Peformance Enhancers: Part 2…

So I’m 140k into the 200k Dragon Ride when another rider pulls up along side and says ”your wheel’s had it hasn’t it…” You what??? I look down to see a heavily buckled rear wheel. Not just a little bit off-true, but full-on wibbly wobbly. Unbeknown to me it must have got out of kilter somewhere on the ride. This left me with a little bit of an issue. I still had the small matter of the second climb up the Bwlch and, more worryingly, the 60kph (37mph) 20k descent the other side... No real option other than to continue and hope that the wheel didn’t collapse at an inopportune moment. Somewhat unnerving.

I think the wheel is pretty much toast. I may just about be able to resuscitate it enough to use it on the turbo, but this wheel is unlikely to ever see the open roads again. RIP.

Luckily however, last week I ordered myself a pair of ‘Italian racing’ wheels… Some Fulcrum Racing 3’s no less… These should arrive anytime in the next day or two and should be lighter, stiffer and more responsive than my current wheels (pre-buckle and certainly post-buckle). In short, should be better at climbing, descending and generally cycling fast. Good, good & triply good.

Of course, these lovely wheels need a new set of boots – so, I shall no longer be riding on my winter/training tyres (Conti Gator Skins) – these wheels deserve a lighter tyre with lower rolling resistance – Michelin Pro2 Race tyres it is then…