Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics
At this price, it can be hard to find a wheelset that offers a tangible aerodynamic benefit. But there are a few about if you look hard.
But, like with weight, it’s worth keeping in mind that roughly 80 per cent of the drag on a bike is a result of the rider, so getting aero on the bike and reducing your frontal area is as good a way as any to get immediate results.
Stretching the upper end of the budget to the limit are Mavic’s Cosmic Carbone SLS wheels (£850). They’re basically an aluminium clincher with added deep section carbon shroud that aren’t, structurally, part of the wheel in the sense that they’re not load bearing in any way. Shimano do a similar thing with their RS81 C50s (£749.99), another alu clincher with a bonded carbon deep section. Some all-alloy clinchers, like the Fulcrum Racing Quattros (£299.99), offer a nominally aero 35mm-deep rim.
The main factor that affects wheel aerodynamics is rim depth. In general, the deeper the rim, the more aerodynamic it is, providing all things such as rim shape remain equal. In this price range, you’ll struggle to get much deeper than the 52mm of the aforementioned Mavics and from most manufacturers 35mm is probably the limit. If you’re into time trialing or racing on flat roads, a basic set of deep profile wheels will be one of the best bike upgrades you can buy, but if you like in a hilly area or are targeting a lumpy sportive then the extra weight picked up by a deep-section wheelset may, at times, feel like a hinderance.
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