How to Select Triathlon Bicycle Wheels

Buying a set of race wheels for your bike can really stir up a team of questions, especially if you’re just starting out in the triathletic sport. Does size matter? What about the tread of your wheels? Or even the terrain of your course? Should you worry about their durability? Can a tire actually weigh you down? Is there any truth to the saying “you get what you pay for?” Better yet, if you’re in tiptop condition, does it truly matter what kind of wheels you put on your bike?

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle specifications
  • Personal/course data
  • Money
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Figure out the size of tire you’ll need in relation to your height. Typically, the shorter you are the smaller the tire you’ll need. This has a lot to do with the displacement of your body weight over the bike. When you’re around 5 feet, 8 inches or under, you should really shoot for a set of 650c wheels. They’re light and allow for lower center of gravity, creating a more comfortable, yet effective body position in a race. When you’re over 6-feet tall, your best bet is a set of 700c wheels. They’re a little heavier than the 650c, but have a lower rotational speed and a better rolling resistance which is ideal for a taller rider. For those people who are in between, it really comes down to a matter of comfort and preference. Either sets will work, or you can suit your bike with a combination of the two. In this scenario, you’ll have both increased stability and less weight.

    • 2

      Figure out the type of tire you’ll need: clincher or tubular. The clincher is a less expensive tire than that of the tubular, but has an overall lower air pressure, increasing the rolling resistance and drag of the wheel. However, this type of tire can be easily swapped out when encountering a flat, whereas the tubular is a bit more difficult in this area, yet is considered more puncture resistant.

    • 3

      Recognize how the weight and aerodynamics of your chosen tire will affect your ride. Surprisingly, weight and aerodynamics are slightly exclusive. Typically, the more aerodynamic a wheel is the heavier it tends to be in its weight, which begs the question of importance. When you’re looking for speed, aero is a great option, but when you’re looking for endurance, the lighter the wheel, the better.

    • 4

      Look at the terrain of your course. This goes hand in hand with the weight and aerodynamics of your wheel. If your course is somewhat hilly, an aerodynamic wheel can make a much smoother transition for the rider between flat and inclined terrain. However, as the grade of the incline increase, the lightness of your wheel becomes more important. In this type of course, find a wheel set with a little less aerodynamics and weight.

    • 5

      Understand your price point. If you’re new to the sport, it’s always best to minimize your investment. Once you’ve become familiar with cycling, you can start devoting a little more money to your bike.