Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Which Wheelset to use?

Started by tribri · · Last activity · 5 posts · 933 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
10 May 2007
Last activity
11 May 2007
Original author
tribri
Posts
5
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Public discussion
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Topics
Rim depth and aeroWheel weight vs aero

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  1. Original post
    tribri
    Archived post
    #1

    I am doing the Iron Horse Ride late May in Durango, Co. There is a lot of climbing on this ride. Starting at ~6500ft, climbing to ~9000 ft first 25miles, then 2 passes 10,500 and 10,990 in the next 15 or so miles with finishing at 9300ft @mile 50. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic does have a profile to view online.

    My question is I have the option of 2 different wheelsets to use on this ride.

    Wheelset-1 Mavic GP4 Tubular wheels, 32 straight gauge spokes, Campy chorus rear/record front hubs. Tufo S33 special tires.

    Wheelset-2 Campagnolo Vento G3, Aero rims, etc. Current tires Continental Attack/Force set.

    The Mavic's are lighter, but less friendly in the wind, the Vento's are more Aero but not nearly as light.

    I don't have any issues with the tubulars v clinchers - in fact I have had extremely good luck with the Tufo Tires, so it comes down to light v Aero.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks,

    Brian

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  2. cyberjoe
    Archived post
    #2

    If I wer you I'll go for Mavic there are cool wheel set

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  3. TrekDedicated
    Archived post
    #3

    Since it is predominately climbing, you need to go with the lighter wheel. Weight is a big factor in rolling resistance when climbing. Since you won't be going 20mph+, aero wheels won't help as much...

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  4. strummer_fan
    Archived post
    #4
    TrekDedicated said:

    Since it is predominately climbing, you need to go with the lighter wheel. Weight is a big factor in rolling resistance when climbing. Since you won't be going 20mph+, aero wheels won't help as much...

    I have two similar wheelsets as the origina poster and have had an observation that seems to go against the known data about lightweight climbing wheels, etc.

    I have a set of traditional 32-Spoke Mavic Open Pro Rims laced to Campagnolo Record Hubs. They are considerably lighter than my Campagnolo Vento wheelset which sports a Mid-Profile Aero rim, and a low-spoke count.

    On the same bike, w/ the same tires, over the same terrain, the Ventos are just faster. I can't explain it, but whether I'm climbing (both on short, steep climbs and on long, gradual ascents) or riding into a severe headwind on the flats, I just make better time on the Ventos. The only place where the Open Pros seem to do better is in smoothing out rough road. They are less stiff and transmit less road shock.

    Your mileage may vary.

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  5. tribri
    Archived post
    #5
    strummer_fan said:

    I have two similar wheelsets as the origina poster and have had an observation that seems to go against the known data about lightweight climbing wheels, etc.

    I have a set of traditional 32-Spoke Mavic Open Pro Rims laced to Campagnolo Record Hubs. They are considerably lighter than my Campagnolo Vento wheelset which sports a Mid-Profile Aero rim, and a low-spoke count.

    On the same bike, w/ the same tires, over the same terrain, the Ventos are just faster. I can't explain it, but whether I'm climbing (both on short, steep climbs and on long, gradual ascents) or riding into a severe headwind on the flats, I just make better time on the Ventos. The only place where the Open Pros seem to do better is in smoothing out rough road. They are less stiff and transmit less road shock.

    Your mileage may vary.

    Such was my observation also. I don't have the same tires but each wheel has good quality tires, it just seems that the Vento Wheels 'roll faster' once up to speed. The Mavic/Campy wheels seem to 'roll up' faster and ride wonderfully.

    Hence my confusion. I'm going up to our cabin in the area over the weekend, I think that I'll use one set on Saturday's ride, the other on Sunday's and compare (as best as I can) the differences.

    I'll let everyone know what I decide.

    Brian

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