Another wheel question
Discussion
From a physics perspective, at that age, aerodynamics will be less of an issue since I doubt the speeds attained will be so high for this to become the main issue. So rather than go aero, I'd wager that the best gains here would be made from investing in lighter rims. The thinking is that they'll take less energy to spin up, so won't be sapping the precious resource of power.
How big the gains would be could be roughly calculated by making certain simplifying assumptions (and may in any case be rather small), but it may also be that the "nicer stuff effect" is just as, or even more powerful!
How big the gains would be could be roughly calculated by making certain simplifying assumptions (and may in any case be rather small), but it may also be that the "nicer stuff effect" is just as, or even more powerful!
I would've thought light rims would be beneficial for speed changes during sprint finishes but less important during TT.
I'd take a look at optimising gearing, training hard and buying her some shiny specs or oveshoes?
I saw a current youth road/circuit national standings leader on a £5K Cervelo get pipped by a first timer on a CX bike costing a tenth of that on saturday, the little lad started at the back of the grid but was kean as can be because he'd been lent a team strip for the race. A happy kid is a fast kid. There were other kids from the same club who were normally quicker who had a bad day possibly because of all the serious looking athletes from other clubs who were warming up on rollers.
I'd take a look at optimising gearing, training hard and buying her some shiny specs or oveshoes?
I saw a current youth road/circuit national standings leader on a £5K Cervelo get pipped by a first timer on a CX bike costing a tenth of that on saturday, the little lad started at the back of the grid but was kean as can be because he'd been lent a team strip for the race. A happy kid is a fast kid. There were other kids from the same club who were normally quicker who had a bad day possibly because of all the serious looking athletes from other clubs who were warming up on rollers.
Edited by Bobley on Tuesday 30th April 12:42
Edited by Bobley on Tuesday 30th April 12:52
At her age, rider development is more important than equipement upgrades.
If she is not already in one, she will get most benefit from being in a Go-Ride club. There she will get the coaching and support she needs. She will also be riding regularly with kids of the same age in a number of events and at the same time be able to learn from the older ones. A go-ride club is also the best way into the British Cycling regional school of racing program.
A TCR Composite is an excellent starting point. The only reason I would buy new wheels at her stage is to give her a spare set for race meetings. Most of the kids I see in that group (my son races at youth A U16), if they have upgraded wheels at all and most don't, are running Mavic Ksyriums or Fulcrum 3's or 5's. Even at Youth B or C they will be alowed a lap out in the event of a flat or mechanical in a closed circuit race, so having a spare to swap out quickly is handy.
In terms of TT's, an aero set will not do her any harm, but at this stage it is more important for her to continue to improve her technique and improve her PB's on the same equipment.
If you must buy aero wheels, I see a lot of the older kids on Planet X wheels. My son has recently got a set of 4ZA T50's which he uses for both circuit and TT's and are his first set of aero wheels.
If she is not already in one, she will get most benefit from being in a Go-Ride club. There she will get the coaching and support she needs. She will also be riding regularly with kids of the same age in a number of events and at the same time be able to learn from the older ones. A go-ride club is also the best way into the British Cycling regional school of racing program.
A TCR Composite is an excellent starting point. The only reason I would buy new wheels at her stage is to give her a spare set for race meetings. Most of the kids I see in that group (my son races at youth A U16), if they have upgraded wheels at all and most don't, are running Mavic Ksyriums or Fulcrum 3's or 5's. Even at Youth B or C they will be alowed a lap out in the event of a flat or mechanical in a closed circuit race, so having a spare to swap out quickly is handy.
In terms of TT's, an aero set will not do her any harm, but at this stage it is more important for her to continue to improve her technique and improve her PB's on the same equipment.
If you must buy aero wheels, I see a lot of the older kids on Planet X wheels. My son has recently got a set of 4ZA T50's which he uses for both circuit and TT's and are his first set of aero wheels.
Weedram's first comment is spot on, coaching, development and enthusiasm, as well as tactics and experience, are far more beneficial than shiny things at that age.
The other issue is how will she feel if she has the best kit but still loses? At that age it's possibly better to quote the "it's not about the bike" mantra rather than try to buy speed.... At least that will encourage a serious training plan and you can use the wheels as a reward?! Of The U12 races I have seen, the value of the bike and the parts had little to do with determining who won.
find out when the BC talent squad will be in the area too but most of all, the best of luck!
The other issue is how will she feel if she has the best kit but still loses? At that age it's possibly better to quote the "it's not about the bike" mantra rather than try to buy speed.... At least that will encourage a serious training plan and you can use the wheels as a reward?! Of The U12 races I have seen, the value of the bike and the parts had little to do with determining who won.
find out when the BC talent squad will be in the area too but most of all, the best of luck!
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 30th April 15:41
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