Quote:
Originally Posted by greglepore
David-yes, in a group dynamic they matter. Particularly when others have them. Another benefit to deep rims is that they're stiffer, and stay true much longer. Just as a data point, the a33 and Boyd's alloy rims weigh about the same or less than an equivalent carbon rim, and test just as well in the tunnel as 303's and as good as 404's except at wide yaw. And they're 21mm internal. I like them as much as various 50mm carbon wheels, Lightweights excluded.
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Aero wheels matter the least in a group dynamic. You save 20-40% of aero, drafting behind a rider vs 1-3% with aero wheels. So the little aero advantage of wheels in a 10 rider group is only helping you 10% of the time compared to the 90% when you are drafting. It mostly comes into play at higher speeds during an individual time trial.
Of course when you are racing to win, you want every advantage you can get, so the 1-3% is worth it.
Carbon rims offer very little stiffness advantage, don't stay true any longer than aluminum wheels and don't hold up to impacts much better. I've built up hundreds of wheels and raced and sold many brands. The industry loves carbon wheels because they are expensive and make them more money. The actual advantages are worth it for racing but make very little difference for riding. Think about it, if they help you save two minutes on your 2 1/2 hour, 40 mile ride, is that important to you.