intercontel

Tech Talk by Mark Allen Wheel selection One product that can have a positive impact on your race is a new set of wheels. But the question always becomes which ones to choose. Do I get a light wheel with shallow rims or a disc that is heavier, or something between the two? If money is no object, then you can get several combinations to handle windy conditions, hilly courses and the flat time trial. But for most the answer is that it really depends on where you will be doing most of your racing. For just about every course, in the rear the choice is going to be either a disc or a wheel with a fairly deep rim. Keep in mind that even "hilly" courses, like Ironman France, have their share of flat areas. So the rear wheel will be best if it is extremely areo, which will more than make up for any extra weight over a shallow rim. The front wheel will be influenced by the course and conditions much more. For example, if you are doing IM Florida, the best front wheel will be a moderate to extremely deep rim. However, if it is going to be the big dance on the Big Island, the cross winds will blow you half way around the world with as very deep rim. There it is going to be best to have the front wheel have a modest to moderate dish to it. For an excellent course by course comparison of different wheel sets that will help you optimize your performance, click on the link below. It is a compilation of key Ironman races and varying conditions as they affect your optimal choice of wheels: Wheel Comparison Take the time to digest the info. It will give you a big advantage by not only having great race wheels, but also the right wheels for the right course.