Calendar
Retailers
Stack & Reach
Custom Geometry Calculator
Online Training Log
MAIN
INDEX
RULES &
LEGEND
LOG
IN
Search
this forum
this category
all forums
for
All words
Any words
Whole Phrase
(
options
)
Newsletter Signup
Slowtwitch Forums
:
The Womens
:
OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have?
1
2
View All
Tri Forum
Classifieds
Lavender Room
Jobs
The Womens
Print Thread
AndyPants
Aug 19, 08 16:26
Post #1 of 30 (725 views)
OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have?
Can't Post
I am close to dropping some $ on race wheels, mostly for next year's season, but am completely clueless about such things. I can ask in the main forum, but then we're talking about 6' or taller guys, most who weigh a lot more than me & my bike, most who will just default and say "get Zipp 808s dude..."... so I want to hear from the Womens, what wheels have you tried, liked, hated?
Thx,
AP
------------------------
AndyPantsRacing
------------------------
Co-founder of
FoodSluts (TM)
- where training is a warm-up to eating.
jenhs
Aug 19, 08 16:35
Post #2 of 30 (719 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I didn't buy them but several coaches and bike dudes recommended Zipp 303s for me since they aren't as deep and I won't be vulnerable to cross winds. If I ever decide to spend the cash, that's what I'll get.
----------------
Ultraman Canada Relay 2009!
(I got suckered into the run leg)
Jenhs
PC
Aug 19, 08 16:41
Post #3 of 30 (713 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
HA HA I just ordered Zipp 808's.
AndyPants
Aug 19, 08 16:45
Post #4 of 30 (710 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [PC]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Ahh the irony of it all... I bet they are great. Just curious, what size rider are you (approx)? What helped you decide on those?
------------------------
AndyPantsRacing
------------------------
Co-founder of
FoodSluts (TM)
- where training is a warm-up to eating.
PC
Aug 19, 08 16:58
Post #5 of 30 (705 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I don't even have them yet. I just ordered them. I'm 5'6 and weigh 113-116. I decided on them b/c I thought they would look cool with my bike. JK...My bike shop guru helped me choose the Zipp 808's b/c I wanted a powertap and fast wheels.
TriToy
Aug 19, 08 16:58
Post #6 of 30 (705 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I am 5'5 and I have zipp 404s with Powertap. They are awesome ;)
---
cat formerly CatIsTriing
Sponsored by Suntheanine, Lycored and Celadrin
really I am sponsored - not a joke!
Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
--Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
(This post was
edited
by CatIsTriing on Aug 19, 08 16:59)
PirateGirl
Aug 19, 08 17:01
Post #7 of 30 (699 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I'm 5'10" and weigh anywhere between 130-155 and have zipp 404s (2006, dimpled) tubulars.
I'll be looking to sell those soon as I'm upgrading to zipps with a powertap.
What Am I Up To?
Wingnut
Aug 19, 08 17:07
Post #8 of 30 (695 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I have Flashpoint 60's. They are nice for racing and durable for training as well - so you don't have to worry about dropping big $$ and only using them 4-5x a year. I use them all season long and take them off for bad weather.
AndyPants
Aug 19, 08 17:10
Post #9 of 30 (694 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [PC]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I already have an Ergomo so not looking for a powermeter.... hmmm
------------------------
AndyPantsRacing
------------------------
Co-founder of
FoodSluts (TM)
- where training is a warm-up to eating.
instigator
Aug 19, 08 17:29
Post #10 of 30 (687 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
For my 700c bike I had Flashpoint 60s. I bought them for the same reasons as Wingnut above -- great price for a strong durable wheel. However, when I got my P2C it had 650c wheels so I picked up a pair of Zipp 404s with ceramic bearings from the Classifieds Forum. I did a bit of research before I bought them and learned I was limited in wheel selection with the 650 wheels. Plus they couldn't be beat for the price I paid. I have only used them in one race but they seem to be great wheels. I weigh around 120lb
Not to change the subject completely but how do you like your ergomo?
FeS
Aug 19, 08 17:44
Post #11 of 30 (682 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I have a set of Hed 3's that I love. I picked them up pretty cheap and they've proven to be pretty durable for everyday & racing. Only problem I have is that I want a powertap, but it sounds like you're set on power. I did get blown all over the place on a really windy day, but gusts were up to 50+ mph, so I think any wheels might have been susceptible to crosswinds. Other than that one ride, I seldom notice the wind. I come in at 5'6", 135-145#.
From the research that I've done on race wheels it seems like once your figure out your price range and whether or not we're willing to buy used, it all comes down to the little stuff - what your LBS carries/services, customer service, cost, riding conditions, tubular/clincher, etc. If you ride clinchers, its worth checking out how easy they are to inflate and change. I like that my H3's have a really large cutout for the stem and I can get away without a valve extender, makes changing a flat on the road much easier.
Everyone seems to have rave reviews for the big names. If I was buying another race wheel I would probably go with the 404's just for their versatility.
AndyPants
Aug 19, 08 18:13
Post #12 of 30 (675 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [instigator]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I like it a lot but I don't use it enough. Well, to be specific, because this year is all about getting back into shape and racing, I use it sparingly and not in sprint races. Because it is installed on my tri bike (Cervelo), and I log most of my non-race-season miles on my road bike (Olmo) I expect to use it more next year as I train for IMC and thus ride the tri bike more.
I could see how 404s for a 650 ride would be a good fit - there's usually good bargains to be had in 650 wheels.
------------------------
AndyPantsRacing
------------------------
Co-founder of
FoodSluts (TM)
- where training is a warm-up to eating.
AndyPants
Aug 19, 08 18:14
Post #13 of 30 (674 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [FeS]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Ok I love that - no valve extender. Didn't even think about that. Great point, thanks for your post.
Ap
------------------------
AndyPantsRacing
------------------------
Co-founder of
FoodSluts (TM)
- where training is a warm-up to eating.
jess!
Aug 19, 08 22:27
Post #14 of 30 (646 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I've been running a Renn 575 disc in the rear and a 404 in the front. I was running a HED3 in the front for a while but found that I got blown around a lot with that wheel since it basically acts like a propeller in the wind. A friend suggested that I try the 404 since I only weigh a little over 130 and I've really loved this setup.
__________________________________________________
my severely neglected blog
Alexia
Aug 19, 08 22:31
Post #15 of 30 (644 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I have 404's (in 650) ... love them & got them used off the ST classifieds ...
my support:
Nuun (www.nuun.com)
Pacific Multisport (www.pacificmultisport.ca)
mmrocker13
Aug 20, 08 6:22
Post #16 of 30 (626 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I started w/ Alps/H3 combo, then bought a set of 404s. Eventually, I sold the HEds. I wish now I would have kept them. I really loved those wheels. I think the 404s are probably the multipurpose race wheel, but I did like the versitility of having both.
Were I only going to have one, though...I'd say 404s. Light, stiff, responsive. The Heds were nice, but a bit heavier, and I was always faster on the 404s, except on the flattest of courses.
Look to ebay--you can get some good deals there, esp. if you are still riding 650s.
--------------------------------------------------------
<<<<Member, 2008 Team Aquaphor. Just say No to chafing.>>>>
http://www.teamaquaphoractive.com/page275.aspx
fitzie
Aug 20, 08 11:21
Post #17 of 30 (576 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [GhiaGirl]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
GhiaGirl: Do you only race with your 404s or train on them sometimes too?
"We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong."
Bono
determination
Aug 20, 08 12:45
Post #18 of 30 (564 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [mmrocker13]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I have zipp 303 rims with american classic hubs and DT Swiss spokes, titanium skewers.
My husband built them for me special.
We also have a Renn disc that I have only used a couple of times, I prefer the 303s. They are SUPER light.
I'm 5'5" and about 130.
byrd
Aug 20, 08 18:13
Post #19 of 30 (522 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I'm on Zipp 808's and love them. I can feel the wind some days but have never felt they were out of control for me. Peronally, I don't notice a difference in weight from my previous wheels which were the 404's.
Racing with the support of:
Ceepo USA
<>
Zipp
<>
Louis Garneau
2XU
<>
InsideRide
<>
Trigger Point
<>
Runner's High 'n Tri
renee
Aug 20, 08 18:14
Post #20 of 30 (522 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [determination]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Zipp 404s or should I say the Elite equivalent for my Elite. I rode for four years before buying race wheels. They do make a difference. I take them off to train.
gleveq
Aug 21, 08 7:44
Post #21 of 30 (489 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I hemmed and hawed for a couple of years(!) before buying my 1st set of race wheels. Based on my weight (114-118) and course selection (usually hilly) I started with old Velomax Ascents. They were not aero, but were the lightest clinchers made at the time and served me well on many a hilly, windy course. Next set was Reynolds Stratus ultra-lights and I was, again, very happy.........not super aero, but deep enough, and very light.
When I bought my new bike (Felt B2 Pro), it came with 606's and I was planning to use either them or the Reynolds depending on the course particulars. However, most-wonderful-sherpa-in-the-world surprised me with a Sub-9 disc for my 50th. (I know seems silly for an old lady to be riding a disc) Unfortunately, I have only raced it once (a 40K PR) before back surgery..............but one of my coaching partners is really enjoying it as he races his way to short course NATS. :-)
I think the bottom line is to figure out your budget, do some (but not too much) research, consider your personal style and needs, narrow the field, borrow some to try if you can, and then just make a decision, don't second guess yourself and enjoy the heck outta those wheels!
G
It's a little like wrestling a gorilla.........you don't stop when you're tired.........you stop when the gorilla is tired.
cerveloguy
Aug 21, 08 7:49
Post #22 of 30 (488 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [AndyPants]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
My wife is 5'4" and under 120 lbs. She has Zipp 404's. She uses them at almost every race unless it's really windy.
I'd also suggest picking up a custom cut disc cover from wheelbuilder.com for about $100. Then you can also have the option of a rear disc.
"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"
fitzie
Aug 21, 08 8:08
Post #23 of 30 (482 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [cerveloguy]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
The 404s seem to be popular with the womens. On what wheels does she train?
"We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong."
Bono
LovePugs
Aug 21, 08 8:42
Post #24 of 30 (475 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [fitzie]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
This is a great thread! Lots of good info.. I'm sure I'll refer back to it often!
Looks like Zipp 404s are tops...
cerveloguy
Aug 21, 08 8:58
Post #25 of 30 (469 views)
Re: OK, thinking about getting race wheels - what do you Womens have? [fitzie]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
She trains on Rolf Vectors. Both are 650c on her P2K.
"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"
1
2
View All
Print Thread
Off Season
What will you do in the off season?
Bike focus
MTB or 'cross
No training
Run focus
Swim focus
What offseason?
XC ski or snowshoe
MAIN
RULES &
LOG
