Time Trial question
151kbar151
Posts: 9
Why riders are using disc wheel only on rear wheel? Why they aren't using disc wheel also on front wheel?
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Comments
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Why riders are using disc wheel only on rear wheel? Why they aren't using disc wheel also on front wheel?
Because the handling becomes impossible/dangerous if/when the slightest breeze hits a solid front wheel. Not exactly the best scenario when your causing along at 50kph+ inches from 8 other riders.
Only time front disc wheels are used is on the track - where there is no wind, and only in events against the clock (Pursuit, Kilo, 500m TT) where riders are basically on the track alone )or riding against another rider on the opposite side of the track).0 -
Very difficult to steer a bike outdoors with a front disc wheel.
Even a light wind would make steering very tricky with a front disc.0 -
OK, and now see:
1) http://georgenaterry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Time_Trial_resize.jpg
2) http://www.veloveritas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/01/laurent-fignon-rip/Laurent-Fignon-that-TT-430x285.jpg
How they were turning?0 -
With difficulty
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With all the focus on 'marginal gains' and all that malarky, sometimes the obvious 'gains and losses' can be overlooked.
Like the cost of not being able to steer so easily in a technical team time trial is probably much higher than the gain from having a slightly more aero wheel.
Similarly, putting more effort into practicing riding TTTs so riders can ride more efficiently with one another and closer to the guy in front will yield a lot more gains than equipment choice (within reason).0 -
OK, and now see:
1) http://georgenaterry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Time_Trial_resize.jpg
2) http://www.veloveritas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/01/laurent-fignon-rip/Laurent-Fignon-that-TT-430x285.jpg
How they were turning?
With some difficulty I'd imagine. The others didn't say that it was impossible just difficult and especially in a team TT ill advised at best. I ride an 88mm rim often for time trials and its a swine in side winds, a disc would be abominable.
In CTT events in the UK the regulations for the amount of "air" vs "wheel" ratio on front wheels is 45% which as a rough guide allow stuff up to about 90mm rim depth (same ratio also allows most tri-spokes but not some of the five spoke wheels that are common on track bikes). Not sure on UCI sanctioned events like the tour but I wouldn't be surprised if modern regulations are similar, I can recall that front disc wheels on track are only allowed in the time trial events not sprints, keirin etc, basically anything where you have to steer more significantly!
The CTT regulations state:
(f) Disc wheels or spoked wheels fitted with covers may be used only on the rear of a machine.
(g) Deep section rims, tri-spoke and wheels of a similar design may be used. The front wheel must have at least 45% of the surface area open.0 -
Also worth noting that in both the example pics posted there is a wheel size mismatch between front and back - the front is way under the standard 700c. That's not allowed any more.Warning No formatter is installed for the format0
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OK, and now see:
1) http://georgenaterry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Time_Trial_resize.jpg
2) http://www.veloveritas.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/01/laurent-fignon-rip/Laurent-Fignon-that-TT-430x285.jpg
How they were turning?
Both examples are running smaller front wheels which would catch less wind and are easier to steer. Anyway, they are banned as are disc wheels, simple.0 -
My memory of team time trials from the days of big mig and banesto, of museuuw /gb-mg etc are of metronomic cadence and dead straight unwavering lines - what has changed?0
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I think disc fronts aren't permitted under UCI regulations except for specific track TT use. But, typical of the UCI, the regulations are ambiguous in the English version linked from the UCI homepage.
Paul0 -
I think disc fronts aren't permitted under UCI regulations except for specific track TT use. But, typical of the UCI, the regulations are ambiguous in the English version linked from the UCI homepage.
Paul
I don't think they are banned (but not 100% sure on this). I can possibly recall someone using one recently in a short Prologue somewhere. Which is just about the only time you'd still want to use one.
** Can't find any record of someone using a front disc recently. However, AFAIK, they are NOT banned for road events. Just impractical.0 -
My memory of team time trials from the days of big mig and banesto, of museuuw /gb-mg etc are of metronomic cadence and dead straight unwavering lines - what has changed?
Terrain? Very lumpy stage yesterday, my memory of TTTs are they were held on dead flat stages.Warning No formatter is installed for the format0
