NDWCD (New Disc Wheel Cover Day!)

giannifive · 07-25-2008, 11:22 AM

Since there's been so much discussion about road bikes recently I thought I'd show off my new disc wheel cover for my tri bike. Just installed it last night; can't wait to ride it.

Now, most triathletes would buy a carbon fiber disc wheel for the back, but since those *start* at $600 and go up to about $2000, and because I'm frugal (or cheap depending on who you ask), I decided to try a disc wheel cover for a tenth of the price. Wind tunnel testing shows that it's nearly as aerodynamic as a real disc wheel, although it doesn't sound nearly as cool when you ride it (the real ones make a cool "whoosh" noise). Now all I need is a deeper front rim and I'm good to go!

Leon · 07-25-2008, 11:44 AM

so, it reduced drag?

giannifive · 07-25-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leon

so, it reduced drag?

Yeah, it reduces drag. At speeds above 20mph your power output is mostly combating drag. There's a cool discussion and table here:

Bicycles and Aerodynamics

Sebastian · 07-25-2008, 07:18 PM

Looks .. nice ..

if it helps than

TomAwesome · 07-25-2008, 08:08 PM

That's kind of neat!

Drew · 07-26-2008, 08:54 PM

The only problem, of course, is a crosswind.

...which is sort of a win for the cover - $60 or so for something you can put on and take off that gets you most of the way there, as opposed to $600-2,000 for something that you can only really use in about half of your races.

giannifive · 07-26-2008, 08:56 PM

Tried out the rear disc for the first time today. It really works! On the open stretches of my ride where I usually cruise at 22mph, I did 23mph at the same effort level. That may not sound like much of a difference, but when you're racing a 12.5 mile course in a sprint distance tri at an even higher speed, it can make a big difference.

giannifive · 07-26-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

The only problem, of course, is a crosswind.

Yeah, that's why people don't use discs in the front; too unstable. So far (one ride) the crosswinds haven't been a problem, but we'll see what happens in really strong winds.

Drew · 07-26-2008, 09:01 PM

Hmm, after reading that article... why not put the wheel up front?

giannifive · 07-26-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

Hmm, after reading that article... why not put the wheel up front?

Crosswinds on a disc wheel will tend to push you around. If it's the back wheel it's manageable but if it's the front wheel, which can turn relative to the frame, it becomes a dangerous combo. I remember reading an article (which I can't find right now) where someone made disc wheel covers out of old campaign posters. He did front and back and claimed the front wheel was pretty unwieldy in crosswinds.

07-25-2008, 11:22 AM	#1
giannifive Occasional Poster Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,066 Real Name: John Main Seven: RG7621 w/ Blazes Rig: Vox AD15VT Thanked: 10 $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	NDWCD (New Disc Wheel Cover Day!) Since there's been so much discussion about road bikes recently I thought I'd show off my new disc wheel cover for my tri bike. Just installed it last night; can't wait to ride it. Now, most triathletes would buy a carbon fiber disc wheel for the back, but since those start at $600 and go up to about $2000, and because I'm frugal (or cheap depending on who you ask), I decided to try a disc wheel cover for a tenth of the price. Wind tunnel testing shows that it's nearly as aerodynamic as a real disc wheel, although it doesn't sound nearly as cool when you ride it (the real ones make a cool "whoosh" noise). Now all I need is a deeper front rim and I'm good to go!

07-25-2008, 11:44 AM	#2
Leon {##[====:::. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The Ohio Crew Posts: 11,744 Main Seven: RG7620 of Doom Rig: Mesa / Sovtek Thanked: 78	so, it reduced drag? I have a radical idea. The door swings both ways, we could reverse the particle flow through the gate. We'll cross the streams.

07-25-2008, 08:08 PM	#5
TomAwesome I LIKE JUICE!!! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 4,945 Real Name: Tom Main Seven: Ibanez RG 7421 Rig: POD X3L & poweramp Thanked: 20	That's kind of neat! "Tom, you're like 1 part a serious dork, and 2 parts the most awesome fucking guy ever." - guitargeek.com style rig diagram Pics of my gear Virtual studio tech testing ground Last.FM

07-26-2008, 08:54 PM	#6
Drew Fear the Polo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 21,333 Real Name: Call me Ahab... Main Seven: 1991 Ibanez UV7PWH Main ERG: Sherman 5-string bass Rig: Mesa Recto-verb 50 Thanked: 141	The only problem, of course, is a crosswind. ...which is sort of a win for the cover - $60 or so for something you can put on and take off that gets you most of the way there, as opposed to $600-2,000 for something that you can only really use in about half of your races. "...and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon." http://www.metalguitarist.org

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07-25-2008, 07:18 PM	#4
Sebastian C.O.W. Fan Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cracow, Poland Posts: 3,365 Real Name: Sebastian Main Seven: a 6 string Washburn Rig: Behringer GM108 Thanked: 38	Looks .. nice .. if it helps than

07-26-2008, 08:56 PM	#7
giannifive Occasional Poster Join Date: May 2005 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,066 Real Name: John Main Seven: RG7621 w/ Blazes Rig: Vox AD15VT Thanked: 10 $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $giannifive is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$	Tried out the rear disc for the first time today. It really works! On the open stretches of my ride where I usually cruise at 22mph, I did 23mph at the same effort level. That may not sound like much of a difference, but when you're racing a 12.5 mile course in a sprint distance tri at an even higher speed, it can make a big difference.

07-26-2008, 09:01 PM	#9
Drew Fear the Polo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 21,333 Real Name: Call me Ahab... Main Seven: 1991 Ibanez UV7PWH Main ERG: Sherman 5-string bass Rig: Mesa Recto-verb 50 Thanked: 141	Hmm, after reading that article... why not put the wheel up front?

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NDWCD (New Disc Wheel Cover Day!)