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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Posts
Out of curiosity, which frames are you considering?
Peter
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.
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.
mmmh, no, read here
http://whosatthewheel.com/
As for frames... not sure about frame being some kind of long term investment these days
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honour
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.
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
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 recycled
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!
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...
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?
+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.
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.
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
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:
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.
Bloody stupid.
Works out the winds on the day were up to 45 mph. nice push home though.