Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by djm on April 27, 2016 at 7:06am

For solo speed riding (e.g.: triathlons, time trials), reducing aerodynamic drag offers a greater advantage than lighter weight wheels.  Lighter wheels are favored for quicker acceleration and climbing.  That being said, unless your current wheels are in poor condition, better wheels are going to buy you far less speed than training will.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn A Conley on April 29, 2016 at 1:47am

I completely agree.  That being said, I have spent quite a bit of $$ on wheels myself over the years.  What djm wrote was an expensive lesson for me.  It doesn't have to be for you.

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Permalink Reply by S on April 27, 2016 at 5:48pm

It depends a bit on the bike distance but you're only going to be on the bike for about 10-20k for most sprint triathlons.  So that's about 30 minutes on the bike.  An aero wheel is probably not going to save you much time and may hurt if it's a really hilly course.  Honestly, an aero helmet is supposed to give you better savings than aero wheels and it'll be a lot cheaper to boot.  

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on April 28, 2016 at 4:15am

 http://www.wheelbuilder.com/aero-disc-covers.html

Or build your own using coroplast plastic (often used for political signs) and zip ties.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on April 28, 2016 at 4:32am

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfoAJicjNJc

Building Bike Polo front and rear wheel covers. 

Note caution on winds and front wheel cover can badly affect steering.

Corrugated plastic is coroplast.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa A Gambino on April 28, 2016 at 8:00am

Hi there, 

I would look at the overall picture - do you have extra accessories on your commuter bike that may weigh you down? (i.e. fendors, rack, water cage), are your pedals used for clip-ons? From my experience with short distance racing, it's just building your endurance and leg strength that will make the most impact on your speed.  

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Pakenas on April 28, 2016 at 9:44am

Improve your bike time with… (1). Clipless pedals (which actually have clips that attach your feet to the pedal). It will enable you to apply power to the entire rotation of your stroke. (2). Clip on aero bars. Getting your body down in a proper position will decrease drag plenty more than swapping out wheels. Both these upgrades will cost a lot less than aero wheels. Finally, and this is free, (3)."Ride lots", is what Eddie Merckx answered to a reporter who asked him what advice he'd give to aspiring riders. Good Luck.

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Permalink Reply by Jamais716 on April 28, 2016 at 9:54am

Thanks for the (still conflicting :-)) advice!  Computrainer ride #2 is tonight, so I'm following the training plan while I sort out options.

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Permalink Reply by S on April 28, 2016 at 10:13am

Take a look at this page which outlines the benefits of various changes in a 40k TT.  You'll be doing a 20k TT at most on the bike leg so the time savings is probably a little less than half the listed time savings.  Basically, it boils down to improving your positioning and stuff on your body provides the most benefit since your body generates the most drag while riding.  As an added bonus, it's also the cheapest changes you can make.

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Permalink Reply by djm on April 29, 2016 at 5:54am

You'll be doing a 20k TT at most on the bike leg so the time savings is probably a little less than half the listed time savings.

Note that those estimates assume a baseline (non-aero road bike) average speed of 31 mph over 40 Km.  Since power required due to drag increases with the cube of the speed, those savings are going to be much smaller at lower speeds.  The greatest advantage of improved aerodynamics is for very strong riders who, not coincidentally, are racing where seconds matter.  If you want to go faster, get a more powerful engine, not fancier wheels.

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