William
08-05-2005, 07:51 AM
Gotta love this guy and I quote: "I've seen 200+ lb. riders pedal like a ballerina, and ballerinas pedal like 200 lb. riders [MRJ]."
Too Talls post in the "Wheelfine" thread got me to thinking. One thing I've often heard when talking with LBS folks about my wheel problems is a line that goes something like:
"Well if so & so (insert pro cyclist name) can ride them then they'll be fine for you".
First:
How do you know they are holding up well for so & so? Do you really know how often are they swapping out wheels?
Second:
Most pro cyclists have a very smooth pedal stroke (see TT's line above). I think wheels should be built for Joe Thrasher/John Q. Public who is generally heavier and rougher on equipment. And maybe they are, but it doesn't jibe with the "pro use" line.
Third:
I out weigh the average pro cyclist by 100-150 pounds. I can generate more raw power then the average pro. That doesn't mean I can coordinate it as well for longer periods or a faster pace then they can, but sheer power . Hey, strap two or three 50 pound plates on their back and see how well they do.
Fourth:
History with each wheel hasn't been all that great. Some lasting longer then others. So far the longest lasting wheel I've had built was a 36 Hole Campy Omega V's laced to DA hubs built by Dave's Wheel Designs. There still are a number of builders out there who I have yet to utilize so we'll see.
I may very well be talking out of my arse. It wouldn't be the first time. More or less just thinking out loud.
William
Too Talls post in the "Wheelfine" thread got me to thinking. One thing I've often heard when talking with LBS folks about my wheel problems is a line that goes something like:
"Well if so & so (insert pro cyclist name) can ride them then they'll be fine for you".
First:
How do you know they are holding up well for so & so? Do you really know how often are they swapping out wheels?
Second:
Most pro cyclists have a very smooth pedal stroke (see TT's line above). I think wheels should be built for Joe Thrasher/John Q. Public who is generally heavier and rougher on equipment. And maybe they are, but it doesn't jibe with the "pro use" line.
Third:
I out weigh the average pro cyclist by 100-150 pounds. I can generate more raw power then the average pro. That doesn't mean I can coordinate it as well for longer periods or a faster pace then they can, but sheer power . Hey, strap two or three 50 pound plates on their back and see how well they do.
Fourth:
History with each wheel hasn't been all that great. Some lasting longer then others. So far the longest lasting wheel I've had built was a 36 Hole Campy Omega V's laced to DA hubs built by Dave's Wheel Designs. There still are a number of builders out there who I have yet to utilize so we'll see.
I may very well be talking out of my arse. It wouldn't be the first time. More or less just thinking out loud.
William