3 ms·
I agree with your comment. FWIW, shock absorption has implications for control on uneven surfaces. A very stiff wheel bounces on obstructions while a flexible
by raganwald 17y ago
I agree with your comment.
FWIW, shock absorption has implications for control on uneven surfaces. A very stiff wheel bounces on obstructions while a flexible wheel deforms and maintains contact. Thus, softer tires and suspension font forks are extremely useful for off-road bikes.
Really stiff wheels work well on extremely smooth surfaces, so time trialists and track riders love them. Weirdly, cyclo-cross riders also love the "deep dish" rims, although more for their ability to resist mud build-up than aerodynamics.
- bmj 17y agoYep. I think 'cross racers choices are influenced by their ability to ride really, really low pressure tubulars, which mitigate the effects of the deep dish wheels. It's also worth noting that many PRO teams run very, very standard wheels (aluminum rims with 32 spokes) for the roughest classics, like Paris-Roubaix (see http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.jpg http://froggy100.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/paris-roubaix.j... for a good example of the terrain).