Extra Life Triathlon Fitness

This blog has moved to www.extralifetrifit.com. Extra Life Triathlon Fitness is a coaching service to help people achieve exceptional fitness, joy, and fulfillment in the sport of triathlon. Join us today!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Flo Wheels Product Feature

I haven't taken much to reviewing products on this site, as I figured it might infringe on my "no negativity" rule. Additionally, I felt my experience in the sport had yet to merit any credibility on any particular subject. I then realized that this is a blog, after all, and any opinions which are expressed here are well worth the paper they're printed on (which is none because, well, no "paper". Only the electric ether of the internets). In all seriousness though, after a few races under my belt, I'm beginning see what works for me and what doesn't. Thus I am choosing to not necessarily "review" products, but instead just write about stuff I like.

Now, just because I don't review a product doesn't mean I don't like it. In fact, the lack of a feature here could mean a lot of things (such as power meters not being part of my regular training, or a piece of equipment being far to expensive, or I just didn't get off my lazy butt to write about it). But just know that it's not a critique or endorsement of that product.

Well that was all useless information. Now on to the review... er... "feature".


There are a variety of accessories which, outside of any variable conditions, can provide free speed and performance on a bike, and depending on who you talk to, each may have more benefit than another. In no necessary order (and I stress that to avoid involving myself in the endless debate of what will best improve bike performance) they are the engine* (in other words you), the bike frame, the bike fit, the clothing, the helmet, and of course the wheels. I've put an asterisk next to the engine because that is the number one thing a cyclist can change to improve performance. Even if you add all the other bells and whistles, your bike will still just be sitting in your garage. Improving the efficiency of the rider will be the best way to improve how fast, how far, and how long you can ride.

That said, today we will be discussing the wheels. For all of my races leading up to the Ironman Los Cabos, I had been racing on Fulcrom Racing 7 wheels, which were essentially the stock wheels that came with the bike. This is not to say that they were poor wheels. In fact, I have been using them for over a year in training and racing with a great result. However, wheels traditionally associated with racing have specific advantages I wasn't benefiting from. The main difference is the design of the wheel, which improves the aerodynamics of the ride. The carbon fiber fairings (which are what make the rims look super thick) act almost like a sail in the wind. Instead of wind just going through the wheel, it would catch the fairing and help reduce drag and propel it forward. With the consideration above that I could buy some free speed by purchasing new wheels, I was interested in seeing my options.

The key phrase there is "buy". Turns out this speed was not free after all. If fact it was expensive speed. Very expensive speed. Many of the wheels that offered an aerodynamic advantage were well over $2,000 for a set! Some were more than I paid for my bike. Discouraged, I gave up on my search and came to terms that I would make do with racing the wheels I had. Until I began hearing the buzz about Flo Cycling. I will spare the details of the company (you can view their site for more information), but I had seen through various websites that this small startup company wanted to satisfy a niche in the marketplace to provide aerodynamic wheels at an affordable price. Many of the reviews were very positive, and the price point was 1/3 of the price of the major competitors.

Because the wheels are inexpensive, and because the company is still relatively small, they have an order once a month or so, and the wheels sell out within an hour, depending on the wheel set. The prospect of having a great racing wheel set for a fraction of the price of regular wheels led me to pull the trigger on the Flo 60/Flo 90 combo, a popular combination with a 60 mm faring in front and a 90 mm faring in the rear. At the very least if I wasn't happy with the wheels, I could very easily sell them on ebay or craigslist without much of a loss. In fact, I checked ebay for Flo wheels for sale and found very few results. Those I did find were very close to, if not exactly, the selling price. Another good sign.

I've heard a number of complaints about the ordering process. Since they are flooded with orders over a short period of time, things tend to get "stuck", and people miss out. Fortunately, I didn't have any of these problems. Within a couple minutes I had the Flo 60 and Flo 90 in my cart and had made the purchase. Because the inventory for disc wheels is much less and the demand high, these wheels sell out much more quickly.

I received my wheels about a month before Ironman Los Cabos, which gave me a chance to ride them on a few training rides. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare them to except the Fulcrum 7's, since this was my first experience with aero wheels. The first ride was a little wobbly at first which had me nervous. It was a windy day, but Cabo would be windy as well. I would venture to say that this wobble factor in gusty wind exists for all aero wheels since their surface areas are similar. However, after a dozen or so miles, I became accustomed to it. The noticeable difference is that upon accelerating on the flats and downhills I could easily maintain higher speeds at less power output. It felt as though the high winds were propelling me forward. On the hills I didn't notice a significant difference from the Fulcrums since they are approximately the same weight. However, once over the peak of the hill the wheels seemed to want to scream. The noise is loud as the air passes through the hollow fairings, but it sounds fast, so that's good!



Ironman Los Cabos was the true test for these wheels (and myself for that matter). It would be the first time doing a long distance ride on these tires, the first time with this level of climbing, and the first time having to run a marathon after riding on them. I have to say that these wheels performed like a charm. The relentless climbing that was the bane of many racers that day seemed comparatively effortless on the Flo wheels. And once hitting the downhills the bike seemed hungry for acceleration. But it was in the crosswinds where these wheels excelled. I had a lot of concerns coming into the race about the winds being a major factor. During training rides my pace would slow dramatically in head or cross winds. In this race I barely felt them, and they only minimally affected my pace. Certainly not to the extent that they did in training rides.

Important too was that off the bike I felt fresh and ready to run, as opposed to training where I had felt fatigued during my longer 5-7 hour rides.

I averaged about 20 mph on the bike, but to compare that pace to any of my other races would be like comparing apples to screwdrivers. I went faster in my half in palm springs, but that was a completely flat course without the heat and only half the distance. The most important thing here is that I felt faster and fresher on these wheels. In a race where how you feel can be the difference between a PR and a DNF, perceived effort can be the most important measure you have. Because the ride feels effortless and fast on these wheels, it gives me all the confidence to race strong.

One further endorsement for these wheels is the service. The owners of this company have a genuine interest in the service they provide. They take a very personal approach to their customers, often responding directly to customer inquiries personally, involving themselves on multiple online forums, and providing ample technical support via their website, YouTube, etc.

Did I mention the price? Well if I forgot, you can get into a pair of these wheels for a small fraction of the price of even second hand race wheels. In fact, it is likely that you can get a set of Flo 30's (training wheels), a set of Flo 60's or 90's, and a disk for less than the price of a set of competitive racing wheels. How do they perform against those competitive race wheels? I don't know, but I will say the risk/reward is much better for the consumer than many of the other wheels on the market. And if at the very least I'm not paying for free speed but for improved feel, then I would say that the product is well worth the price of admission.


36 comments:

  1. Adam,

    I really appreciate you taking the time to write this post. It's a very generous article and I loved hearing your first hand experience with the wheels.

    Take care,

    Chris Thornham
    FLO Cycling

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Chris! You guys have an awesome company and product and I'm really glad I found it. Looking forward to getting a set of 30's in one of the next orders!

      Delete
  2. Adam,
    great read. I completely agree. I bought a 60,90, and a disc about 9 months ago and have not looked back since. IMy first race on them was IM boulder 70.3, so pretty hilly but I had my fastest bike split at the distance riding the disc even with the slightly extra weight climbing. Also to your last point, I sold a pair of zipp 404s (used) and basically sold the set to buy all three brand new Flo wheels.

    Bryan Apgar
    http://bapgar.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Except if the advancement group can bring products quicker in the market, the organization can't remain in front of their rivals. Kate Hudson Skin Cream

    ReplyDelete
  4. Diversion play for the majority of the Hot Wheels Amusements rotates around driving in a race against companions or the PC's man-made intelligence schedules.Hot Wheels Cars

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ensure that you don't purchase a lemon utilized vehicle. Pre-Owned

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice article. I enjoyed reading your post. very nice share. I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks !. Tlc tea

    ReplyDelete
  7. As a rule, private car customers and private car venders, are further separated on value then car vendors and car customers. GEBRAUCHTWAGEN ANKAUF DARMSTADT

    ReplyDelete
  8. Along these lines, getting your vehicles auto body repaired doesn't need to be an issue, you would now be able to discover an auto body shop that offers portable repairs administrations. Best Hydraulic Car Jacks

    ReplyDelete
  9. Most classical cars are presently incredibly uncommon, with a couple flawless models to be found. Such extraordinariness implies that reestablishing, keeping up and restoring an antique vehicle may demonstrate carefully troublesome just as costly. Best Hydraulic Car Jacks

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! carbon wheels

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The web site style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers outdoor car covers

    ReplyDelete
  12. Whether you are in a leisure vacation trip or a scheduled business meeting for a few days, the big "guys" of Miami car rentals companies can offer you great options for all your car hire needs. Luxury Car Rental Miami

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey There. I found your blog using Google. This is a very well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return. avast cleanup premium key 2019

    ReplyDelete
  14. Extraordinary blog. I took pleasure in scrutinizing your articles. This is extremely a marvelous scrutinized for me. I have bookmarked it and I am suspecting examining new articles. Continue doing magnificent! Portia Antonia Alexis Neuroscience

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have to look for goals with essential information on given point and offer them to instructor our inclination and the article. buy passport online

    ReplyDelete
  16. Excellent! Amazing! I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also. I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. anthony jerdine

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am upbeat to locate your recognized method for composing the post. Presently you make it simple for me to comprehend and execute the idea. Much obliged to you for the post. Qatar

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. lottovip

    ReplyDelete
  19. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. fn 502 tactical for sale

    ReplyDelete
  20. Transparencies have many uses. When you are planning to prepare a presentation, you can use transparencies on an overhead projector during your talk rather than a PowerPoint presentation. You are probably not familiar with transparencies but if you are, then you know that they are sheets of glossy plastic films. That description alone should tell you that printing on them is not easy. So, you need the read more this article.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The bushcraft knife can be the deciding factor that makes your job easier or keeps you alive. When you are miles away from the nearest road, the last thing you want to think about is if your knife is capable of performing multiple tasks. These knives are used in bushcraft courses for forest schools and outdoor education. That’s why a user needs to trust a proven manufacturer. https://wopick.org/best-bushcraft-knife-under-50.html Read the Complete review

    ReplyDelete
  22. Acknowledges for paper such a beneficial composition, I stumbled beside your blog besides decipher a limited announce. I want your technique of inscription. https://www.royalapar.com/alat-pemadam-kebakaran/

    ReplyDelete
  23. For registration of a sole proprietorship, the following documents are required: CNIC of the Person Applying for Sole Proprietor Registration Hire a Lawyer Online

    ReplyDelete
  24. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Goldshell KD6

    ReplyDelete
  25. If you’re looking for the perfect energy healer for you, start by determining what you want and need. Once you know, search doctors’ specialties and experience before selecting someone.dr sebi website

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also. more about the MyCCPay

    ReplyDelete
  27. Completeroofingsolutions a commercial and industrial roofing contractor. We understand the challenges and complexities of installing commercial roofing installations on your building. While ensuring minimal impact on your daily operations, adhering to the highest safety standards in the industry, and providing superior workmanship, completeroofingsolutions is your roofer of choice for commercial roof replacement, roof repairs, and restoration. Visit us at https://completeroofingsolutions.co.nz/.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am upbeat to locate your recognized method for composing the post. Presently you make it simple for me to comprehend and execute the idea. Much obliged to you for the post. Foxit Reader Full Crack

    ReplyDelete
  29. The TIG process is known for the finest heat control of any type of welding. It takes a lot of practice to get proficient at TIG welding. Second, best cheap tig welder cost a lot more than other machines do. That means adding TIG skills to your craft can get very expensive. But we found machines that let you TIG weld affordably for less than $1000.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me. ufa

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. seoclerks

    ReplyDelete
  32. If you're dealing with a dying and desolate area of your property which is so disgusting you barely stand looking at it, covering it with fake grass could be an upgrade.We conducted the research for this article hoping to suggest the top artificial grasses.Maybe it's time to replace your actual grass with artificial. It's a synthetic substitute, and it is less prone to maintenance and is green Best Artificial Grass Rugs.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The aim of our service is to provide you with top-class essay help when you ask us to write my paper; we do not collect or share any of your personal data. We use the email you provide us to send you drafts, final papers, and the occasional promotion and discount code, but that’s it! No payment data is stored in our database after you pay for essay tasks. Entrust your assignments to our essay writers today, and save time for other important things paper writing service.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This content is simply exciting and creative. I have been deciding on a institutional move and this has helped me with one aspect. luxury candle jars wholesale

    ReplyDelete