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When
buying a wheel - consider
Aerodynamics
vs. Weight
Since
advent of deep profile rims, the tradeoff between aerodynamics and weight has
been the key issue in wheel selection. As any racer knows, lighter wheels are
better for climbing and accelerating, and aero wheels roll faster on flat
terrain and descents.
While
there's no hard and fast rule
to choose one or the other, we find that aero usually trumps weight except on
courses with multiple steep climbs (>8% grade). On the other hand, your
size, riding style, and – of course – personal preference are important considerations.
That
said, all Zipp wheels are designed to optimize weight and aerodynamics for
their intended usage. Visit our SpeedShop
pages for expert help with wheel choice based on your
application or Tri event.
Tubulars
or Clinchers?
Tubular
tires are the traditional choice for racing because of their light
weight. Because there is no aluminum hoop around the wheel's perimeter, Zipp's full carbon tubular
rims offer improved climbing and acceleration over heavier clinchers. Also,
tubular tires typically provide a better feel for the road.
The
main drawback to tubulars is that the tires themselves are more expensive and
difficult to change relative to clinchers. But with a bit of practice, changing
a tubular will become a fairly easy task. Also, tubulars cannot be pushed hard
in a corner until they've been properly glued, which is important to remember in case you
have to replace a flat tire during a race.
Traditonally used
just for training, clincher rims and tires have come a long way in recent years
and now are on a par with the performance of high-end tubulars in terms of
rolling resistance and aerodynamics. Clinchers are more convenient
and less expensive than tubulars when it comes time to change a flat.
Zipp
clinchers utilize an aluminum hoop around the rim. This offers excellent
strength and braking performance, although it does add some weight. However,
that shouldn't make a significant difference except on extended climbs, steep
grades, and criteriums with lots of corners to accelerate around.
Rider
Size
Bikes
are not one-size-fits-all and neither are Zipp wheels. For bigger, more
powerful riders, we offer Clydesdale versions of our popular, versatile 404 and
808 wheelsets. In both cases, the Clydesdale option increases the front wheel
spoke count from 16 to 24 and the rear from 20 to 24. This adds less than 70g
to the wheel's weight and a negligible amount of drag while increasing
stiffness.
For
smaller riders, a bike with 650c wheels might provide more range of adjustment
to find the perfect fit. In those cases, Zipp 404 tubulars or clinchers in the
650c size are a perfect all-around aero choice.
Crosswind
Control
It's a common concern that
deep section rims and discs are difficult to control in crosswinds. But in our
experience, most riders can comfortably handle these wheels, especially after a
few rides. In fact, our deepest rim, the 1080, is no more affected by
crosswinds than a less aerodynamic tri-spoke.
That
said, smaller riders should consider shallower rim profiles like the 303 and
404 to find the most aerodynamic setup possible without compromising control.
But for most riders under most conditions, a 1080 front wheel with a rear disc
is entirely manageable. Remember in high wind conditions a rear disc or
extra deep section wheel acts as a counter steer, helping to maintain your bike
control.
Expanding
Your Arsenal
If
you already own Zipp wheels, think about how a new purchase could expand your
options. Own a set of 404s? A set of 303s could would give you more choices as
the terrain gets hillier, while 808s would help on faster courses.