PowerTap SL "Psuedo" Disk Question

I have an opportunity to pick up a PowerTap SL laced to a Reynolds Alta Rim, 2x, Sapim spokes, CH Aero Cover fitted by Wheelbuilder, and a Reynolds Alta front wheel, all virtually new, for $ 1300.

I would be curious as to the experience of others with the CH Aero "Disc" compared to an HED or Zipp true disc. If the CH aero cover provides 50-80% advantage of a true disc that seems a nice all around way to go. I only do 3-5 TTs a year as part of stage races in Masters D but would love to get another few seconds advantage.

Any comments on the Reynolds Alta rims/wheels? They would be primarily for training with some racing thrown in.

Thanks!!

I didn't buy the report, but biketechreview.com ran a CH aero cover in a wind tunnel and compared it to "real" discs. People who've bought the report allude that in the tunnel, the CH aero performed just as good as a disc.

I have a teammate who in a 6 TT series ran a PT with CH Aero cover the first half of the series and a Renn the second half. Times were 15+ seconds faster with the Renn over 7.5 miles. Not scientific but he felt faster as was faster on the Renn.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that he would get more fit as the season progressed?

I'm not saying that the renn wasn't faster than the CH, just that I know that my monthly tt times get faster as the season progresses without any equipment changes.

times were steady with each and the jump was made with the disc

he isn't a big engine dude being only 63kg with his 16 minute TT power hovering around 260-265 while in shape.

in his mind the aero cover was slower and he was immediately faster with the renn but YMMV

Alta's are great for training and racing - best all round wheel I have used.

Interesting. What kind of tires (tyres Ric) was he using on each setup? Did he pace by power when using the PT (wondering if it was a mental thing or not)?

both wheels were clinchers and Conti is a sponsor so I'd assume he used GP3000s

no idea on his pacing stratgey... didn't ask

15s over such a short distance due to a change from a wheel cover to a disc is just so hard to believe especially when others who've used both a disc and wheel covers haven't reported such a difference. We're talking over a minute in 40k.

GP3000s are known to be really lousy in rolling resistance. I'm wondering if perhaps he used a better tire on his disc and you just don't know about it. Would be interesting to find out.