Hey guys,
I'm about to invest in a new wheelset and I'm debating whether to purchase a Powertap SL system built on a semi-aero rim and run with a lightweight aluminum front (I have Ritchey Protocols) or go for a full carbon wheelset. I run on the Protocols (~1520g, 30mm deep alu rim) right now that I like a lot but I'm racing near the top of USAT Gran Prix events and getting slaughtered on the bike by guys on TT machines with Zipps and Heds against my S-Works E5 with Clip-Ons and regular non-aero wheels.
I've read and heard first-hand great things about training with power and even "pacing with power." I have trained a few years now using heart rate for running and found that I do not get the same application out of it for cycling because of all the extra variables (wind, pace line, etc.). I think I could definitely use power in my training. I'm no weight weenie and wouldn't care racing on an 1100g rear wheel if I could use it to keep my power output steady on race day breakaways, TTs, and on bike legs of duathons.
Of course, a <1400g deep-dish carbon wheelset would supposedly help me get an aero advantage worth a minute over 40k, and run about 3/4 of a pound lighter than a powertap SL set up.
I have no interest in purchasing a TT bike right now as I only do about a dozen a year and would rather invest in something that would help my racing in crits, road racing, and multi-sport.
So it seems to come down to data utilization in training and race pacing vs. race day aerodynamics and light weight. Any comments?
I'm about to invest in a new wheelset and I'm debating whether to purchase a Powertap SL system built on a semi-aero rim and run with a lightweight aluminum front (I have Ritchey Protocols) or go for a full carbon wheelset. I run on the Protocols (~1520g, 30mm deep alu rim) right now that I like a lot but I'm racing near the top of USAT Gran Prix events and getting slaughtered on the bike by guys on TT machines with Zipps and Heds against my S-Works E5 with Clip-Ons and regular non-aero wheels.
I've read and heard first-hand great things about training with power and even "pacing with power." I have trained a few years now using heart rate for running and found that I do not get the same application out of it for cycling because of all the extra variables (wind, pace line, etc.). I think I could definitely use power in my training. I'm no weight weenie and wouldn't care racing on an 1100g rear wheel if I could use it to keep my power output steady on race day breakaways, TTs, and on bike legs of duathons.
Of course, a <1400g deep-dish carbon wheelset would supposedly help me get an aero advantage worth a minute over 40k, and run about 3/4 of a pound lighter than a powertap SL set up.
I have no interest in purchasing a TT bike right now as I only do about a dozen a year and would rather invest in something that would help my racing in crits, road racing, and multi-sport.
So it seems to come down to data utilization in training and race pacing vs. race day aerodynamics and light weight. Any comments?