Question of the Week. . .

What are your thoughts on choosing a set of race wheels?

Corima, HED, Mavic, Nimble, Rolf, Shimano, Spinergy . . . the list of manufacturers can go on and on. And each manufacturer offers severalparticular models to choose from. If you use a separate set of wheels for training and racing then definitely chime in here.If you train and race on the same set, add your opinions too. In deciding to go with race wheels what's important? Weight? Cost? Durability? Aerodynamics? Handling? Looks? Race-course characteristics? . . . curious minds want to know.

If you use a separate set of wheels for races, what brand and model do you use?
on the front:
on the rear:

In your case, what were the 2 or 3 most important factors in your decision?
Aerodynamics
Weight
Durability
Cost
Handling characteristics
Looks
Specific features of a race course
Reputation of manufacturer
How often I race
Other

If a manufacturer offers a wheel that can work with either clinchers or sew-ups what would you go with?
Clinchers
Sew-ups
If clinchers/sew-ups are different than your usual setup for training, why choose a different setup for the race wheels?

Any other thoughts, comments, or recommendations about wheels that should be considered?

Your Name or Email (always optional)

The answer . . .

Thanks to Don, Joe, Justin, James, and anonymous folks for their comments and thoughts on race wheels. Aerodynamics and weight were the most important considerations. There weregood arguments for the use of clinchers as well as for using sew-ups on racewheels, and you should read these in the comments section below to help youdecide.

In terms of my own research, I've yet to hear anything thatwould strongly sway one from HED wheels, especially if cost considerations comeinto play, and am curious to see the reviews on their new Alps model.

Athlete Race Wheels (on front, on rear) Important Considerations Tire Mount

Joe Hed Jet2000, HED Tri-Spoke aero, weight, reputation clinchers

James Mavic Heliums, HED Jet2000, HED Tri-Spoke (were Joe's 700c wheels) aero, weight, durability, cost clinchers

Justin Rolf Vector Pros aero, weight, cost sew-ups

Don Mavic Cosmics aero, cost, handling sew-ups

anonymous aero, weight, durability, cost clinchers

Other race wheels used by club folks: Nimbles, Spinergy, Shimano,

Miscellaneous comments:

"Here’smy bottom line on clinchers & sew-ups. Sew-ups although lighter and can be filled to higher PSI, are morepractical for road racing because if you get a flat your team car/motorcycle isright there with a spare wheel/tire. But in triathlons there is no team car/motorcycle and because when youdo get a flat on a sew-up during a ride, you’re just suppose to put a spare onto get you to where you are going. Notto actually race on it. If the gluedoesn’t dry properly and you happen to go around a sharp turn and the tirecomes off the wheel, you my man are in dip s__t!!! Remember riding the brake heats up wheel and doesn’t allow glueto dry and on some hot days (Hawaii :-) the glue will even to to melt with theheat from the hot road surface. That’s my two cents on clinchers/sew-ups andwhen you think about it, it makes sense....."
- Joe
"I lean torwards HED because they are the inovators and noother company spends more time in wind tunnels testing their wheels then HED...."
- Joe
"Gettig my race wheels was simple. My Mavic Helium Wheels, most excellentfor hilly courses, were a christmas present. My HED wheels, have’nt tried themyet, were purchased because I got a good deal from Joe Reis. I guess I don’thave to worry about being called a Techno Weenie."
- James
"the rolf vector pros, in contrast to what saul says, are good all aroundwheels, they are stiffer than standard 3x wheels and feel a little faster, theyare not light enough to be pure race wheels in their clincher form, but are goodfor racing and if you want, at times very good for the occasional fast ride,they seem very strong also, i haven’t had to have them trued yet, even withthe amount of potholes that i have hit with them. the vector pros though are a little overpriced, for the 650 to 750 thatyou might pay for them, you should get pure race wheels, but if you can’tafford 2 sets of wheels these are good duel purpose wheels."
- Justin
"My Scotish heritage. Sew ups are more expensive but can be changed more quickly.I’m willing to spend to money for them to save time during a race. Fixing a flat during training just gives Justin time to catch the rest ofthe group, so I use clinchers [in training]."
- Don
"A full disk has limited use. Hills and wind can decrease its effectiveness. If you can afford numerous race wheels, then include a disc.If money is an issue, medium dish rims will give you aerodynamics withoutturning your bike into a sailboat on a windy race day. If you can find the right rims that also look great, then you’re reallyahead of the game."
- Don

Athlete	Race Wheels (on front, on rear)	Important Considerations	Tire Mount
Joe	Hed Jet2000, HED Tri-Spoke	aero, weight, reputation	clinchers
James	Mavic Heliums, HED Jet2000, HED Tri-Spoke (were Joe's 700c wheels)	aero, weight, durability, cost	clinchers
Justin	Rolf Vector Pros	aero, weight, cost	sew-ups
Don	Mavic Cosmics	aero, cost, handling	sew-ups
anonymous		aero, weight, durability, cost	clinchers
Other race wheels used by club folks:	Nimbles, Spinergy, Shimano,