race wheel rental for Eagleman... should I? what should I get?

kortneyringel

So, I am contemplating renting race wheels for Eagleman.  I won't say I am completely clueless when it comes to the subject, but I could really use some advice. (I've searched all over for info, and while it's out there, I felt compelled to ask about my specific race, etc)

Never rode on the Zipps before...   I don't have a rear wheel w/ Powertap and wheel cover, so I'd be looking to rent both front and rear wheels.  My question is.... what would you recommend getting? 404s? 808s? combo? rear disc?  Eagleman can be a windy course, so I am not sure about riding w/ a disc... but I would LOVE any and all advice/comments, etc that anyone would be willing to share!

Thanks soooo much!

tuckerm

Why not get a disc cover for your existing wheel so you only have to rent a front wheel?

Joseph Lombardi

 and Eagle is flat/straight...get disc and 6 or 8's on the front..

 

robin sarner

 Just make sure you understand how to use valve extenders.     And have tubes with short enough valves for the disc.   And have pump that fits in a disc.

Cary Blanco

Yes, it get windy, but not THAT windy. Get a wheel cover and Rent/Borrow a front.

kortneyringel

thanks everyone for the responses. Much appreciated!

John Withrow

I agree with buying a disc cover for the rear as it will cost less than renting the rear and you'll have it for future races. Depending on your size and/or bike handling skills, would dictate what I would use on the front. I'm 200lbs and don't mind the wind, so I would personally go with a Zipp 808 (the firecrests supposedly also do better in crosswinds). If you are substantially lighter, or question your bike handling skills at all, you might want to be a little more conservative up front and go with a Firecrest 404. Not all that much difference between the 404 and 808 from an aero advantage but the 404 will certainly bounce you around less in swirls or crosswinds.

Peter Greagg

FWIW I use a cover on my back wheel and a HED 3 front wheel and am extremely happy with this set up. I am a little Peep @ 145 pounds and feel quite stable in strongish cross winds.

kortneyringel

I suppose the nice thing about getting a cover is that if it does happen to be really windy, I can just race w/o it?

tuckerm

Posted By Kortney Ringel on 25 Apr 2012 05:57 PM

I suppose the nice thing about getting a cover is that if it does happen to be really windy, I can just race w/o it?

Yes you can just race without it.  BUT, if you plan to use a rented front wheel you will need to use the disc.  Otherwise the bike will be off balance with a deep front versus a regular back wheel.

kortneyringel

got it. That makes sense. Hmm. I guess I will have to do some more research before deciding whether or not to race w/ a disc. I was going to ride the E-man course tomorrow, but the winds are forecasted to be 20-30mph gusts with the possibility of gusts higher than that. I opted to wait to do my ride out there until next week.

Again, thanks everyone for the responses. I love EN!

[Deleted User]

Courtney I rode the course for my first race rehearsal last year with a Hed Jet 6 Front and rear with a wheelcover. No issues and it was pretty windy on the back half. The wind tends to affect the handling of the front wheel more than the rear so all the advice I have received for Eagleman is to go with a disc (or cover) if you can. All being well I will be out there next Saturday for this years race rehearsal. Wish me luck!

kortneyringel

@Ian ;How did the RR go?  Were you @ Six Pillars?  I ended up riding it... got a little windy on the back end of the course, as usual... gotta LOVE Egypt Road!  Did you ride the course w/ a wheelcover during your RR?