Equipment choices, ultimately for Kona
Team!
Perseverating right now on what to do re: power and wheel choice. Currently running Mavic Cosmic Carbones without power, use my Garmin 305 with a cadence kit and HR monitor for data. I am trying to figure out smartest investment to both train and race Eagleman, Placid, and Kona with power. Other relevant info: 210 lbs Clydesdale; new ultegra compact crank 172.5mm.
Curious as to your votes. Want to do *one* solution for everything, specifically Kona which apparently doesn't allow discs/covers (I'm learning).
So, some options I'm considering:
1) Keep current setup, save money, and just gamble on level of effort during races using HRM (haha)
2) Do Rich's/wheelbuilder popular HED rear wheel kit with cover ~$1400. If I do this, I could potentially sell the rear Mavic with its current wheel cover for what, maybe $500 (used less than one season) to offset? Accordingly, would you split the wheelset up like this, or would you sell both F&R Mavics for a different option? (see below)
3) Any other possible front wheel options, to offset potential "aero loss" from riding a bare trainer rear wheel in Kona? e.g. possibly a Hed 3 tri-spoke. Anyone have experience running just a front tri-spoke at Kona?? Or should I keep my front Mavic?
4) Quarq option
Basically, I want one setup that I can train and race on.
Value your opinions on all of this very much. Thank you in advance for your time!
Jonathan
Comments
Jonathon - Don't fight the power. If you are going to get a new wheel, have it built with a PowerTap + wheel cover. Depending on your budget, go either for a standard "training wheel" (per Rich's routine guidance) or splurge on a deeper dish like a Zipp. Zipps are rock solid, and I think they make a "clydesdale" version. I ride my Zipp on the trainer, on the road, in the race. I even hit a pick up truck head on at 25mph and did zero damage to the front wheel, tire, and spokes. "Once you go Tap (or Quarq), you never go back."
For the front, why do you need a new wheel? Maybe just a different tire can give you more "aero" benefit, like switching from a 23 c tire to a 20c tire like the Vittoria Corsa. Previous threads here have discussed that option; Matt A is a big proponent of this. Again, budget will drive your decision. Aero benefits are worth considering if you are fighting for seconds/minutes to consolidate podium spots at your races. If that's not your situation, spend your bread elsewhere, like for the family on vacation in Hawaii.
I started riding with power in Nov when I started the OS and I agree with Al the you can never go back. It just opens your eyes to a whole new world and gives you more insight on weakness and how to improve them. With that being said the choice of what PM is next. Personally I love stuff, so I went with a Quarq. I really liked the freedom of having the option to change wheels when I like and not having to ride my Zipps all the time. As far a customer service, I can say Quarq is great. For some reason my PM stopped working even though it was 6 months old. I called them, someone answered the phone (not a recording) and after 10 min I had a UPS shipping label in my email. 5 days later the crank was repaired (electronic issue) and back on my bike. So if there ever is an issue they take care of you. Purely opinion here, but I think the gains from training with power will trump a set of fancy race wheels in the long run.
Jonathan,
I'm a little late to this thread but here's my thoughts. I have as Al said a set of the standard rims from wheel builder with a power tap. When I switched bikes (650 to 700I also when with a 30MM more about solid than aero.
options 1a keep current set up and get a power tap or quarq.
2) If you have the cash go for a deeper wheel, get a wheel cover for either option.
3) Getting a aero front wheel does have more impact than a rear so you could possible get something there. The H3's tend to be harder to handle in a crosswind but never been on one myself so take that for what its worth.
4) Quark - Being able to switch tires gives you options but if you don't actually do this it's just a more expensive toy.
Gordon