Hi,
This is my first post and I need some help in making a decision regarding which wheel to use on an upcoming (tomorrow) Hill climb TT. I started using a Powertap about 8 months ago, and until just recently, didn't realize how attached I was to it.
The race:
10K (6.2 miles) up hill time trial. elevation gain of 1740 feet and an average grade of about 5.8% (pitches as steep as 15%)
The equipment (rear wheels):
1. Reynolds DV46 Ultralight Tubular
2. Reynolds DV46 Clincher with a wireless SL powertap hub.
The difference between these two rear wheels is a full pound. The hub is definetly the majority of the weight, but there is also a good size savings in the Tubular rim and tire (rotating weight).
I have been trimming the pounds and I am down to a good weight for me 149lbs (67.7 K), so i have done my part to loose as much weight off the body. On a similar climb I have been averaging 330W for 23 minutes, I am estimating this race will take me about 27 minutes.
Here is the issue, the powertap is so great for pacing in a race like this. I know this will be an advantage, but is it worth adding a full pound to the rear wheel. I understand that it comes down to each individuals ability to pace themselves without the powertap, and there is no way anyone on this forum can know my ability to do this. i am just hoping there might be someone out there that has been in this situation and what they recommend. At the end of the day, it probably doesn't matter, but a few seconds in a race like this can make a big difference.
thanks so much for the help. and yes, I need a crank driven powermeter or the metrigear, when it is released.
thanks,
Bill