fastest wheels

[isdsms]

I'm thinking of buying a new kestrel talon for both road and TT use. It comes with spinergy Xaero Lites, but I was thinking of trading them in for either Hed H3s or any other deep section wheel at $1000 or below. The only problem with the H3s are the weight. Are there any other wheels you would suggest?

Also looking for an opinion in this subject: Which wheel is more aero?

Rolf Prima Vigor- 34mm depth w/ 14 front spokes and 16 back
Or
Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL- 15mm depth w/ 14 front and 24 back bladed spokes

Thanks in advance,
isdsms

[JohnO]

By the specs alone, the Rolfs should have a slight edge. Realistically - I've ridden both Rolf and older Kysriums - own a set of Vector Pro's (pretty much the Vigor with a Hugi hub). Can't say that there was that much difference. Ksyrium might have rode a bit smoother, Rolf may have been a bit quicker on a downhill.

I've had the Rolfs for almost two years. Bought them used, put at least 2k miles on them, still haven't had them trued. Very robust.

[lokstah]

I don't think there's much debate over the aero subject -- Ksyriums are light(ish) and stiff, but they're more of a large box-section than a deep-dish rim. The machined scoops out of the Ksyrium's dish-edge likely don' help too much either. The Vigors are not only considerably more aero, but they're lighter as well, which makes them pretty cool for the price. They're a bit new, so durability might be suspect, but everyone using them seems to be pleased so far.

I think a time trialist looking for an all-purpose wheel would be better off with the Rolfs.

[isdsms]

Originally posted by lokstah
I don't think there's much debate over the aero subject -- Ksyriums are light(ish) and stiff, but they're more of a large box-section than a deep-dish rim. The machined scoops out of the Ksyrium's dish-edge likely don' help too much either. The Vigors are not only considerably more aero, but they're lighter as well, which makes them pretty cool for the price. They're a bit new, so durability might be suspect, but everyone using them seems to be pleased so far.

I think a time trialist looking for an all-purpose wheel would be better off with the Rolfs.

Thanks for your responses:

I currently use the new Ksyriums SLs for everyday riding and hilly courses, and a friend of mine wondered if the bladed spokes made a difference in aerodynamics, compared to his Rolf Vigors. This is why I asked that question. The Vigors are 105 grams lighter and carry a 9 mm advantage in depth, so I would think they would be a faster wheel altogether.

However I'm mainly looking for a deep dish TT wheel, such as the Mavic Cosmic Carbones or the Heds. Does anyone have experience with this wheels, and are there any other wheels other than Zipps (a little too expensive) that would be a good choice?

Thanks in advance
isdsms

[lokstah]

Sheesh, that's a tough request -- TT wheels in the sub-$1000 range that aren't heavy? You have to spend a heck of a lot to get lightweight, true-TT wheels.

How about the X-Lab Aero? The clinchers weigh 1475g, the tubulars 1324; they've got a 50mm carbon rim and cost about $1200 for a set.

The Spinergy Tilliums might be worth a look too. 45mm carbon rim, 1550g/set, $950 for the pair.

There's always Ebay, too.

[rv]

I have and rode the hed alps with what some would consider a degree of success this season just ending. rode them in both tt and rr. love them. but they are strictly race day wheels. mine are clinchers to keep everything across my wheel stable the same as far as tire, tubes, etc.

[miamijim]

It breaks down like this:

Bladed spokes are more aero than round spokes. Deep dish aero rims are more aero than non-deep dish rims.

3 or 4 spoke aero wheels are equal is aerodynamics with disk wheels.

The ideal TT combination would be a 3 or 4 spoke aero front wheel with a disk rear wheel. Tire size is important as well. Your tire should be the same width as your rims, no more, no less.

As far as the wheels listed in the above posts, less is more. Less weight, less spokes.....bladed, aero rim.

[patch70]

Both the Mavic Cosmic Carbones & the Hed 3's are great wheels! I would lean towards the Mavics being a little sturdier for everyday riding but if you are going to train on your Ksyriums, that doesn't really matter. The H3's are the more aero of the two.

Regarding the weight difference between the Ksyrium SLs & the Rolf Prima Vigors, I don't know specifics for which has heavier hubs versus rims. It is possible that the Ksyriums may have more hub weight and the Rolfs may have more rim weight so that even though the Ksyriums are ~100g heavier, the difference may not be noticeable when riding.

[yesroh]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by isdsms
I'm thinking of buying a new kestrel talon for both road and TT use. It comes with spinergy Xaero Lites, but I was thinking of trading them in for either Hed H3s or any other deep section wheel at $1000 or below. The only problem with the H3s are the weight. Are there any other wheels you would suggest?

Also looking for an opinion in this subject: Which wheel is more aero?

Rolf Prima Vigor- 34mm depth w/ 14 front spokes and 16 back
Or
Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL- 15mm depth w/ 14 front and 24 back bladed spokes

Thanks in advance,
isdsms [/QUOTE

I bought Rolf Vector Pros five years ago. They're about 1700 grams a pair but with time trials mostly being flat, I'd suggest to try and find a closeout on the old Vector Pros or find some really good used ones. They have 14 bladed spokes in front, 16 in back...super fast. Probably the fastest spoked wheels you can buy. I've been riding mine off an on for five years and the only maintenance I've had to do is overhaul a hub. I prefer slightly heavier wheels when I'm sitting in my aero bars with my elbows 5 inches apart. Don't sweat the weight. Avoid the carbon wheels...you'll pay a huge amount of money to get light wheels you don't need. ]