Wheel Covers?
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UFTriGator posted 1 year ago.
It will be almost as aero, but one benefit of discs that people tend to forget is the power transfer qualities. Every time you push a pedal stroke, the spokes on you rear wheel (especially drive side where the torque is being applied) flex a little. This is why the most common place to break a spoke is on the drive-side rear wheel. Since discs are reinforced from all directions (no spokes), they will flex less, putting more power toward forward motion. So if you're going to put a cover on a wheel, the wheel will be faster if you put it on a stiffer wheel like a crit wheel or sprinter's wheel. I don't know much about the Fulcrum 7, but I hope this helps.
Another thing to consider when deciding whether or not to use a disc is the weight disadvantage vs. the aero advantage. A disc will actually be slower than a normal wheel until you get to the speed where the aero advantage and weight penalty balance out. This will vary depending on wind conditions and such, but is generally at about 25 mph, meaning your computer average should be about 23 or so to get a benefit from the wheel.
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-Matt
Not fast enough.
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Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.
Ehhh... not all discs are created equal. There are plenty of stories out there of Renn and other brand discs flexing. But yes, put the cover on a crappy wheel and you get a crappy disc.
As far as aerodynamics, yes a wheel cover is JUST as fast as any disc out there. The most aero disc isnt but maybe 5% faster than the least aero disc.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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kylie posted 1 year ago.
If you have other questions on it, you should call Wheelbuilder. Great and helpful!
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mdd posted 1 year ago.
A disc cover is a nice starting option and certainly very affordable. However, if you find yourself getting more serious with the sport (or just willing to spend more money on it) then upgrading to a true disc is the best option for many reasons already covered by UFtrigator and others.
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Homebrewermike posted 1 year ago.
Triguy98;65621 wrote:
Ehhh... not all discs are created equal. There are plenty of stories out there of Renn and other brand discs flexing. But yes, put the cover on a crappy wheel and you get a crappy disc.As far as aerodynamics, yes a wheel cover is JUST as fast as any disc out there. The most aero disc isnt but maybe 5% faster than the least aero disc.
I'm also theorizing that a wheel cover may be even better than a disc on a hilly course. All the aero without the weight. A cover on a lightweight stiff wheel may even have advantages over a disc. Your thoughts?
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UFTriGator posted 1 year ago.
Wheel covers are pretty heavy.
A good lightweight wheel that doesn't cost $5k per set is about 800g.
CH aero cover is about 540g....total 1340g.
Most good discs are about 1000g.
______________________________________________
-Matt
Not fast enough.
If i were to get a wheel cover, does it matter what kind of rim i put it on? I have a Fulcrum Racing 7 wheelset. These are basically training wheels. If i put the cover on the rear, would it be just as "Aero" as having a "Race Day" high end dollar wheel? Ty you for your time.