Disc Wheels for Time Trials

MDT Disc wheel. Cost £500. Quite light. Good Value

Buying a disc wheel is one of the best ways to improve the aerodynamic performance of your time trial bike. They are expensive – you can easily pay £500 (and much more). But, they do make a difference. Also, the faster you go, the more aerodynamic drag they save. Disc wheels work by smoothing the passage of side wind. Less wind turbulence means less drag and faster times.

A flat carbon disc wheel has an aero drag of 97grams. This compares to an aero drag of 154grams for a standard 18 spoke wheel (source: bsn)

The weight of a disc wheel is not as important as the aerodynamic aid. Even on the hilliest of time trial courses, you will go quicker on a solid disc wheel. Chris Boardman used a disc wheel for winning the national hill climb championship. I don’t advise this, but aerodynamics are much more important than weight. Also if you are going to be doing a lot of hilly time trials, look to buy a light weight carbon disc – some of them are surprisingly light.

Zipp Disc Wheels

Zipp Sub 9 Rear Tubular will cost over £1,400 but is one of the top disc wheels for aerodynamic performance.

Slightly cheaper is the Zipp 900, still over £1,000. Weight just 936grams with a cassette hub. Dimpled surface, adaptable for track. One of fastest disc wheels on market.

Zipp Disc Wheels at Wiggle

Mavic Comete Disc Wheel

One of the best disc wheel on the market. The Mavic comete is not completely flat, but lenticular shape. It weighs 1,285grams (tubular or clincher)

Fast Forward Disc Wheel

For those on a tighter budget, the Fast Forward disc wheel offers great value. At under £750 it is  more affordable than the Zipp 900, but has excellent design and aerodynamics. However, it is a little heavier. Weight Clincher: 1445 grams. Weight Tubular: 1195 gram. This is fine if you are doing flattish time trials. But, if you are doing many hill time trials, you might like to save the extra 200grams.However, this weight is not so critical (for world Hour Record O.Sojenska actually chose a heavier rear discwheel for a ‘flywheel effect’ The Fast Forward disc is stiff and rigid. It comes with cork brake pads for the carbon rim.

Fast Forward Disc Wheel at Wiggle

Other ways to Improve Aerodynamics

If you want to improve aerodynamics, there are also cheaper ways than a disc wheel. Even a simple aero bottle can make a big difference to aerodynamic drag. See: Improving aerodynamics

• Training for a 10 mile time trial
• Improving Times for 10 Mile TT
• Position on a time trial bike