Should you convert to Tubeless Road Wheels? My first impressions.....
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Should you convert to Tubeless Road Wheels? My first impressions..... Are you in the market for a new set of road wheels? Have you been showing up to local crits or group rides wishing you could afford a set of those sweet carbon wheels? If you answered yes or are just a junkie for new toys you should take a look at getting a set of tubeless road wheels. I recently put a set of Stan's Tubeless Road Rims on my Power Tap hub and a Campy Chorus front hub. I was hoping to get an improvement in rotating weight, which I got, but was shocked at the improvements in ride comfort and rolling resistance.
Below is the data set from my Power Tap for the same exact ride before and after the switch. The weather and wind were similar for both rides. I did both rides mostly by myself. When I had the tube wheels on the bike, I did ride with a group for about 5 miles down 9 mile hill. This only helps the argument for improved performance.
| Tube | Tubeless |
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Duration: 2:40:18 (2:46:05) Work: 1520 kJ TSS: 217.8 (intensity factor 0.909) Norm Power: 182 Distance: 46.415 mi Min Max Avg Power: 0 622 159 watts Heart Rate: 85 178 152 bpm Cadence: 32 106 80 rpm Speed: 2.3 46.5 17.4 mph |
Duration: 2:31:35 (2:37:39) Work: 1502 kJ TSS: 229.3 (intensity factor 0.957) Norm Power: 191 Distance: 46.553 mi Min Max Avg Power: 0 635 166 watts Heart Rate: 83 173 146 bpm Cadence: 37 99 84 rpm Speed: 0 48.5 18.4 mph |
| Static Weight (incl wheel, tire, tube) | Static Weight (incl wheel & tire) |
| Front 1,051 | Front 1,010 grams |
| Mavic Ksyrium SL | Campy Chorus Hub, Straight Laced, 32 spoke |
| Rear 1,830 | Rear 1,730 |
| Power Tap Pro, 3 Cross laced, 32 spoke, Swiss DT415 Rim | Power Tap Pro, 2 cross laced, 32 spoke, Stan's ZTR Alpha Rim |
Bike: Felt F-15 Scandium Al, Carbon Stays, EC 90 Carbon Fork, FSA Carbon Bars, Dura Ace Drive Train. As you can see from the data sets, the new rims and tires cut nearly 9 minutes off the total time. My averages speed increased a full 1 mph for basically the same power output (Avg Watts were 7 higher on the tubeless wheel-set). I put 90 psi in the tubeless wheels compared to 105 psi for the tube wheels. Even with the reduced tire pressure, rolling resistance had to improve in order to see the improvement in average speed. In addition, top speed increased 2 mph while coasting down an 18% hill. And, I felt more comfortable and confident at that speed. Ride comfort was also improved. The route includes a section of very rough pavement in Fountain Hills. Normally, when I ride this section of road I am looking to get out of the bike lane and into the road to find smoother pavement. There was no need to do this on the new wheels. Overall, I am extremely pleased with these new wheels and very happy I saved some cash over a set of Carbon Clinchers. See you on the road or trail. Kevin
Last Updated (Thursday, 09 June 2011 16:07)
