So it will be soon time for me to venture outside for training.
For the last 10 odd years I’ve been using my Blue Triad frame (same as my TT bike but lower spec) with road bars/TT extensions, a mish mash of components and then some 15+ year old Zipp 404 tubular wheels
Obviously there are issues with tubs for training, but I always carry a spare etc.
I think getting a whole new bike might be overkill, but I can only have rim brakes.
Have zero clue about wheelsets and importantly tubeless vs clinchers.
I’m a self confessed Luddite so avoid tubeless but others seem to manage and on my mtb I think it has self sealed thorn type punctures.
I’d definitely avoid modern hookless rims but if you’re going for rim brakes you might find your options are limited, but plenty on the second hand market.
I think we’re in similar situations, I have an old rim brake tri frame bike - getting rim brake wheelsets at a reasonable price is tricky. If I were going to get some, I’d just get something bargain basement that can fit your frame and focus on the gains of the aero position.
I’m not sure what clearance you have between tyres & frame with your Triad. I know my old faithful 2009 BMC road bike is pretty tight on the rear & don’t think it would take a 25mm tyre never mind a 28mm on a wheel with a19-21mm internal width which is pretty standard nowadays.
One of the things holding me back is that I just don’t understand what measurements will fit my frame - tyres in okay with. The different ways they measure “wheel width” I haven’t spent the time to get my head around it and the frame spec I have.
If it’s a training bike, just fit the fattest Schwalbe puncture-resistant tyres you can on it. Almost indestructible so you will never have to think about them. They work on road or off, although off-road grip is limited. Fit TPU tubes to compensate a bit for the weight. Then just get out and ride knowing that they aren’t going to let you down. Run at a moderate pressure rather than rock-hard for a better feel.
Keep an eye on eBay. There’s a fair few clincher, rim brake with narrow rims that no one seems to want to buy.
I’ve got a Trek speed concept 7.5 from 2011 that I barely used back then. I’d got Planet X 80/101 tubulars for races, again barely used, but didn’t like the idea of tubulars and carbon braking surface having come to get it back to working condition.
I kept an eye out on eBay and spotted what I feel was a good deal: Zipp 404’s, 808’s and a disc (super 9? Based on the 808). All clincher with aluminium brake track in very good condition. Made an offer below buy it now and came as described. Maybe I paid more than others wanted, but all 5 wheels came delivered, approx £150 less than a new set of Elite tubeless ready carbon rims (that I’ve just got for my road bike)
For an older bike like this I’m not sure you’d get tyres wider than a 25 without rubbing, could be wrong and it also depends what the rims support. 25’s will be a bit of an improvement comfort wise.
I probably need to look at parting with all things TT…. dunno if any use with the above comments on wheelsets.
Reynolds assault (45?) and have the rear Reynolds strike (bit deeper - 66?) both running 23mm tyres. Both with carbon brake tracks.
Disc is one of the oringal Flo with the cover bonded over a normal spoke wheel (I think). Flo has alu brake track.
Obviously there’s also a bike attached if any interest… I think its a Canyon .
If I had space I’d keep it - but it’s just in the way. Can’t run, so don’t swim, so racing seems off the cards.
I’m rubbish at selling things, it doesn’t really owe me anything.
I need to get some better wheels for my TT bike, need to shift my old wheels which are a 404 front, 808 rear and super 9 disc. I’ll probably stick them on eBay soon as the season is getting closer and might try a couple of local groups.
The wheels with the new bike were naff and are currently on the winter bike, I used my old 303’s on the TT but they’re getting on a bit. I have the Propel wheels which are giants own, they’re ok.
Don’t want hookless which rules out a lot of newer wheels.
So partly got my eye on some Dura Ace C60’s, seem decent and I can swap across bikes, but I think they’re 12 speed only, although I might be able to get an aftermarket cassette to make it 11 speed.
As much as I like a disc I don’t think I can justify one.
But aero wheels are expensive these days!
Edit: not sure I want to upgrade to 12 speed either and I think Shimano will be updating various groupsets very soon and might move to 13 speed
I bought a pair of Hunt Aero Wide rim brakes. Hunt regularly have a clearance of wheelsets that have been returned under their 90 days return policy. Great wheels
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TT bikes are hard to shift these days.
