Disc wheel or 82/101 wheelset

[jdtate101]

I'm thinking of saving up for a disc wheel and deep section front for next yrs TT season. I'm currently looking at the Pro disc with maybe a FFWD 90mm front.

Recently however I came across the PlanetX 82/101 wheelset and wondered if anybody here had good things to say about them? These would be used for competition AND road use (ie TT training on the roads during summer) so have to be up to general use.

Any other recommendations for cheap(ish) disc/deep front combo's. I would go either tubs or clincher (would prefer clincher really as I'm going to be using these for more than just competition and would like the ease of puncture repair).

There doesn't seem to be much in the way of disc's available through the main online vendors (wiggle, PBK, Evans etc..), so anywhere else I should be looking???

Ta Muchy....

 

[VamP]

I am probably going to go with wheel covers, so that I can combine with my power tap wheel. I figure having the power data is worth the weight penalty.

These most likely.

As for sourcing, have you tried ebay? These look like good value if you have the budget.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I don't think you can go far wrong with your original plan IMHO.
The ffwd is IMHO a really underrated wheel brand, the finish, the quality and feel when ridden is very good. I like these wheels a lot and think they offer great value.

 

[jdtate101]

I am probably going to go with wheel covers, so that I can combine with my power tap wheel. I figure having the power data is worth the weight penalty.

These most likely.

As for sourcing, have you tried ebay? These look like good value if you have the budget.

Not thought about a cover before. Hmm, I've emailed RALTech to see if they could fit my wheel, as I currently have a Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL with powertap. I know it won't be perfect compared to a full disc, but at £160 it's a much better option as long as it doesn't rattle. If this does work I can just convert my rear and then I'm done. I have another SL rear (without powertap) I can use on windy days, so I don't have to fit/remove the cover for conditions.
I'd much rather take a punt on £160, and if it goes badly write that off rather than take a punt on over £1000 worth of wheels...

Thx Vamp for the link...

 

[VamP]

Not thought about a cover before. Hmm, I've emailed RALTech to see if they could fit my wheel, as I currently have a Mavic Cosmic Carbone SL with powertap. I know it won't be perfect compared to a full disc, but at £160 it's a much better option as long as it doesn't rattle. If this does work I can just convert my rear and then I'm done. I have another SL rear (without powertap) I can use on windy days, so I don't have to fit/remove the cover for conditions.
I'd much rather take a punt on £160, and if it goes badly write that off rather than take a punt on over £1000 worth of wheels...

Thx Vamp for the link...

My thinking exactly.

 

[jdtate101]

Anyone have experience of covers.....do they rattle, make much difference, worth it etc..

Looking for both positives and negatives....

 

[Rob3rt]

A disc wheel is the only option IMO! If it is too windy to ride on a disc wheel, it is too windy to be racing on a bike, i.e. it is never too windy to ride a disc wheel! I have even used my disc in a Hill Climb before.

BTW, just incase you didn't know, there are rules regarding deep section front wheels, at least 45% of the total wheel area must be open. The FFWD front is legal, but some deeper wheels are not.

 

[VamP]

A disc wheel is the only option IMO! If it is too windy to ride on a disc wheel, it is too windy to be racing on a bike, i.e. it is never too windy to ride a disc wheel! I have even used my disc in a Hill Climb before.

BTW, just incase you didn't know, there are rules regarding deep section front wheels, at least 45% of the total wheel area must be open. The FFWD front is legal, but some deeper wheels are not.

It's not clear from what you say, but do you think that covers are not as good as full carbon discs? And if so how much less good? I could live with 10-20% less good for the cost saving and power data. Not sure I'd want to bother if they're 80% less good

 

[Rob3rt]

Aero wise I don't know how they compare, wheelbuilder have some data on their covers, but not the wheels they are mated to in the tests, I imagine how good they are will depend on what wheel you put them on. Also they will be made to fit a road wheel, thus dished accordingly, a true disc wheel is not dished in the same way they are either flat or lenticular (symmetrically) and spaced on the none drive side by a protruding hub, i.e. nothing sticks out from behind the seat tube.

Covers obviously have cost advantages and on a super light wheel may even be lighter than a true disc, there is also the advantage of being able to maintain the wheel. Some high end disc wheels are essentially a cover glued onto a deep section spoked wheel, the new Vision Metron is like this and also one of the HED offerings. Budget aero brand Flo make a disc with this construction too.

A cover probably comes pretty close and the Raltech ones look pretty legit, but if you have the money, I would always say, buy a disc wheel, else you will always want one.

 

[VamP]

Aero wise I don't know how they compare, wheelbuilder have some data on their covers, but not the wheels they are mated to in the tests, I imagine how good they are will depend on what wheel you put them on. Also they will be made to fit a road wheel, thus dished accordingly, a true disc wheel is not dished in the same way they are either flat or lenticular (symmetrically) and spaced on the none drive side by a protruding hub, i.e. nothing sticks out from behind the seat tube.

A cover probably comes pretty close and the Raltech ones look pretty legit, but if you have the money, I would always say, buy a disc wheel, else you will always want one.

Covers obviously have cost advantages and on a super light wheel may even be lighter than a true disc, there is also the advantage of being able to maintain the wheel. Some high end disc wheels are essentially a cover glued onto a deep section spoked wheel, the new Vision Metron is like this and also one of the HED offerings. Budget aero brand Flo make a disc with this construction too.

Oh I know I'll want one, but want and need have to be balanced