Wheels for TT

uphillstruggle

Started time trialing on my road bike with clip on bars. Managing just over 24mins.

Starting to look at upgrading kit and have started with aero helmet.

Before i make the inevitable step of getting a new bike i am looking at getting wheels that will give me gain over my current shimano rs 80's.

Living in an undulating area with frequent windy conditions what depth of rim is going to give me the best returns?

I know it depends on specific conditions but is getting a pair of 50mm depth going to make much difference at all or should i be thinking deeper rims for the rear etc.

Disc wheels would be out for the moment but would something like tri spokes front and rear be better.

Obviously cost comes into it- but any general advice welcome.

angrynortherner

RS80's (the 24mm deep ones) are surprisingly aero, I think the wattage saving of a set of Cosmic Carbones is only around 4 or 5 - so not really worth it. What about a Disc cover at the back - can be had quite cheaply.

uphillstruggle

Crikey. That definitely isn't worth it. I was thinking about cero 50mm ones from cycledivision but if that's all there is to gain there seems no point.

Disc cover maybe the way to go but seems a little fiddly if regularly changing.

markos1963

You said you have an aero helmet, what about a skin suit and shoe covers? £ for £ they would be a better upgrade than cheap wheels.

lawrences

A 50mm upfront and 80 on the back sounds like it would work quite well for you.

Handling wouldn't be drastically different to the RS80's.

This would also leave scope to get a disc cover and a possibly a 80mm front at a later date, which would give you a full set for all conditions.

As a sidenote a skin suit will save far more time than any wheel upgrade. Also kitting out the wheels in a good set of racing tubulars is also a must as you could easily throw away any possible savings by using naff tyres.

uphillstruggle

Skinsuit sounds like the priority.

I take it tubulars rather than even lightweight clinchers would still be the way to go?

hasbeen

In order:

more specific training
Skinsuit
Aero socks
Deeper front wheel
Training with a power meter
Aero rear wheel

dawebbo

Surely the first thing to look at is whether you can get into a decent aero postion and maintain good power with your current bike set up and clip ons. Obviously without testing this can be a bit subjective, but you should have a rough idea.

drlodge

Clip on TT bars are the first prioriy IMHO, as it helps you get into a more aero position.

markos1963

drlodge wrote:

Clip on TT bars are the first prioriy IMHO, as it helps you get into a more aero position.

No it doesn't, it can make it worse. Most people with clip ons have them mounted too high without lowering their bars/stem or making adjustments to the saddle height. They then end up sitting even higher in the wind and go slower.

uphillstruggle

Good replies.

I have a powermeter and thus far using the aerobars hasnt resulted in reduced power.

Ive taken a few spacers out and now have aero helmet and overshoes.

Definitely going to hold fire on the wheels until ive thought some more.

Training also getting more specific so we shall see.

Are the aero covers difficult to fit or keep removing depending on the wind?

lawrences

To change the cover you have to remove the cassette and undo the fasteners around the outside. It's not a huge job but obviously not quite as easy as clip on clip off aerobars.

Percy Vera

uphillstruggle wrote:

Good replies.

I have a powermeter and thus far using the aerobars hasnt resulted in reduced power.

Ive taken a few spacers out and now have aero helmet and overshoes.

Definitely going to hold fire on the wheels until ive thought some more.

Training also getting more specific so we shall see.

Are the aero covers difficult to fit or keep removing depending on the wind?

Yes, but if you're less aero you will go slower for the same amount of power

Mettan

uphillstruggle wrote:

Are the aero covers difficult to fit or keep removing

They're easy-enough to fit and remove - you can use fasteners, although it's perfectly acceptable to tape your covers on using electrical tape only (I've done this before) - IME this holds them rock solid - looks reasonably tidy too - for removal, cassette off on the drive side, then peel the tape off both covers - it's easy to reapply aswell (only takes around 4 - 5 mins to do a reasonable job of taping around the circular edge (for each cover)). (you kinda get better at it (technique-wise) the more you do it).

uphillstruggle

Tonight was a slightly better time with 16 watts less average power due to my legs being empty from sundays intervals etc.

On the plus side it was the same power i put out a couple of weeks ago with a 10 second quicker time in less favourable conditions.

Seems helmet and lower position are improving things- just need the legs to do the same.

Grill

Do you have a PM or are you using Strava power?