Quote:
Originally Posted by Weather Spotter
put smooth covers on the rims and that will help.
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It's being done on many velomobiles where it doesn't hurt wind-stability as the velomobile is already fully enclosed.
Lots of drag is generated by the many fast spinning spokes.
This has led to less spokes (down to 3 on CF wheels)
A high rim improves the length/width ratio of the rim/tube assembly, which is good.
It also reduces the length and thus the drag of the spokes, right where they are spinning the fastest / causing most drag.
A fully covered wheel is the culmination of both : the length/width ratio of the entire wheel is far better and constant, while spoke drag is gone.
The downside is wheel weight and instability in crosswind.