Topic: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Ryan
TX
Member Since:
09/07/2005 Total Posts: 19
15.6 Months Ago
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Just curious, thinking about buying 404's (clincher - great deal, prefer tubulars). Have friends that have HED 3 spoke, Zipp's and they love them. The Zentis looks cool as well. |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Tri Geek
MN
Member Since:
02/20/2007 Total Posts: 459
15.6 Months Ago
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Hi Ryan,
I have an largely unknown wheelset that came with my Flapper (Felt). If I were to upgrade, it would only be to Zipp 404. However, the 3 series is also popular.
I keep hoping to win a pair at a race raffle. The competitive race series here sponsored by the Gear West offers a tremendous raffle after each race.
Zipp 404 wheelset,
Full gear bag (over 750 dollar value)
wetsuit
Trainer
Full video set
Full carbon bike frame
Still no luck so I may actually have to buy a set.
Also popular...HED, flashpoint.
Good luck w/ your purchase.
- Greg |
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Re: Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Alison
BC
Member Since:
04/04/2006 Total Posts: 349
15.6 Months Ago
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Wow Greg, I'm going to have to make it down for one of those races! (Do you actually have to be competitive to qualify?) |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Jimbo
FL
Member Since:
01/03/2005 Total Posts: 667
15.6 Months Ago
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Ryan,
I have the Zipp 404 Clinchers. Chose them over the tubulars because of familiarity with changing a flat and you can train on them as well. The clinchers are only a half pound difference in weight so I figure I can lose that by skipping the ice cream if I need to, but with flat courses, weight is not as much an issue. The Zipp's are also lighter than the HED 3's.
You will be able to tell a difference once you try them. The 404's are pretty much the best overall wheel Zipp has BUT the 606's seem to be very popular this year. If I recall the difference between the 404 and 606 is the 404 is quicker on acceleration.
JC1 |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Jim
CA
Member Since:
08/27/2005 Total Posts: 637
15.6 Months Ago
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Wow - You all Kick my rear with your bike BLING. I run Mavic Ksyrium SS's. No experience with the aero wheels as of yet.
How much faster can they make me?? :o)
JC2 |
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Re: Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Jimbo
FL
Member Since:
01/03/2005 Total Posts: 667
15.6 Months Ago
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Yeah you definitely have to balance out the whole "cost/benefit" equation. Basically, I always hear about a 1 mph difference over a certain distance but you get that benefit only over a certain speed (20+mph???) So, if you can get by with saving a grand+ for a savings of 2 minutes then stick with your wheels.
For example, I have a disc that I run (depending on wind conditions) and it gives me no greater benefit than the 404 imho BUT I still like the intimidation factor and it makes a cool sound. =)
If you can't be fast you can at least look fast. =) |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Tri Geek
MN
Member Since:
02/20/2007 Total Posts: 459
15.6 Months Ago
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Yeah, I'm still looking for the formal definition of "bling" as I have not yet found the thesaurus section yet.
Alison, nope you don't have to be invited to the local race circuit here for your chance to win some "bling" (did I use that correctly here?). You just have to be willing to swallow some pride and you get your arse handed to you.
It's all fun and cordial... until the horn goes off, then it's gloves off.
Anyone interested in signing up, let me know.
- Greg "the lack of bling - trinewbie"
P.S. Those disc wheels do sound menacing especially when approaching fast from behind. |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Nicole
VA
Member Since:
11/24/2006 Total Posts: 202
15.6 Months Ago
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Greg you definitely used the word bling in the correct context!! I'm not cool enough nor fast enough to have race wheels...but I do like the way they sound...I go with JC...if you can't be fast look fast!!!! :) |
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Re: Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Alison
BC
Member Since:
04/04/2006 Total Posts: 349
15.6 Months Ago
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Yup Greg - you got the right use for bling. I am sadly bling deficient: not a lot of carbon fiber and only Ultegra components. Next year I may go for the bling.
I have to vouch for the intimidation factor of disc wheels. My first experience being on the same course as people with disc wheels was the Victoria Half Iron last year - the first time one of them passed me (it was a two loop course, the speedsters were on their 2nd loop as I was finishing my first) I thought I was about to be run down by a semi! |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Ryan
TX
Member Since:
09/07/2005 Total Posts: 19
15.6 Months Ago
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Thanks for all the input...Went ahead and fired away on the 404 clinchers (too good of a deal to pass up). Bike definitely looks faster now. Wheels are seriously light compared to my old Fulcrum 5's. Hope to pass along my praises of the wheelset after a couple of races...
JC: you train on the 404's as well? I was planning on training on old wheels and then racing on 404's (hoping it feels a lot easier on race day). Good strategy or no?
Yeah the disc thing...cool sound and I no longer try to bust a gut and catch up to them after they pass me (i stick to my race plan, for now).
Cheers. |
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Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Jim
CA
Member Since:
08/27/2005 Total Posts: 637
15.6 Months Ago
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Ryan - I would go with your strategy. A local top racer here trains on a PIG, a heavy, thick bike 70% of the time and 30% on his race bike. Also, saves those expensive wheels for when you need them.
Alison - Nothing wrong with Ultegra... Good quality parts!
JC2 |
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Re: Re: What brand/type of wheel do you use?
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Jimbo
FL
Member Since:
01/03/2005 Total Posts: 667
15.6 Months Ago
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Ultegra are Good quality, durable parts. Only difference between them and Dura Ace is weight and we are talking a few grams.
NO, I do not train on the 404's but you can, so for instance if you want to run a local course as close to race conditions as possible for your own purposes then you can do it without any concerns. Or if your heavy training wheels get messed up (out of true, cut tire and too lazy to go buy another one) you can throw on the 404's and go for a ride. |
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