Wheels
Perhaps the most important piece of gear you own after the frame, there are hundreds of possible wheelsets for a myriad of uses. TCR stock all the major wheel manufacturers products, and can advise of the best choices for your particular needs.
In general, the following advice applies to wheel selection:
- For cycle racing, you need a light, strong set of wheels.
- If you anticipate being out at the front of the pack a lot, you might consider more aero rims.
- Many high level cyclists choose tubular rims over clinchers because of the lighter weight and more comfortable ride, however tubulars generally have a higher rolling resistance than clinchers, and are trickier to mount and fix.
- For triathletes, on flat, shorter courses up to 40km, the absolute best aero choice is a rear full disc and deep rim or tri spoke front wheel.
- On longer courses, particularly if wind prone such as IM Hawaii, it can be better to swap the rear disc for a deep section aero rim.
- On hilly courses, it can be better to use a lighter rear wheel than a full disc, such as a deep section rim.
- On very hilly, or completely uphill courses where your speed is low, it is usually better to use a lighter, and not necessarily aero wheelset.
- Full discs are considerably more aero than deep section rims, however in cross winds, lighter and less skilled riders may be pushed around as a result of the sideways forces generated on the wheel.
Every wheel manufacturer will have you believe that their wheels are more aero than their competitors, but in essence it comes down to more personal preference and budget for most people. Unless you are searching for the last 0.1%, most modern wheelsets will give an outstanding performance compared to a box shaped non aero, 36 spoked wheel.
Purchasing an aero wheelset will give you an advantage, but other basic steps, such as looking at your body position on the bike (see our triathlete articles) should always be considered as part of the total aero package you are trying to put together.