bent 1
New Member
- Location
- So Florida
Hello all, I'm a new member and thought I'd post the latest project I've just completed.
My film disc conversion on a Velocity 650c Fusion profile rim is finished. It's by far the lightest full disc wheel available, adding only 30 to 40 grams. The light carbon fiber disc cover kits are 400 g and up, non carbon covers are heavier. Most are noisy and aren't nearly as aero as a full disc.
Full carbon disc wheels are great, but the lightest high end discs are very expensive, as the Lightweight at $6K and Zipp at $2.4K. The low cost import discs are cheaper but much heavier. Even bolt on carbon wheel covers aren't cheap or light.
As wheel weight increases, performance declines dramatically. This is a serious negative when climbing.
The ideal disc wheel would incorporate the lightest narrow profile rim, 25 mm deep. Also, light spokes and hub. More expensive bladed spokes are a bit lighter but aren't needed with a film disc wheel.
The variety of film colors is amazing, neon, carbon fiber, chrome, transparent, night glow, etc. Beside the performance boost, for safety they are quite visible. It's good to be seen going down the road. Bling is cool also.
The film is glued to the rim's profile then heat shrunk to tighten. I place a reinforcement circle at the hub.
This 700c road bike wheel has been on the road for nearly 2 years with no problems. This heat shrink film is used for model plane covering. It's very strong and shrinks extremely tight and lasts for years.
I have a number of wheels to cover for local riders, 700, 650, and 20", for bents and roadies. I'll be making material kits and full instructional info for a DIY wheel modification.
Bill
Recumbent One
My film disc conversion on a Velocity 650c Fusion profile rim is finished. It's by far the lightest full disc wheel available, adding only 30 to 40 grams. The light carbon fiber disc cover kits are 400 g and up, non carbon covers are heavier. Most are noisy and aren't nearly as aero as a full disc.
Full carbon disc wheels are great, but the lightest high end discs are very expensive, as the Lightweight at $6K and Zipp at $2.4K. The low cost import discs are cheaper but much heavier. Even bolt on carbon wheel covers aren't cheap or light.
As wheel weight increases, performance declines dramatically. This is a serious negative when climbing.
The ideal disc wheel would incorporate the lightest narrow profile rim, 25 mm deep. Also, light spokes and hub. More expensive bladed spokes are a bit lighter but aren't needed with a film disc wheel.
The variety of film colors is amazing, neon, carbon fiber, chrome, transparent, night glow, etc. Beside the performance boost, for safety they are quite visible. It's good to be seen going down the road. Bling is cool also.
The film is glued to the rim's profile then heat shrunk to tighten. I place a reinforcement circle at the hub.
This 700c road bike wheel has been on the road for nearly 2 years with no problems. This heat shrink film is used for model plane covering. It's very strong and shrinks extremely tight and lasts for years.
I have a number of wheels to cover for local riders, 700, 650, and 20", for bents and roadies. I'll be making material kits and full instructional info for a DIY wheel modification.
Bill
Recumbent One
