How to choose your triathlon wheels?

Wheels play a major role in the performance of a triathlon bike. But depending on the type of bike you have - classic or time trial - the type of events you take part in, and your level, the model best suited to your needs can differ greatly.

Here's what you need to make your choice.

Key points

• Types of rims (profiles and materials), spoking and hubs;
• Tubulars or tires (tubetype, tubeless);
• Brake type: pad or disc.

ALL ABOUT WHEELS

RIMS, HUBS AND SPOKES

Rims, hubs and spokes are the three elements that determine a wheel's specific features.

The first question to ask when buying a wheelset concerns the rim, the hub and the spokes. rim height (or profile). The height generally varies from 20 to 80 mm.
The higher the rim, the heavier and more aerodynamic it is. The higher the rim, the heavier and more aerodynamic it will be: it will be harder to set in motion at the start, but will then have better kinetic energy). You'll also have to deal with turbulence in strong crosswinds.

The other way around, the lower the rim, the lighter, more responsive and comfortable it is thanks to the larger spokes that give the rim greater flexibility. It will start moving much faster than a high wheel, but will then perform less well once under way. While lightness and responsiveness are of prime importance in the mountains, the inertia generated by the rim's weight can prove useful on the plain, where average speeds are high. So, for rolling events, aerodynamic rims with a high profile are preferable.
There is no such thing as the perfect wheel, but there are wheels for every discipline.

Wheels are generally classified in three heights:

Low
(< 30 mm)

Ideal for use in the mountains or on courses requiring a lot of relaunching.

Medium
(30 to 49 mm)

The most versatile, ideal for a variety of courses. Particularly suited to triathletes who don't want to multiply their wheel pairs.

High
(from 50 mm)

Ideal for flat to slightly hilly rolling roads and long distances.

It's worth noting that top-of-the-range pairs come with a the front and rear to achieve the best possible compromise between comfort, performance and steering precision..

In addition to rim profile, rim material also plays an important role. The difference between aluminum and carbon rims is not so much in weight as in responsiveness and rigidity. But they are also more fragile, with a greater risk of breakage in the event of a fall.
It all depends on your objectives, but also on your budget, because while the best-performing aluminum wheelsets cost in excess of 1,000 euros, this is the entry-level price for carbon wheels. If you're aiming for victory, carbon wheels are the natural choice.

The second component of a wheel is the hubwhich integrates the bearing system. Hub quality will strongly influence wheel quality. A high-performance rim with mediocre hubs won't be able to express all its qualities. Ceramic bearings can be found on top-of-the-range hubs to reduce friction. Apart from quality, the bearing system can be either of the "cone/cuvette" type, requiring more regular maintenance but generally reliable over time; or of the "sealed bearing" type, maintenance-free (simple replacement of the bearing when defective).

Last but not least, the shelving since its role is to ensure a perfect connection between hub and rim to transmit power, braking effort and directional changes. It also tolerates a certain amount of deformation to provide comfort and strength. Spoking is defined by the number of spokes on a wheel and the type of lacing. The more spokes a wheel has, the heavier and stronger it is. Triathlon wheels generally have between 24 and 28 spokes, depending on the specific model.

Concerning the lacingThe most classic, and still the most reliable, is made up of spokes crossed by 3 (one spoke always crosses 3 others). There are also 2-cross spokes, or radial spokes, i.e. perpendicular to the hub. The latter solution is mainly found on front wheels with pad braking, as it is not robust enough to withstand the stresses of disc braking or freewheel torque.
Concerning the spoke shapeflat spokes are stiffer and more aerodynamic. They also withstand high tension. But if you're looking for more comfort, round spokes are more suitable.

TIRES OR TUBULARS?

Beyond personal taste, the choice of a clincher or tubular wheelset has very different day-to-day implications.

The tubular rims are lighter and allow more pressure to be applied: the result is better performance without loss of comfort, thanks to better deformation capacity. This makes it easier to take a bend with a pronounced angle of attack. Tubular tires also make it possible to ride for some time at low pressure, even after a puncture, especially with a repair bomb. On the other hand, and this is the hose's main limitation, repairing it is much more complicated, not to say impossible, when you're on the side of the road alone (assistance is forbidden in triathlons). In fact, a tubular must be installed at least 24 hours in advance to allow the glue to dry perfectly.

Visit clincher rims are first and foremost more practical, as they are quick and easy to change. What's more, a spare tube is much easier to transport than a new hose. In terms of handling, tires are often more at ease on wet roads and in cold weather, although this all depends on the type of rubber. You can mount your tires at any time, at the last minute if you wish, which means you can adapt perfectly to weather and race conditions. Finally, the price of a tire is generally lower than that of a hose.

It should be noted that many more and more rims are tubeless compatible.compatible rims, which means they can be fitted without an inner tube. In this case, you benefit from the performance and comfort of tubular tires, but without the constraints, since the risk of a puncture is infinitesimal. In the event of a puncture and preventive fluid and/or wicks don't solve the problem, you can always repair by fitting an inner tube. This solution is becoming increasingly popular with triathletes.

BRAKE PADS OR DISC BRAKES?

As in other disciplines, the disc brakes in triathlon. Most new bike ranges are now equipped with disc brakes. As a result, the range of wheels is now just as extensive for skates as for discs.

Offering both power and optimal braking modulation.Disc brakes maintain excellent braking performance in all conditions and on all types of road, limit wear and heat build-up on the rim/pad pair, and eliminate problems caused by oxidizing or seizing cables.
Disc brakes also offer another advantage for triathletes who have a pair of aluminum wheels and a pair of carbon wheels for racing, since they can be fitted with a disc brake.there's no need to change pads systematically when you switch from one to the other, as is the case with rims for pad brakes.

In any case, if you already own your bike, you'll have no choice but to buy wheels adapted to your braking system.

WHICH WHEELS FOR MY RIDING?

In triathlon, the choice of wheels is crucial to optimize the bike's overall performance and take full advantage of the frame's features. Your choice will depend on the routes you take and the weather conditions.

Most triathletes have at least two pairs of wheels, including a basic low rim pair for training and one or more pairs for competition.

Low rim :

Opt for a low, lightweight rim that guarantees responsive climbing and lightning acceleration for mountain use. An entry-level model will also be perfect for training on poor-quality roads and during the winter months when the equipment is put to the test.

Higher-profile rim:

A taller, streamlined rim is preferable on flat or hilly courses for its performance in terms of kinetic energy and aerodynamics. The essential complement to a triathlon / CLM bike.

Lenticular wheel:

The most ambitious riders can use a lenticular wheel, weather conditions permitting (absence of wind). However, these wheels are demanding to ride, both physically and technically, and require a good deal of skill. To be reserved for experienced, high-level triathletes.