TT front wheels

[Jim B]

Without wanting to start off a puerile "Shimano is rubbish..." type of thread, I would be interested for feedback on TT specific front wheels.
I'm just thinking about what I might buy for next season and would be interested to hear how people have got on with various different types.
50mm, 80mm, tri spoke, etc..
Interested in speed, handling, durability etc..
I know pros are tied by manufacturer deals, but I'm surprised by the amount riding 50mm wheels when they have a choice. Are the handling gains, better than the speed gains?
I'm tempted by the Planet X wheels mainly due to the price - I'm sure there are quite a few of these in ACC hands.
I'm looking for something for triathlons as well as TTs, so I need a good all rounder.

[Dominic]

I think 50mm are used widely because they can be used in any conditions. There is a thread on the TT forum about PX101's (I think Jon and Paul T have one) and it seems that they tend to have issues in wind especially if the rider is on the light side.

I use the Planet X 50s and I really rate them, I just can't see what spending more money would have got me, but they are the only good wheels that I have. I know George has a Xentis that he really rates but you are talking about serious money which is another reason I guess Planet X are so popular.

What did you use this year?

[Jon H]

I have a Planet-X 82; PVT is mad enough to go for the 101. As Dominic has said, very deep section wheels can be a bit iffy in side winds so I tend to save it for those rare wind-free days (remember those?). My regular front wheel is a Dolan Navigator which is similar to the Planet-X in both depth and price. If you're only getting one front wheel then something around 50mm will be a good all-rounder. Also, I reckon the difference in performance between a budget TT wheel and a top-end TT wheel will be far less than the difference in price.

I've heard that tri-spokes can display some dodgy handling characteristics when it's windy; I think this is because the surface area presented to a cross wind is constantly changing position fore and aft relative to the steering axis.

[Andrew G]

Another happy PX 50 user. Very light and mine have the Superlight hubs which are silky smooth, just touch the front wheel and it spins for an age. To be honest I struggle to work out how such hugely different prices are calculated between some of the manufacturers when the hubs are so good on the PXs, particularly for TT use where they are by and large going to get a reasonably easy life for a wheel.

[George]

If you want the fastest and then you have no excuses slap on a Xentis, more stable than a tri spoke in cross winds, plus makes a nicer noise the faster you go.

[carl f]

Another vote for the px 50's,although can't compare against xentis wheels
Cheap (ish) and versatile
Use mine with tubs
Cheers
Carl

[-Adam-]

What's wrong with 32 spokes?

[Jim B]

Mmmm reckon the handling point is the most important then. I've heard a few people say they don't like trispokes.
Been using a cosmic carbon clincher with a rear tub disc.
Think I'll look for something 50 -60mm tub.

[Snoop Doug]

don't forget wheelbuilder.com and their soopah doopah rear wheel disc covers Mega bargain

Thanks for asking this Jim - I may try to squeak some PX 50s past the missus

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I do have a PX101 and have found it to be quite stable in most condidtions until about 40mph when it sort of sways from side to side - although this is combined with a rear disc and is a sort of sail effect.

I don't use it in really strong windy conditions - when I use the Bora which is as steady as a rock at any time (similar rim depth to PX50)

I think the handling of these wheels - tri-spokes etc only comes into question at extreme ends of prformance/conditions, but I wouldn't recommend a 101 to an inexperienced rider.

Guru P

[quote]I wouldn't recommend a 101 to an inexperienced rider.

[John the old'un]

I use a Hed Trispoke in calm coditions but it is a real handful in a wind.
I use a Zipp 404 for those windy days.