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Over a decade of smart engineering, design and real-world testing have made Rolf Prima the industry leader in lightweight, high performance bicycle wheels with extraordinary aerodynamic benefits.
Wind tunnel testing was conducted at the San Diego Air and Space Technology Low Speed Wind Tunnel which has conducted nearly 100,000 hours of testing on numerous military and aerospace programs. This facility has provided testing for nearly 150 professional and amateur cyclists including Lance Armstrong and the Discovery Cycling Team, CSC, Astana, Phonak, Slipstream and World Ironman Champions Chris McCormack, Norman Stadler and Michellie Jones.
All alloy clincher wheels in the test used the same Continental Grand Prix 700x 20c tire and tube. Every tubular wheel used the same Continental GP 4000 700 x 22c tire but measured slightly under 22mm on all tubular test rims. Variations of actual measured tire width is due to variable rim widths. All tires were inflated to 120 psi.
Aerodynamics Summary:Other than your body's position on the bike, how FAST you can ride your bicycle is largely dependent on how efficient your wheels are in lowering air resistance. Since there is more wind resistance to overcome the faster you ride, a rider with efficient aerodynamic wheels will go faster than a rider with greater power output and less efficient wheels.
Cyclists rarely encounter wind angles in excess of 15 degrees due to the forward momentum of the wheel and the direction of the prevailing winds. Competitive riders should pay particular attention to the data resulting at wind angles from 0 to 15 degrees. When you factor wind hitting the wheel from the left and right sides, that's a total of 30 degrees. It doesn't make sense to ride a wheel that doesn't offer significant aerodynamic benefits until the wind strikes it at angles greater than 20 degrees.
The effects of wheel weight have less impact on performance compared to a wheel with good aerodynamic benefits. Even on tough climbing courses, the benefits of typical lightweight category wheels aren’t sufficient enough to offset the advantages a good aero wheel posses for lowering wind resistance. To illustrate this point, consider that a cyclist (and wheel) fights against the wind constantly, whereas climbing a hill occurs mostly on occasion.
A note on spoke count: Much has been written on the internet newsgroups lately about low spoke count wheels which merits some clarification. Wind tunnel data and ride performance proves that wheel stiffness and aerodynamic performance are NOT inversely related in low spoke count wheels - provided the spokes are laced to the rim in pairs. Only paired spoked wheels can use higher spoke tensions and fewer spokes than conventionally laced wheels without compromising wheel stiffness or durability.
Every Rolf Prima wheel system incorporates several other patented design technologies including Differential Flange Diameter™, Dish Reducing Design™, Self-Aligning Nipple™, Jacketed Nipple Design™, and Zero Offset Flange™ drilling. Our wheels are the technological best choice from professional racers to top-level amateurs.