Thursday, September 9, 2010

New Wheels

According to a report I read a few weeks ago, the total amount of money deposited in US personal savings accounts increased $27 billion from $427 billion to $454 billion in the past year.

Though I've been trying to do my part to add to the aggregate American savings, my efforts where set back a little bit when I walked into Surf City Cyclery and bough a pair of Mavic Cosmic Carbone aero wheels last Sunday.  Last week I made the mistake of doing a hypothetical "I have $1500 - which component groupset would you buy?" post and a bunch of you said ditch the components and get a wheelset.

You spoke,  I listened.


In my defense, I did show some restraint.  I had the presence of mind to immediately realize that an extra grand for the next level of Zipp or Reynolds wheels was not (nor should they be) in the cards for me.  Given my athletic ability, I'm better off with the Mavics and maybe an aero helmet with $850 still in the bank.

Funny enough, I did get a slight component upgrade in the end - the cassette is Ultegra.


I finally had the chance to put them on my bike today but didn't really get to try them out.  I had to fiddle with the set screws in the drop outs ("slide-ins" actually) because I needed more clearance for the wheel in the concave of the seat tube.  I was a little surprised by this but I have a feeling it's actually the tires - I threw some Continental Gatorskins on the rims just to try the wheels out and I think they are a deeper tire than what I originally had on.  I finally took a short spin this evening.  My final judgment is obviously withheld for further testing, but I could definitely feel a difference.

 

They do look cool though.  And they make that wicked churning noise when I ride...that's a good thing.  In my first couple of races, it was THE sound on the bike course that sent a shiver of fear down my spine when I heard it come up behind me.  And then "Woosh!", someone would fly by.  This (the passing) will probably still happen but the other guy's wheel sound will now be drowned out by my own.

18 comments:

The Green Girl said...

Wow. Check you out with your new toy - congratulations!

And thank you for complimenting Mr. Green Garmin and saying he looks younger than he is. ::grins::

Barbie said...

Okay, you lost me at "set screws in the drop outs ("slide-ins" actually) because I needed more clearance for the wheel in the concave of the seat tube" but I love all the pictures. And that sound gets me everytime too. I love it.Congrats.

FLATOUT JIM said...

Mine make a squeeking noise. Scares the bejeebus out of my competitiors.

valen said...

mavics are great wheels and the pricing was awesome, I'll have to ask the store to open a NZ brach!

KovasP said...

If it sounds like a duck, moves like a duck, and acts like a duck, must be a triathlete. Way to join the big leagues, very nice set of wheels - not too deep for the crosswinds of Hawaii!

Tri-James said...

Look faster already! But with the gatorskins you are taking two steps foward and one step backwards.

Unknown said...

New gear! I'm trying to add to the American Savings fund too, however I will spend it when I have enough to buy my first tri bike. Have fun with your wheels - go scare people

Big Clyde said...

Much of that was greek to me, but the bike looks badass and I like that churning noise...nothing like a little intimidation to freak the competitors.

Unknown said...

Those are some sexy shoes my friend!

JAmes is right about the Gatorskins. Use those on your training wheels - they are too heavy for the carbons. Check out some bontragers or conty 4000s. It will make 'em feel even faster!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

This is a way better investment then the components, ditch the gators and get contential 4000s

TRI714 said...

damn, that whole bike is my future ride. Are you using them on tommorows ride ? I cant wait to draft the hell out of you :-) clearly because you will now be that much more faster !! Sweet, I have another excuse to be a klingon. Or I could just borrow the wheels and be the wind breaker all morning ;-)

Aimee said...

Hooray for new wheels! They look awesome, and most importantly, FAST!

Rad Runner said...

I did notice that yesterday.. The 2 is better then one game is fun hu? 2 cute running outfits are better then 1, 2 rad bikes are better then 1.. Same difference.. I noticed the Phiten(ish) bracelet yesterday- those things rock the things that look like bandages are amazing, have you ever tried them?

DRog said...

NICE RIDE! and itt sounds like you are very proficient with the bike maintenence...impressed
-D

zbsports said...

I like your new wheel, it is cool. Nice post there!!!

Kathleen said...

Transitions are great bikes! I have been the proud owner of the Expert since April. Nice wheels! It sure is fun to get new "toys" isn't it?

Lindsay said...

looks good! funny about the 'sound'. now you will be one of those guys too in a race!

Glenn Jones said...

Thanks for being part of the Economic Recovery Act of 2010. What? We don't manufacture things here in the US anymore?

I'll be listening for the woosh on PCH...

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