#1
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the pro peloton - wheels
one thing that always surprises me when watching pro races - the variance in wheels used. depths range from what appears to be >50mm to what appear to be almost box section wheels. one would think that with the experience in racing, everyone would essentially be riding the same wheels, which would be "optimum" for the particular race and conditions - but this isnt the case, lots of different wheel sections being used.
thoughts? |
#2
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Most likely for the same reason we probably ride different wheels- we're different people with different tastes and preferences.
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#3
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Maybe wheel choice doesn't make as much difference in performance as many think. After all....a Pro wouldn't purposely ride slow equipment. Would he?
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#4
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#5
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interesting |
#6
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Keep in mind . . .
. . . that these guys are paid to ride certain equipment. A sponsor's real priority may be to get visibility for a certain product or model more than to get the race win. I know that sounds crazy, but that's marketing . . .
BBD
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--- __0 __0 __0 ----_-\<,_ -\<, _(_)(_)/_(_)/ (_) A thing of beauty is a joy forever--Keats |
#7
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I read on another forum, if you take Zipps data for their wheels(which they publish at 30mph) and go backward on the math down to 20mph. The difference between an 808 and a standard rim is only one quarter of a mile per hour. If this is true...shhhesh.... thats nothing. I always thought my deep wheels were faster. hmm
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#8
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MSR today wasalmost 7 hours.
At .25 mph for that time you'd end up almost two miles ahead of the guy with the "normal" rims. For you and me the difference is academic--we'll never be riding MSR. But for a pro who really wants to win that's a lot.
After reading this thread when I watch the pro races and some guy on normal box rims wins, then I'll just know he would have won by much more if he had the aero stuff. BBD
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--- __0 __0 __0 ----_-\<,_ -\<, _(_)(_)/_(_)/ (_) A thing of beauty is a joy forever--Keats |
#9
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In a time trial that may be true, but sitting in a pack of 150 riders, accelerating, slowing, climbing, etc....lots of factors come into play. Light might be more important than aero.
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#10
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Look at the guys that are in it to win and the differences aren't a big. Stage profile matters, but even then the favorites usually ride similar profiles. Lot's of aero wheels at MSR. Sprinters like Cav ride aero wheels because at 40mph it really matters. You even see more and more aero wheels showing up at the cobbled classics. The cynic will add that aero wheels make for bigger decals as well;-)
There is less rebranding these days. Sponsors want their gear to be used in front of the cameras. |
#11
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It's just when I go a Sunday AM ride, and see an ordinary rider, big as a barn door, in upright riding position, at 20-22 MPH, claiming benefits of aero wheels, I get a little cycnical. But am sure, as you say, Pro's who can win, ride what it takes to win. |
#12
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Like a team mate of Eddy once said, "Eddy can win on my bike, I can't win on his." |
#13
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Carnot,Citric Acid, Bi...... |
#14
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If you watch any serious track racing (Universal has been showing the 2010 track worlds lately) they're all on the same wheels for the most part; some combination of Mavic I/O and disc or 2 discs.
Though I bet Hoy could still blow up the field on a set of these... |
#15
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chasing waddy |
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