Hilly TT wheel choice

[CCS]

So... what's best to go with for a hilly TT?
I am assuming that lighter is best, so I guess the Cosmic Carbones rather than the untried new (to me) disc that's been sitting patiently waiting for this season to kick off... after all, wouldn't want to look like a total arse plodding along slowly on all my fancy kit. Save that for the first open - or risk looking like an idiot (and hiding behind the visor of anonymity)?
... or stop overthinking and just get out and ride on whatever kit first comes to hand?

[IanM]

Hah, nice purchase

How hilly is it? If rolling, go with the disc. If you'll need some extended out of the saddle time, then lighter wheelset is the best. The one Will and I did a couple of weeks ago is a sporting course (aka rolling, with 1 or 2 short sharp rises) - if I'd had a disc for that, I would have used it.

[tesseract]

Round wheels are usually best...


....aero tops weight on everything but the hilliest courses.

[Kevy427]

CCS, you should be ashamed of yourself for asking such a question. Surely you must know by now that you choose whichever piece of kit looks the best, not how it performs

[jonathon.e]

As above, rolling course then use the new product ( unless it is very windy ), the time lost with a disc is in the initial acceleration as some take longer to wind up due to their weight. Rotational mass playing a part.

The main factor is how confident you feel using it in anger, if you have doubt, then there is doubt, no matter what you choose you will always analyse the ' what if ' scenario .

The obvious answer would be to ride the course with one wheelset and then change over to see the difference, if you have time.

Given your current fitness level, I would say use the new product unless it is gusting over 25 mph.

[Bendy Ben]

More to the point - lets see a pic of the disc on the bike

[Jack Hughes]

Disc wheels are heavier. So are worse the steeper the gradient.

Wind is worse. Wind and speed. So going downhill fast with a strong side wind can be problematic.

I suspect it is more rolling than hilly.

A nice still day, the disc wheel.

Especially as the race is just an initial event - so a chance to try out equipment under race conditions.

However , you also have a new position. So you might want to try that with the same kit that you had last year to see if it has an effect.

Basically, take both rear wheels with you. See what others are doing. Good excuse to talk to people too!

[CCS]

Well, I looked at the photos of last year - can't see anyone else using a disc (in fact think there are only about 2 TT bikes, and very few pointy hats) so may go conservative (if nothing else so as not to stand out too much)... especially as the bike hasn't even tried the wheel on yet.

Basically, take both rear wheels with you. See what others are doing. Good excuse to talk to people too!

That might be a bit tricky seeing as I am planning on riding there to warm up! Still a bit scared of talking to real cyclists - I usually hide in a corner behind my visor!

[jonathon.e]

Still a bit scared of talking to real cyclists - I usually hide in a corner behind my visor!

I would class you as a 'real ' cyclist.

But at what point will you consider yourself to be a real cyclist. ?

[kfjatek]

I like to think when I jump on the bike I'm simply unreal.

Have you recce'd the course Clare? How much time do you think you'll spend off the aero bars? Could help determine if a disc is something you want.