Re: Topolino C19 Wheelset
10/12/06 01:58 AM (71.241.151.97)
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Darby,
Just reviewing the forum again and noticed your question about rotational mass.
Rotating mass is generally a bad thing, and here is why. Mass takes energy to move. The more mass, the more energy it takes to move. On a wheel, this mass to be concerned about is on the outside (the rim and spokes), so it is a large lever that you need to move, and you have a distinct disadvantage due to the mechanical properties of the drive train, ie, you are geared to have a single revolution of the crank rotate the wheel more than once.
As an example, try swinging a hammer. Then try swinging a ruler or dowel. It takes a lot less work to swing the ruler. Wheels work the same way.
Now once you get the wheel up to speed, it does not take much to keep it rolling, but here is the rub. Cyclists tend not to keep the same speed. In a race, or on a fast pack ride, the peloton speeds up and slows down all the time. A heavy wheel requires more energy to get up to speed, and you are constantly changing speeds. So you want a light wheel that does not take as much energy to get up to speed.
Now what does this all mean to an average cyclist. Nothing if you are not going fast. A faster rider will want to keep up with surges in the peloton, and lighter wheels will help you do this. Lighter wheels are also great for hill climbing. Not as much energy is required to keep them rolling up a hil, less lifting. Try a lighter wheel on a fast ride and you will find the bike is easier to get up to speed and will seem zipper and a joy to ride.
This is one reason I love the Topo wheels, they are light, but also an alloy rim, and strong, so you can use them as an every day wheel. They make a difference, and to say otherwise is a lie. Would I like a lighter wheel? Sure, but lighter wheels tend to be carbon and are not as durable as alloy rims.
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Re: Topolino C19 Wheelset
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