I am racing CdA in June and was plannigto just rent a set of rce wheels for the big day (808 up front and Powertap disc in back). This weekend, I was talking to a buddy who made a comment abodit deciding against that same set up for IM Canada this year because he felt it just wasn't worth the effort turn those heavier wheels over on a of the hills. With IM CdA being hilly too, I wondered if I should reconsider the race wheels? Or, are race wheels (Zipps) even that much heavier? I have thought about the weight aspect of adding them to my kit. IF they really are heavier, stay with my regular training wheels or find a super light set?
For what it is worth...I am hoping to be in the 5:20/30 range come race day.
A disc is always faster. I've done CDA both ways (albeit mine is wheel covers, not a disc, less weight penalty), and I'm faster with the covers on my Zipp 404. At your speed, assuming you ride under control EN style, you won't notice the disc going up, and the downhill and flats (and there are WAY more flats than ups @ CDA) will be yours to own, especially coming back into town, often into the wind.
Your buddy should be ignored on this subject and likely any others related to racing. Bet he can also feel how his light wheels "spin up" much faster than heavy ones as well. Old tyme bike shop nonsense speak. Sceince works folks...
So, I will have a wheel cover for the back...should I be searching for an 808 up front then...and eventually switch to a quarq power meter with an 808 or disc for the back? Guess that makes the most sense to move towards over time...
According to John Cobb, regular wheel + disc cover = 95%+ as good as a disc wheel. The switch to a Quarq would buy flexibility for Kona, but that's about it, unless you just really like wheels, which is an expensive, but understandable, hobby.
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For what it is worth...I am hoping to be in the 5:20/30 range come race day.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Your buddy should be ignored on this subject and likely any others related to racing. Bet he can also feel how his light wheels "spin up" much faster than heavy ones as well. Old tyme bike shop nonsense speak. Sceince works folks...