PT wheel: To Zipp or Not to Zipp. That is the question.
Hey all-
We are looking at adding another PT wheel to the family. I have my own built into a Mavic OP, and I race with a wheel cover. (I have a Hed Jet that I race with in the front.) The second is for my son. We get a pretty reasonable fixed discount (approx 15% net with taxes) off list price for just about anything we buy through a local connection and we don't need any kind of computer (because he already has a Garmin), so unless someone wants to dump an ANT+ compatible wheel only, we probably will find that buying a new hub is as cheap as picking up one used. (However, there's no rush...so I'm keeping my eyes out.)
So here's the question -
If I buy new, then I have to put it in a wheel. The LBS is great, and I have no problem with them building wheels, so that's not an issue, per se. I can think of three options:
- Buy it on an Open Pro from Saris, so it's exactly like mine. Incremental Cost = $150
- Mount it on one of two other training wheels we will have laying around - the stock ones from the Cervelos, i.e., a Bont/Shimano R500 and an Easton Vista. Cost ? (spokes and labor)...probably not a huge net savings.
- Mount it on a Zipp 404. Cost = Spokes and labor
OK, so here's the big question then... to Zipp or not to Zipp?
The Zipp is a few years old, but the rim is in excellent condition. We got it used as part of a pair and they are "his". The cassette lock threads are not in great shape, but as long as we don't keep swapping cassettes, it's ok. However, I'm told that the whole hub is not in great shape and may need replacement in the not too distant future if it's used regularly. They ballparked a price of ~$200 for that, but we didn't really get serious because it wasn't needed right now.
If I do not put the hub in the Zipp, the Zipp will only get used in the rare occasions when he races and disk wheels aren't allowed. (e.g., ITU style races, or if he decides to do road races when he's in college or something).
If we do put the hub in the Zipp, we are basically saying that the Zipp is going to be an every day wheel. Maybe we could put some kind of "training tire" on it to help protect it, but I'm a little nervous about using the Zipp every day. He doesn't ride as much as me, but he rides on the same average quality roads with their fair share of potholes and cracks. On the other hand, if we don't put it in there and he is good about training with power, then he's hardly going to get any use out of this wheel...
What do you all think?
Comments
Soooo, I'd say put them on the Zipp.
Soooo, I'd say put them on the Zipp.
Zipp it! I hate to see nice equipment like that laying around just waiting for the 5 days a year it gets to come out and play. I know there are people that like to only ride them on race day, but I have also read of many people that ride them every day. Zipp has a great warranty and it's covered for 2 years against manufacturing defects and for 5 years under their No Fault/Crash Replacement program. This way, you can use it on race day if your son isn't.
My every day rear is a PT on a Hed Belgium but when it came time to get my wife a PT wheel, we got an 808 so she could ride it every day and I could use it on race day if she's not.
I have had an 808 PT wheel for just under 3 years and have used it for everything except racing CX. Trainer, training, racing, road bike etc. I have had the wheel rebuilt but only because I am a jackass and put the rear d into and destroyed 13 spokes. Rich at wheelbuilder fixed it for about 100 and had it back to me in a week.
However, it is a clincher. Not sure I would want to use a tubbie as an everyday wheel. Being able to swap tubes and tires a couple days before a race is what makes it OK to just use one wheel for everything.
I should have been clear that this is a clincher. Obviously no issues with riding it on the trainer!
@Chris - what kind of tire do you use on it "every day" for the road? I was thinking something sort of extra tough like a GatorSkin to protect from flats (and thus rim damage). Do you think it would make any difference?
I usually put a prorace or similar on it for training in the beginning of the year and then use that tire as my trainer one for the winter. Still get that race wheel feeling when I add the front one, put a latex tube, race tire and the cover on the back one. Have been racing with a latex tube and a vittoria evo cx.
@ Chris. You feel a difference in latex tubes? What are you running for a race tire? thanks!
This setup worked great, however a few things to consider:
- I always had to make sure I had my own spare tubes and/or extenders as I couldn't just "borrow" any tube from a friend if I got a flat.
- The 80mm tubes cost about twice as much as normal ones but it was worth it not to hae to deal with extenders most of the time
- Changing a flat on the zipps can be a pain, but it is good practice for a race
- Every time I hit a pothole I worred I just broken an expensive race wheel, however I never even needed to true it
- Sometimes I felt like a Fred showing up for a ride on my road bike with a deep carbon wheel on the back
Ironically enough, this year I used race wheels like race wheels and as you pointed out, I messed up after only riding it a few times ever.
I switched away from that setup because I needed to change what wheels I raced on and I was going to have at least 2 different rear wheels for racing. Therefore it became less expensive for me to have a quarq than multiple powertaps.
Also, if he can race with a disc at some races the 404+aero cover works very well, it just isn't legal for time trials.
My vote, go Zipp!
Aaron
I frequently get a little frustrated seeing my 404/808 combo just sitting there in my room, looking lonely and saying to me "I wanna race". But my Ergomo allows easy wheel swaps. :-)
We have some local TTs here. (I've done them a few times, but not regularly) and it's pretty common for people to race with disc covers.
@ Kurt - yes, the latex tubes just feel a little different. The data suggest they save a few watts as well.
@william....just the question I was going to ask mancona!!!
I have never heard of a triathlonnot allowing a wheel cover and I have been to two different local TTs where they were allowed. So my guess is it you will be fine 99.9% of the time. I was just throwing out all the possible reasons I could think of.