San Fairy Ann Cycle Club

I stumbled across this bargain for a set of Attack wheels.

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... &catID=396

This is the cheapest I have found them anywhere.

Thats a good find Phill-as if feedback is needed these wheels are delightful-the main benefit being a really smooth ride compared with aluminium wheels and if you feel new wheels are needed I find these a fair bit better than my Mavic ES at a comparable price point.

Have you ordered them yet Phill? I thought you were after some Assaults? The attacks are lighter, but not as deep so theoretically not as aero, although I expect the difference would be minimal. The attacks are possibly a better bet for the road bike, particularly if you are keeping the Zipps for the TT bike.

I'm still hunting for a similar deal on the Assaults. It was just while I was looking that I came across this offer which I thought was too good not to pass on.

To be honest with you, don't get Reynolds wheels if aerodynamics are your main concern.

Rob. Thats a rather un-substantiated comment. You must have good reason to say that so where are the figures ?

Oh don't get him started!

Not that everything you read in the press is 100% factual, but in a comprehensive wheel test of about 18 high end wheels in Cycling Weekly involving Michael Hutchinson, a velodrome and power readings at given speeds, a pair of Reynolds wheels came best in test in terms of aerodynamics.

DamianCairns wrote:... a pair of Reynolds wheels came best in test in terms of aerodynamics.

I guess that when they tried one wheel it was less effective?

johnbosley wrote:Oh don't get him started!

Indeed; very brave fellows!

DamianCairns wrote:Not that everything you read in the press is 100% factual, but in a comprehensive wheel test of about 18 high end wheels in Cycling Weekly involving Michael Hutchinson, a velodrome and power readings at given speeds, a pair of Reynolds wheels came best in test in terms of aerodynamics.

Ah yes, the wheel test that anyone who knows about aero testing dismissed quite quickly and has never been referenced again. That one right?
Here's one nice discussion on it:
Link

My personaly favourite bit of 'data' was this:
"Neutron
Shamal +6W
Zipp +6.2W
Fulcrum +6.3W
Spinergy +6.5W
T2 +6.5W
FSA +6.5W
Fusee +8.1W
Fusee Star +8.8W
Ksyrium +10.6W "
The Neutons are the fastest wheels. Yes, that's right. Box section wheels are more aero than any of this new fangled aero-rim nonsense.

You may notice that the numbers are rather different compared to this independent data:
http://www.rouesartisanales.com/article-15505311.html

I also know more about aerodynamics of wheels than what I read. Remember when I was taking photos of your trispokes?
This was the result!
Link

If aerodynamics are your main concern, use a hed tri-spoke for high wind yaw or a HED/Zipp for more control. Deeper = faster but less controllable. As proof, Zipp303s are actually more aero than other deeper rims with no aero bulge eg. Campag Boras.

Rob.

Getting back to the Reynolds wheels, they aren't included in the test that you have linked to. Do you know what the corresponding figures are ?

I would imagine that they would test fairly closely to the gipiemme carbon 5-5 as they're both basically flat sided V rims. A different spoke count and hub will make minimal difference (they make up ~20% of the total drag for a 404, less for a less aero rim).

Considering the Zipp 808 seem to be the best Aerodynamic wheels on test then I would say pound for pound the Reynolds look like an excellent choice.

So assuming bearings make negligle difference in the real world and choice of tyres would be the same:-
Zipp 808 Clincher £1500, weight 1921g, drag (lowest in class)
Reynolds attack £623, weight 1525g so lower inertia hence quicker acceleration , drag (less than Mavic Ksyriums & Fulcrum Racing 5's)

I don't think the Fulcrum 5 evos can be compared fairly to the Reynolds or Ksyriums; the 1s compete at this price point - no idea how their aero figs compare though.

As I said, don't get Reynolds wheels if aerodynamics are your main concern. I hear they're actually quite good wheels otherwise though.

To be honest though, if aerodynamics were of greatest concern to you, you'd go tubular:
http://www.hedcycling.com/aerodynamics_technology/
NB. the drag data shown in that graph is higher than you'll see elsewhere, but it's interesting to see the difference between tubular and clincher wheels.