and disc in the back. Just ride it once before race day.
  • ginagina

    127# on race day @ IMWI. 404 up front & disc-cover over training wheel in back. NO issues!!

  • KitbooKitboo
    #130 on race day at IMWI---rode a disc wheel with a Aeolus 5.6 on the front. No problemo.

    I only found that the disc wheel doesn't corner as well, but then tri bikes don't corner very well either.
  • ginagina
    Posted By Kitima Boonvisudhi on 24 Sep 2010 04:15 PM





    I only found that the disc wheel doesn't corner as well, but then tri bikes don't corner very well either.


    It's not your Fisher, Boon !!

  • Linda PatchLinda Patch
    Posted By Kitima Boonvisudhi on 24 Sep 2010 04:15 PM

      then tri bikes don't corner very well either.

     

    So it's the bike, heh?

  • vykkiovykkio

    Thanks everybody! I just needed some reassurance since my bike shops have been so conservative with their advice. I train in very windy conditions here in Colorado, especially in the spring so I know I can handle most anything for the most part!

  • KitbooKitboo
    Posted By Linda Patch on 24 Sep 2010 04:43 PM
    Posted By Kitima Boonvisudhi on 24 Sep 2010 04:15 PM

      then tri bikes don't corner very well either.

     

    So it's the bike, heh?

    It's TOTALLY the bike, LP!

    Gina: Sadly, it's not my mtb. I cornered it pretty hard on the twisty downhills on the second loop of IMWI--a slight beginning of a rear wheel wobble/washout but nothing bad. I felt that it was a bit more flexible/wonky than a spoked wheel but nothing significant.



     

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