Money burning a hole in my pocket...
2320
Member
2373 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
Hmmm. just my 2 cents...
If the course is flat and windless than the Disc may make a difference. If it's hilly and/or you get crosswinds, best not to go with a Disc. You don't see to many Disc's in Hawaii due to the winds. So, the HED 3's may be enough for you.
I've also read somewhere that to really take advantage of the disc/aero wheelsets you need to be averaging mid 20's mph. Even then over an Olympic course you're looking at saving maybe 2 minutes. So, if those 2 minutes are crucial then throw down the cash.
On the other hand, all new gear and gadgets are cool and can have a psychological effect in how you race. I know I feel more like Lance with shaved legs and in the aerobars, which makes me pump harder :)
Ok folks here's the deal...
One of my riding buddies called, and he has a shop in his area going out of business.
They have a brand new set of 2004 HED 3 (Clincher) Alloy wheels that they will let go for around $900. They also have a 2004 HED Standard Disc (Clincher) for around $450.
Avoiding the Clincher/Tubular argument, I can pick up a set of HED 3's and a HED Disc for $1400 or so. My figuring is, there are a couple of Duo's I ride where it's fairly flat and calm, and the Disc may really help out for those races.
Is there that big of a difference between the HED 3 and the Disc on the rear? I've done some looking on the Web, and it doesn't seem to be much of a difference, say .3 pounds of drag per wheel difference. At 6'4", and 200 lbs, every little bit helps.
So the real question is: Is it worth it to spend the extra cash for the Disc??? Well besides the coolness factor of being able to pull out the big weaponry at a race? ;)
Darrell "Legs 'n Lungs" Lenkner
in West Chester, Oh.
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