Got a surprise 9.2 mi TT on Thu (3 days) and need a little ST advice.
I’ve got a set of Flo30s w/ ST-approved GP4000s and latex tubes on my roadie.
I’ve got a set of tubular race wheels (Reynolds SDV66 front and rear Zipp 900 disc) w/ Conti Competition tubulars that have butyl tubes. I ran those last year because I was focused on IM distance and was not competitive for Hawaii. Just wanted something that was durable, and the Conti Comps were.
This year, I’m focusing on fast, short distances. I’ve got a set of Schwalbe Ironman Tubular w/ latex tubes that Tom A tested and look to be super fast. I’m excited about that, but don’t have time to properly glue them to the race wheels by Thu.
So the question is simple? Which wheel/tire combo do I go with? I think the Flo30s w/ latex tubes are going to be faster. Anybody got an opinion out there???
Thanks!
Gluing takes 2 days. Get those new tires mounted today-tomorrow. Ride them on Wednesday for 20-30 miles to help break them in and you’re ready to go for Thursday.
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Yea, I know. Problem is…I don’t have the glue yet. it’s mail ordered. (My local shop doesn’t carry it. They’re a small shop and mostly deal in MTB and entry level stuff.)
I suppose I could check some shops in the region. The next closest shop is 45-60 min away.
Ok. So my guess is the fastest choice would be your Flo 30 front and the disc rear.
Looking at the Flo chart, the difference at 7.5 degrees yaw is ~85g. Slowtwitch math says this is roughly 8.5 watts and butyl costs you 5ish watts/tire.
The assumption is that you have a TT bike that fairs the rear (flat) disc decently and the Zipp 900 numbers are similar to the Flo disc numbers.
Ok. Now here’s for the rub. The closer to zero yaw, the less appealing the disc. Because it’s a short course, you may be better with the Flo 30s if there’s no wind. On a gusty day, I’d choose the disc.
I would put it in the too close to call category and even though the Flo’s may have a slight edge, you should pick the deeper wheels because they look cooler and the Zipp 900 SOUNDS amazing.
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Ok. So my guess is the fastest choice would be your Flo 30 front and the disc rear.
Looking at the Flo chart, the difference at 7.5 degrees yaw is ~85g. Slowtwitch math says this is roughly 8.5 watts and butyl costs you 5ish watts/tire.
The assumption is that you have a TT bike that fairs the rear (flat) disc decently and the Zipp 900 numbers are similar to the Flo disc numbers.
Ok. Now here’s for the rub. The closer to zero yaw, the less appealing the disc. Because it’s a short course, you may be better with the Flo 30s if there’s no wind. On a gusty day, I’d choose the disc.
I would put it in the too close to call category and even though the Flo’s may have a slight edge, you should pick the deeper wheels because they look cooler and the Zipp 900 SOUNDS amazing.
Best reasoning yet.
I would lean towards flos unless super windy.
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