{"id":67161,"date":"2024-07-25T13:36:59","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T11:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ba0ba325-53b3-4afc-a0d8-7dfb55cb104c"},"modified":"2024-07-25T14:25:24","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T12:25:24","slug":"wout-van-aert-testing-tt-bike-with-two-disc-wheels-for-paris-2024-olympics-time-trial","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/wout-van-aert-testing-tt-bike-with-two-disc-wheels-for-paris-2024-olympics-time-trial\/","title":{"rendered":"Wout van Aert testing TT bike with two disc wheels for Paris 2024 Olympics time trial"},"content":{"rendered":"

Will the Belgian use two disc wheels for the time trial this Saturday? <\/p>

By Stan Portus\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 25 July 2024 at 11:36 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Wout van Aert is testing a time trial bike with two disc wheels ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic time trial.<\/p>

While it\u2019s common for time trialists to run a single disc wheel on the back of their time trial bike, paired with a deep-rimmed front wheel, it\u2019s rare for a rider to use a double-disc setup.\u00a0<\/p>

A typical time trial setup \u2013 a disc rear wheel and a deep-rimmed front wheel \u2013 enables riders to take advantage of the significantly improved aerodynamics of a rear disc, without it having a disproportionately adverse impact on the bike\u2019s handling.<\/p>

Track pursuit riders regularly use two disc wheels, but it\u2019s much less common for road riders to run a double-disc setup in a time trial. Choosing the most aerodynamic wheel at the front of the bike (i.e. a disc) won\u2019t necessarily be the fastest option if you can\u2019t control the bike in the wind.\u00a0<\/p>

Why choose two disc wheels?<\/h2>
A rider using two disc wheels on a time trial bike is a rare sight. – IMAGO \/ Photo News<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Wout van Aert must be confident in \u2013 or at least intrigued by \u2013 the potential benefits of a double-disc-wheel setup for this Saturday’s Olympic time trial<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Shara Marche used a double disc at London 2012, although the Aussie finished in 13th place, 2:15 behind the winner.<\/p>

The Paris 2024 Olympic time trial course starts in Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement of Paris before heading east to Fontenay-sous-Bois and back to its starting point via Place de la Bastille.\u00a0<\/p>

The 32.4km course is flat with long straights and only 150m of ascent. Wout van Aert may think that, with few turns and little climbing, there will be little disadvantage to running two disc wheels. If that\u2019s the case, the extra weight and the compromised manoeuvrability of his Cerv\u00e9lo P5 time trial bike<\/a> shouldn\u2019t be a penalty.<\/p>

\"Belgian
Wout van Aert has also been testing the Paris course using a deep-rimmed front wheel. – Dirk Waem \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Van Aert may have also considered the weather, which is forecast to be raining but still on Saturday, meaning he doesn\u2019t have to worry about the front disc wheel being blown around in the wind. <\/p>

This is a point former WorldTour pro and time trial specialist Alex Dowsett acknowledges on Instagram. \u201cI\u00a0 wouldn’t be surprised if it’s used on race day though it’s completely wind dependant,\u201d wrote Dowsett, also suggesting “a lenticular design should help stability”.\u00a0<\/p>

However, so far we\u2019ve only seen Van Aert riding in training. He has also been testing a more conventional deep-section front wheel on the Paris Olympics time trial course and may opt for this setup on race day.<\/p>

More aero tweaks<\/h2>
\"Wout
Wout van Aert using the Giro Aerohead 2.0 helmet. – Dirk Waem \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Beyond the two-disc wheels, Van Aert appears to be considering several other drag-reducing kit choices to improve his chances of standing on the top step of the podium.\u00a0<\/p>

He\u2019s been out testing the course wearing the Giro Aerohead 2.0 helmet<\/a>, which was revealed earlier this year at Tirreno-Adriatico.\u00a0<\/p>

The Aerohead 2.0 follows the trend for time trial helmets growing steadily in size. The helmet\u2019s wide wings presumably shift air from the leading edge of the helmet and around the shoulder.\u00a0<\/p>

The most striking aspect of the helmet, however, is its length. It extends far beyond the rider\u2019s forehead to create a cone-like profile.<\/p>

\"Close
Van Aert has also switched to lace-up shoes in testing. – Dirk Waem \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Belgian\u2019s Paris time trial bike also has a 1x drivetrain<\/a> with a huge front chainring. Forgoing a front derailleur can reduce drag and Van Aert won\u2019t need the gear range of a 2x setup on the flat course.\u00a0<\/p>

Van Aert, who finished sixth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic time trial and claimed silver in the men\u2019s road race, is wearing lace-up shoes from his team sponsor Nimbi in testing.<\/p>

Laced cycling shoes may seem to be lower-tech than those with wrap-around uppers and Boa dials, but they could offer Van Aert a further advantage.<\/p>

The low profile of laced shoes is purported to be more aerodynamic than cycling shoes with Boa dials that protrude upwards into the air.\u00a0<\/p>

This isn\u2019t the first time Van Aert has switched to lace-up shoes for a time trial \u2013 he opted for lace-up shoes for the closing time trial of the 2024 Tour de France<\/a>.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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