So I'm getting pumped for the start of the collegiate road season this weekend in Ohio state, and since this is my first season racing, I got a couple questions about wheels and tires.
Now a mechanic/ex cat 3 racer I really respect, gave me some very opinionated advice concerning wheels. He said that there are really very few benefits to low spoke count wheelsets, and I should stick to no lower than a 32 spoke. He also really pushed me to get quality racing tires in the 700x25c variety, instead of 23's. I'm on the heavier side at 180, but I got 8% body fat, so the most I'd drop is 5 lbs to race at 175 for the season.
So I guess I was wondering if low spoke count/bladed spokes makes a big difference for heavy sprinters? Also, how 'bout those tires? I mean, all I ever see the protour guys riding are 23's... does it really make a big difference?
Now a mechanic/ex cat 3 racer I really respect, gave me some very opinionated advice concerning wheels. He said that there are really very few benefits to low spoke count wheelsets, and I should stick to no lower than a 32 spoke. He also really pushed me to get quality racing tires in the 700x25c variety, instead of 23's. I'm on the heavier side at 180, but I got 8% body fat, so the most I'd drop is 5 lbs to race at 175 for the season.
So I guess I was wondering if low spoke count/bladed spokes makes a big difference for heavy sprinters? Also, how 'bout those tires? I mean, all I ever see the protour guys riding are 23's... does it really make a big difference?