Hmm. Like Dan here at Slowtwitch I get asked this several times a day. I have a bike shop through which we sell primarily triathlon and time-trial bikes so everyone who calls or comes in is hunting for speed. I'm the guy who does almost all of the wind tunnel testing on wheels, frames, helmets, and bike positions, so it would seem that I should have the exact answer immediately at hand.

In the world or aero wheels, though, you can quickly achieve "paralysis by analysis" if you start reading the ads and various web pages of the different manufacturers. They all understandably tend to put themselves in the best light. Still, you, the consumer, are left with questions that need answers before you part with the big bucks for the wrong wheels. Dan asked me to break down the type of riders into just a few catagories. If you'll consider your own situation dispassionately I think you'll find you may fit one of them.

For the groupings below I'm limiting my suggestions to just two or three wheel brands. There are several other wheel brands that would fit into each category. You can usually pick another brand that has similar spoke count and rim depth to what I've suggested and get very satisfactory results. My choices aren't intended to slight Extreme, Corima, Mavic, Shimano and others, I’m just trying to make it simpler for you, so that you can spot what type wheel should work best in each catagory.

• You're an absolute beginner, and are slow as Molasses:
  • Rolf Vector Comps
• Your getting better, you have a Tri bike, and are looking for a decent set of 18mph wheels:
  • Zipp 303' or Hed Alps, either of which as clinchers.
• You have a road race bike with clip-ons and reversed seat post, or you might ride in the "slam" position. You need a 700c set of 24mph wheels:
  • Hed 3's or Zipp 404's. Now start to consider tubulars.
• You have a tri bike, you'd give Jurgen Zack a run for his money, you need the best set of 26mph race wheels:
  • Any rear disc (when they're allowed) or rear Hed Deep. On the front should be a Hed3 or Zipp 404. Tubulars mandatory.
• You're a girl, you weigh 110 pounds, you go 20 mph, but get blown around and need a safe set of race wheels:
  • Zipp 303 front, with a 404 on the rear.
  • Alternatively, a Hed Alps front and rear (no 3 or 4 spoke wheels for you).

Hopefully this helps, and does not simply add confusion to your decision. As I mentioned above, there are several manufacturers that build pretty similar wheels for each application. The above selections are mainly to indicate styles of wheel I'd recommend for each application. Now maybe you can narrow down the style you need, make your decisions, and get back to training.

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