aero wheels - HED, Zipp, Mavic, Enve, Mad Fiber, other?

jacksonpt

What would you go with and, more importantly, why?

Cost is a factor, but not the single most determining factor.
70.3 is my preferred distance.
I weight about 165lbs.

I'm probably looking at something like a 60mm front with an 80mm rear.


I've currently got Fulcrum Racing 5s (light and stiff) and HED Jet 5s (light, aero, but flexy). The Fulcrums are a solid training wheelset, but I'm disappointed with the HEDs as a race wheelset, so I'm looking to replace them.

Drudoo

Skip the wheels and get a Power Meter. Your improvements during training and exertion monirtoring during the race will be far more beneficail than race wheels. Also, you can get close to the same aero benefit with an aero helmet.

Then again, I'd recommend Flo Wheels. They are budget friendly and excellent in quality.

jacksonpt

My only concern with the FLOs is that I can't get them around here, so can't demo them first. After my experience with the HEDs, I'm very hesitant to buy without demoing first.

daj150

I don't know much about tri bikes and wheels (got my good 'ol road bike with basic everything), but I know some coworkers have ordered wheels to try from websites. You get 1 week to try the tires. If you don't like them, you have to call or email the site to let them know you are returning them. I think there is a small fee or you just have to pay S&H to you and back to them if you don't like the tires. I'll try and remember to ask next week for the sites.

clari_netter

I have Zipp 700c carbon fibre race wheels, they're amazing. I had generic Avanti (a NZ brand) wheels before and I can't believe the difference they made. Somehow they just make it easier to go up hills, freespin for ever on the downhills and make you magically faster... They cost as much as my bike but justifiable if you have a need for speed... I don't really know much about the other brands in comparison though as I'm not sure I can get them here. Only problem I find is they catch the wind a lot which makes it really difficult / dangerous biking in strong crosswinds.

scott091501

See I never had that issue with HEDs.

Zipps are tried and true. Pricey, but sturdy and have really good resale value. Mavics have a reputation of being heavy and behind the curve aero wise. Enve are great, but expensive. Mad Fiber wheels make me nervous with the carbon spokes. All things being equal I'd go with a set of 808s or a 404/808 set up if you're not comfortable with that deep a wheel up front.

Drudoo

I went cheap with mine and got the Taiwan special generic carbon clinchers supposedly from the Ritchey factory (40/60s). However I put in bladed spokes and Chris King hubs. I've rode Zipp 808s and I can honestly say my wheels are on equal footing. Great handling, smooth rolling and once they were broke in, quiet braking.

Melindhra

Thanks for all of the suggestions. My bike crashed last year (while I wasn't on it) and I need to get new wheels. I figure it makes no sense to buy stock wheels when I can just get something a bit nicer.

scott091501

My Flo 60/Disc should be here in the next week or so. I'll let you know how they feel.

cwsikes

I ride Flo 60s on my tri bike with an aero wheel cover in the back while my husband rides a 60 Flo front and a rear Flo disc. We've had them since April and have no complaints. We ride them for all of our training rides outside and feel that they are durable, fast, and look pretty nice also. Pair them with some Conti GP 4000s tires and you'll be riding some very fast wheels.