82mm vs 50mm Vs Front vs Back

[JasonHolder]

Just been trawling the interweb today and found a load of b*llocks.

Is an 80mm faster than a 50mm of the same wheel set. and what's the difference you have front vs rear. Ie only a deep section on either front or rear.

If it helps, ive been doing some testing. roll start to a downhill test segment and took 4 whole seconds off my time with a 50 compared to a 22mm. Real world results are somewhat lacking. And that's over 1.6 miles.

I remember a few years back some guys riding rear deep section only, and have seen guys riding front only.

Only riding I've done on 50s is borrowing a pair for races near a decade ago. Not even sure they helped or not.

 

[jowwy]

 

[fossyant]

It's very subjective to conditions as to which is better. A more aero front wheel is the best option as the air is clean. The air over the back wheel isn't clean, but a rear disc is usually the better option for TT's.

 

[Cuchilo]

That means its better to put the bigger rim on the back and the front

 

[KneesUp]

Why are you in such a rush all the time?

 

[Smokin Joe]

The deeper rim gives a stiffer wheel, an advantage on the back but a potential pain on the front as it can be twitchy in cross winds.

 

[Rob3rt]

These questions can all be answered with "it depends".

 

[Peter Armstrong]

Just go 50mm 50mm, its soooooo pro