Road bike with aero wheels vs aero bike with normal wheels
cookeeemonster
Posts: 1,991
How long is a length of a peice of string question here guys but...
Which would you choose?
Normal race bike with deep rims or aero bike with normal rims? Can't afford all aero.
No I'm not a racer and don't need this... Just would like a fast bike...well as fast as this engine can push it (be nice, I know how these threads can go!
)
Any thoughts?
Which would you choose?
Normal race bike with deep rims or aero bike with normal rims? Can't afford all aero.
No I'm not a racer and don't need this... Just would like a fast bike...well as fast as this engine can push it (be nice, I know how these threads can go!
)Any thoughts?
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Comments
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I'd have thought the wheels will make more difference in terms of speed, and to my eyes aero frames look a bit out of proportion with box rims, so given the 2 choices you offer I'd go with the wheels.0
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Personally I wouldn't get hung up on either - if you can find a decent frameset that fits you well; you like the look of; and rides well without weighing too much I'd not be too concerned about the aero qualities esp given how un-aerodynamic my riding position is! Deep rims would be even further down my wish list - some can be a nightmare in crosswinds and they generally look like you have to be going flat out all the time! I prefer the idea of an alloy rimmed lightweight set of wheels (I used to wish for carbon rims until I got them!).
Out of curiosity, which frames are you considering?
Peter0 -
Aero bikes are fast - in a straight line on the flat. Stick them on a hill next to something not so aero but a lot lighter by comparison they are not so fast. If you ride in an area that is completely flat with no real hills then fine but if not I would look at something that a bit more of an all rounder.
I would always go for the best frame you can afford and if it means it comes with lesser wheels then you can always upgrade later. Even then, I wouldn't worry about spending a fortune on wheels. After around the 500 mark wheels can get much more expensive for only marginal gains as the prices go up.0 -
Cheers for the replies all, I'll make my decision after a test ride (I know they have limitations) but I thought I'd gauge the response here first. Supersix vs venge basically...with the supersix being a fair bit cheaper (both heavily discounted)0
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If you can get into the same position on both bikes, I'd have thought the wheels (well, front wheel) would make more of a difference than the frame.
That's normally the order of priority with TT equipment anyway, as long as the frame can get you into the aero position which is where most aero savings come from, rather than wheels, helmet etc.
But to be fair, with the reviews of the modern 'aero' frames they seem to be good enough for any occasion now, with the old problems of stiffness, weight and compliance having mostly been designed out now. I doubt the aero frames make any difference in real world riding conditions (i.e. anything other than TTs) but if you think it looks cool and would encourage you to ride it more, then go for it.
You can always go for wheels later.0 -
Try riding aero wheels in a cross wind, not nice. Just get decent wheels for your bike, ie. decent hubs, rims etc. UGO,s the man to speak to.
mmmh, no, read here
http://whosatthewheel.com/
As for frames... not sure about frame being some kind of long term investment these days
left the forum March 20230 -
Really nicely built and set up for you normal frame with aero wheels for me - lighter, just as fast, nicer looking (imho)Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
I think aero wheels would make the bigger difference, followed by aero bars and then frame but I've not seen any data to back that up. Ignore comments on cross winds on aero wheels, maybe 3 years ago but the latest wider rim shapes are very stable; certainly up to 50-55 deep. Equally it used to be the case that pure aero frames were heavy and uncomfortable, that's also rapidly becoming not the case.
Something like the r3/r5 is a good example of a 'climbers' frame that has been designed to be pretty aero as well. The canyon aero bike also looks fairly gorgeous.0 -
That picture is factory rejects not discarded frames. I've seen it before.
For the price you're looking (at a wild guess) have you seen the hi mod sale at Pauls?0 -
That picture is factory rejects not discarded frames. I've seen it before.
For the price you're looking (at a wild guess) have you seen the hi mod sale at Pauls?
Yup but my cycle to work voucher restricts me to a single retailer
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That picture is factory rejects not discarded frames. I've seen it before.
A very wasteful process, almost criminal in this day and age... pretty sure with welded metal tubes these is a lot less waste and it can be recycledleft the forum March 20230 -
Well think of the money to be earned in uncuring epoxy. Bikes boats surfboards.0
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Neither, just make sure it's a great bike that you love to ride.0
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No I'm not a racer and don't need this... Just would like a fast bike...well as fast as this engine can push it (be nice, I know how these threads can go! )
Any thoughts?
If you're not an elite racer (maybe even if you are?) the faster bike is going to be the one you're more comfortable on. Ignore the spec sheets and technobabble in the catalogues - test ride your options and the answer will probably become pretty obvious I reckon!0 -
Thanks again everyone!0
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I suspect what would be very telling for you would be to try out a back to back test ride of the Venge against a Tarmac. Same manufacturer, different geometry. My suspicion is that you would find the Tarmac a more comfortable ride where you could cover more distance with less discomfort and more enjoyment. The Venge looks great, but may be just that bit too aggressive for non race activities.
Peter0 -
I suspect what would be very telling for you would be to try out a back to back test ride of the Venge against a Tarmac. Same manufacturer, different geometry. My suspicion is that you would find the Tarmac a more comfortable ride where you could cover more distance with less discomfort and more enjoyment. The Venge looks great, but may be just that bit too aggressive for non race activities.
Peter
And worth noting that despite the geometry sheets not really showing it, the Supersix Evo is noticeably longer than the Tarmac. Tried both in a 54 and the SSE was uncomfortably stretched out compared to the Tarmac. And I know someone who test ride a Tarmac next to a friend on a Venge. Despite considering himself an inferior rider he left his mate on the Venge behind...0 -
I suspect what would be very telling for you would be to try out a back to back test ride of the Venge against a Tarmac. Same manufacturer, different geometry. My suspicion is that you would find the Tarmac a more comfortable ride where you could cover more distance with less discomfort and more enjoyment. The Venge looks great, but may be just that bit too aggressive for non race activities.
Peter
The geometry for the Venge and the Tarmac are almost exactly the same. The only thing that really changes is the tube shape.
So you have to ask; given that the Tarmac is designed to be light, responsive, comfortable and good handling, what does the Venge give up to achieve it's (slim) aero credentials?0 -
Try riding aero wheels in a cross wind, not nice. Just get decent wheels for your bike, ie. decent hubs, rims etc. UGO,s the man to speak to.
+1
Take heed I brought some deep section wheels - mainly for the bling effect, I wasn't riding much at the time due to injury, but descending even in a moderate wind wasn't fun.0 -
Wide u shaped aero wheels don't have problems with side winds. It is the narrow V shaped rimmed wheels that do.
Aero kit like this makes a difference but in a group ride you won't be going any faster and it won't be any easier either. In a TT or breakway in a road race then the difference will be real and might make a difference to your placing. Otherwise you are getting the kit for looks and then it makes little difference what you choose so long as you are happy with it.http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.0 -
Wide u shaped aero wheels don't have problems with side winds. It is the narrow V shaped rimmed wheels that do.
Aero kit like this makes a difference but in a group ride you won't be going any faster and it won't be any easier either. In a TT or breakway in a road race then the difference will be real and might make a difference to your placing. Otherwise you are getting the kit for looks and then it makes little difference what you choose so long as you are happy with it.
This. If you're not a tester or a strong break-away specialist/sprinter there are only two reasons to in establishing in aero kit. 1) you think it looks cool or 2) you take Strava leaderboard serioualy. Only one of these reasons is actually acceptable.English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg0 -
Given that every bloody weekend seems to be gale force winds now - I've gone for standard wheels to replace my broken aeros. Yes the aeros seemed to spin faster but they were slightly trickier in the wind.0
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Wide u shaped aero wheels don't have problems with side winds. It is the narrow V shaped rimmed wheels that do.
Aero kit like this makes a difference but in a group ride you won't be going any faster and it won't be any easier either. In a TT or breakway in a road race then the difference will be real and might make a difference to your placing. Otherwise you are getting the kit for looks and then it makes little difference what you choose so long as you are happy with it.
This. If you're not a tester or a strong break-away specialist/sprinter there are only two reasons to in establishing in aero kit. 1) you think it looks cool or 2) you take Strava leaderboard serioualy. Only one of these reasons is actually acceptable.
Really?!?
What about 3) you like going fast? You enjoy blasting along, beating personal bests (that could well be done through Strava) and generally giving the bike a good thrash. Seems perfectly acceptable to me...
If you're seriously condemning people for owning aero kit and not racing/TTing then I think you need to have good strong word with yourself.
As for riding aero wheels in a cross winds, I don't have the problems that people seem to mention. I have a set of 62mm Reynolds Strikes and Zipp 404/808s and I would be happy to ride them in anything up to about an 18mph wind. Yes, the bike gets pushed around a bit but it's still perfectly controllable and I don't feel in danger!
Then of course there's the argument that at lower speeds (i.e. just normal riding) you'll be exposed to higher yaw angles than while racing and you'll actually be able to make good use of deeper aero wheels so you have very good reason for owning deep section wheels and using them for any old ride.
To answer the original question I'd say non aero bike with aero wheels, and then at least you can swap the wheels over to have a 'normal' bike if necessary.0 -
No, all I'm saying is that buy kit because you want it, not because you want to impress your friends with BS marketing hype.
Anyway, PB chasing on Strava is stupid. All you have to do is ride the same segment again with a stronger tailwind or greater float and you've done it even though it took less effort and you haven't actually improved.English Cycles V3 | Cervelo P5 | Cervelo T4 | Trek Domane Koppenberg0 -
No, all I'm saying is that buy kit because you want it, not because you want to impress your friends with BS marketing hype.
Anyway, PB chasing on Strava is stupid. All you have to do is ride the same segment again with a stronger tailwind or greater float and you've done it even though it took less effort and you haven't actually improved.
Say what you like about segment chasing but if it encourages more riding and a feeling of accomplishment for the rider its only a good thing. Even if its for personal pb's it means you end up riding more. If you don't race its at least a goal to set yourself to keep motivated in the not so pleasant months0 -
As for riding aero wheels in a cross winds, I don't have the problems that people seem to mention. I have a set of 62mm Reynolds Strikes and Zipp 404/808s and I would be happy to ride them in anything up to about an 18mph wind. Yes, the bike gets pushed around a bit but it's still perfectly controllable and I don't feel in danger!
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I DREAM of 18mph winds.... lately its been more like double that....0 -
As for riding aero wheels in a cross winds, I don't have the problems that people seem to mention. I have a set of 62mm Reynolds Strikes and Zipp 404/808s and I would be happy to ride them in anything up to about an 18mph wind. Yes, the bike gets pushed around a bit but it's still perfectly controllable and I don't feel in danger!
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I DREAM of 18mph winds.... lately its been more like double that....
tbh the effects of these winds on ME is far more than on my wheels
when CW run a test on aero v non aero bike around Hern hill, they found a big difference but the non aero bike didnt have the deep section wheels, wish they d run the test again but with same wheels on both bikes but then that might upset the advertisers :shock:0 -
As for riding aero wheels in a cross winds, I don't have the problems that people seem to mention. I have a set of 62mm Reynolds Strikes and Zipp 404/808s and I would be happy to ride them in anything up to about an 18mph wind. Yes, the bike gets pushed around a bit but it's still perfectly controllable and I don't feel in danger!
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I DREAM of 18mph winds.... lately its been more like double that....
I've no qualms riding my 45/55mm deep wheels in high wind; at worse you get the occasional gentle tug, at best you get a chunky assist from the wheels 'sailing' at the right angle in strong winds.0 -
Had a moment of clarity the other day chasing a fast time along one of my favourite roads. Full aero, for a road bike that is, and the wind changed to side winds as I was halfway along the road and it sent my usually really stable front end into a high speed oscillating weave that had me a bit worried and moved me 5 feet across the road in about a second. Had to stop pedalling and grip the top tube to be able to see where I was going and wrest control of the bike back!!!
Bloody stupid.
Works out the winds on the day were up to 45 mph. nice push home though.0 -
No, all I'm saying is that buy kit because you want it, not because you want to impress your friends with BS marketing hype.
Anyway, PB chasing on Strava is stupid. All you have to do is ride the same segment again with a stronger tailwind or greater float and you've done it even though it took less effort and you haven't actually improved.
Say what you like about segment chasing but if it encourages more riding and a feeling of accomplishment for the rider its only a good thing. Even if its for personal pb's it means you end up riding more. If you don't race its at least a goal to set yourself to keep motivated in the not so pleasant months
None of that requires aero kit though, which is what I think Grill is getting at...0
