The most basic benefit, which most people know about clincher wheels, is the fact that you can install them quite fast. This is a beneficial convenience compared to tubular models that require quite some time and expertise to glue on the tire. Moreover, flats on clincher sets only need replacement of inner tubes rather than changing the whole tire.
It is also a well-known fact that thicker wheel rims offer better aerodynamic design. This reduces wind resistance, hence helping cyclists to accelerate and cruise at higher speeds. Such a benefit can be derived from the 60mm carbon clincher wheelset.
However, all these benefits are simply not enough to get you that coveted win during any race. This is because cycling is largely dependent on physical exertion. Every type of equipment that you purchase only enhances the power you put into it and skillfulness with which you use it. Therefore, you need to develop these important aspects that will enable you make full utility of the carbon wheels.
Physical Endurance
The issue of physical endurance cannot be overstated. This is an aspect that is critically important even in short races. In fact, a 2000 study published in the journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise reveals that the performance of cyclists during races taking as short as 5 minutes is significantly affected by their aerobic endurance.
You shouldn't limit your training simply on developing power and strength, but also develop aerobic endurance by taking regular, long-distance cycling practice. This will enable you to maintain constant speeds during races without faltering.
Riding Position
The position you adopt while riding plays a key role in reducing wind resistance, which helps you to improve on cycling speeds. However, you should also take note of the most efficient position that won't hinder effective steering; otherwise you might cause an accident. This is especially so with aero bars which place riders in low crouch positions with their torsos close to the horizontal. The cyclist must be careful not to go too far beyond the steering axis. This will create an unstable forward weight.
According to Human Kinetics, while riding at 30 mph, the bicycles' resistance would only make up 25% - 35% of the total resistance. Moreover, the resistance of a 6 ft. tall rider can easily double depending on his/ her riding position. This means that your body position is a much more significant aspect in reducing wind resistance, compared to having aerodynamically designed 60mm carbon clincher wheels.
The most efficient posture is referred to as the 'hill descent position'. This is a crouching posture, which is similar to that achieved while using elbow-rest aero handlebars. In this posture, you hold in your elbows so that your front arms form a narrower profile than your body. In this position, the angle of your forearms would range from 0o to 30o, measured from the horizontal (a 0o angle is the best).
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