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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

1940.0. "wheel covers" by TPWEST::SHROYER () Wed May 08 1991 19:12

	I'm interested in the performance characteristics of wheel covers (such 
as the Unidisk) vs. a solid disk/J-disk.  Has anyone seen test data on their 
relative performance? 

	We're talking $50 vs. $300-400!  

	Thanks,
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1940.1spoked wheels with covers are lighter than disk wheelsOXNARD::KLEEKen LeeWed May 08 1991 21:317
    I would think that wheel covers would always give you better
    performance since they give the same aerodynamic advantages,
    but are considerably lighter.  Note, however, that wheel covers
    are barred from many races.
    
    Ken
    
1940.2The jury's still out...NOVA::FISHERIt's SpringThu May 09 1991 10:085
    I have seen reports that wheel covers do not provide a benefit because
    they do not provide a smooth surface, because they are stretched over 
    the spokes.
    
    ed
1940.3DESIGNER DISKS...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDThu May 09 1991 10:3311
     HED has done extensive wind tunnel testing (and I'll leave the
    bias argument for the audience). They show minimal if any ad-
    vantage above a spoked wheel. There are results of these tests
    in a few issues of Bicycling magazine. If I get a minute or
    two I'll try and find them and publish.
    
       Chip
    
     P.S. You're disks/tri-spokes are veeeerrrry pricey.
    
     
1940.4Others?TPWEST::SHROYERThu May 09 1991 14:3824
>                    <<< Note 1940.3 by WMOIS::C_GIROUARD >>>
>                             -< DESIGNER DISKS... >-
>
>     HED has done extensive wind tunnel testing (and I'll leave the
>    bias argument for the audience). They show minimal if any ad-
>    vantage above a spoked wheel. There are results of these tests
>    in a few issues of Bicycling magazine. If I get a minute or
>    two I'll try and find them and publish.
>    
>       Chip
 

Thanks, I'd really appreciate the info.  The only article I saw in Bicycling
did not test rear wheels.   The marketing hype from Unipro claims high 
efficiency.

By the way, these would be for TTs only.  USCF districts and nationals; 
both relatively flat and smooth courses. 
     

>    
>     P.S. You're disks/tri-spokes are veeeerrrry pricey.

Hmmmmmm.....this comment coming from a Merlin/C-record person?!  
1940.5WILL TRY...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDThu May 09 1991 15:454
      Wellllllllll.... there more  than  the average bear, I mean
    spoked set up regardless of hub... I'll get at it...
    
      Chip (I run ZIPP...) 
1940.6impressions?SHALOT::ELLISJohn Lee Ellis - assembly requiredThu May 09 1991 16:086
    
    RE: "I run ZIPP" - can you speak from your own experience?
    Worthwhile performance gains?  How critical is the wind 
    direction?
    
    -john
1940.7GOOD QUESTION...WMOIS::C_GIROUARDThu May 09 1991 17:109
     Crosswinds don't seem to be a problem. I run a 28 spoke radial
    laced...
    
     It does seem to be slippery but I couldn't quantify it... It does
    feel faster.... I like the ZIPP, but I do't have anything to compare
    it to either except spokes...
    
    
       Chip
1940.8Triathletes know DisksNEMAIL::DELORIEAI've got better things to do.Fri May 10 1991 12:477
>>	I'm interested in the performance characteristics of wheel covers (such 
>>as the Unidisk) vs. a solid disk/J-disk.  Has anyone seen test data on their 
>>relative performance? 
    
See notes 438, 507 in the Tri notes conference.

T
1940.9BUSY::SLABOUNTYHoly rusted metal, Batman!Tue Aug 15 1995 14:037
    
    	Any new info on wheel covers?  Nashbar appears to have them for
    	$50 each [ouch, but better than $200-$300 for disc wheels].
    
    	I read recently that they're supposed to be very helpful in red-
    	ucing drag [up to 25%?] and increasing downhill speed [5MPH].
    
1940.10WMOIS::GIROUARD_CTue Aug 15 1995 16:0211
    -1 the only thing better is they are much cheaper than the real
       thing given they perform better than a spoked wheel (but not
       a whole lot).
    
       it really gets down to what you will be doing, e.g. serious TT'g,
       centuries, cruising, etc...
    
       i know people who use them. they can be a pain if you're going to
       removing them regularly.
    
       Chip
1940.11off road applications?PAR3::GLYNNJohnTue Aug 22 1995 20:4512
    I've been toying with the idea of putting a wheel cover over
    the rear wheel of my mt bike.  I broke a rear deraileur last
    year when I picked up a stick (well, ok, more like a branch)
    in my rear spokes.
    
    How sturdy are these covers?  
    Do they stand up to the beating of single track?  
    How accessable is the stem?  I change my tire pressure quite
    often.
    
    Thanks,
    /John