wheel decision rotating mass vs. aero

[PaleMelanesian]

Originally Posted by t vago

Get the alloy rims, then slap on aero covers on them. Then, you'd have less unsprung rotating weight, and better aerodynamics.

This is your best option. Since they're alloy rims, you'll have to fabricate your own covers and method of attachment.

[Phantom]

Depending on how the mount is built he might be able to place a flat cover between the wheel and hub. This could be done using wheel spacers assuming there is some extra space to push the wheels out a little with out it sticking into the air stream.

[PaleMelanesian]

There's really no downside to light weight, though. It's better for acceleration and braking, as mentioned by vago above, better for cornering, better handling on bumps and rough surfaces, etc.

You could mount it with zip ties around the spokes.

[bikin' Ed]

This topic comes up very often on bicycling forums. Lighter or more aero

The conclusion always seems to be, in real world applications aero always beats lighter. I'm sure everyone reading this can find an exception, but unless that is the only driving you do, aero wins.

[Vekke]

I think the bike is not comparable, because the wheels are in the open air and wind can hit straight at them. In a car they are inside fenders. yes Spokes will still stirl up the air but much less than in a bike. But I would say still aero is better for FE. As mentioned above you could have both, with clear polykarbonate covers and nice looking lighter wheels. Good aero and light weight.

[Synchronicity]

I'm really getting into this as now as I've done a fair few mods and modified my driving technique and it's all starting to add up to spare change in my pocket!!

Anyway-
What about extended climbing in mountainous terrain? I routinely have to climb at least 3000feet (cumulative) on my commute (it's a delivery run really). Sometimes 6000 or more...

Would alloy wheels offer some kind of improved fuel efficiency in that situation?

[meanjoe75fan]

Originally Posted by Synchronicity

I'm really getting into this as now as I've done a fair few mods and modified my driving technique and it's all starting to add up to spare change in my pocket!!

Anyway-
What about extended climbing in mountainous terrain? I routinely have to climb at least 3000feet (cumulative) on my commute (it's a delivery run really). Sometimes 6000 or more...

Would alloy wheels offer some kind of improved fuel efficiency in that situation?

Don't know about FE necessarily, but aero covers might not allow enough air cooling of the rotors, if you have to drive up+down Pike's Peak daily...

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Synchronicity

What about extended climbing in mountainous terrain? I routinely have to climb at least 3000feet (cumulative) on my commute (it's a delivery run really). Sometimes 6000 or more...

Would alloy wheels offer some kind of improved fuel efficiency in that situation?

Yes, it will offer "some kind of improved fuel efficiency", but you won't be able to see the difference in fuel savings because it is too small.

Unless you get the wheels for free, the fuel savings will likely never offset their cost, and you will be disappointed that you can't measure the amount of fuel saved.

That said, I'm considering lightweight wheels for my TSX. I like the idea of miniscule fuel savings, but the real reason to get light-weight wheels is to decrease unsprung mass and increase handling performance. In other words, I want lighter wheels so I can have more fun driving. To save money, I will look for a used set.

In my experience, driving up and down mountains is very efficient because I get to use the 80% engine load sweet spot, and then coast back down in neutral or DFCO. My estimate is that I get 15% better FE when driving mountains vs my normal routine of freeway and city traffic.