Can You Ride Aero Wheels In Crosswinds?

Many people worry about using deep section wheels in crosswinds and often with good reason as it can feel a bit scary when the handlebars twist in your hands. But just how bad a problem is it? In this video, Ollie looks at deep section wheels vs cross winds.

In association with Zipp.

We’re using some of Zipp’s range of wheels to illustrate this because they are one of our sponsors, and because they have poured a load of resources into actually trying to make deeper wheels easier to handle in windy conditions, but many of the points apply to other wheel brands too. The reason we’re tackling the subject is because disc brakes are encouraging more people to use deep section wheels year around. In poor conditions, rim brakes trash your rims, but when you eliminate that wear, there is no disincentive to carbon other than the initial outlay.

It’s first important to understand what causes deep wheels to feel unstable. So here’s some science. The tyre is the leading edge and splits the air. Behind the tyre, the rim controls the airflow helping it come together smoothly at the trailing edge… This reduces drag and makes you faster for the same effort. This tends to work fine when the wind is at 0-1 degrees of yaw, which means head on. But as soon as the yaw angles increase such as with cross winds, problems arise. This is caused by the air flow suddenly detaching from the rim, causing a drop in pressure and turbulence forms an area of low pressure behind the rim. An area of low pressure behind the rim, effectively sucks it backwards. This aerodynamic stall is a similar concept to that on aeroplane wings.

Do you ride deep section wheels if it's windy? Let us know in the comments. 👇

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍

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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

Do you ride deep section wheels if it's windy? Let us know. 👇

[john_john_john]

"We're using Zipp wheels because... they're one of our sponsors"
This honesty is why I love GCN and GMBN.

[ktbartholomew]

you had me at "they make a cool swooshing noise"

[earthstick]

4:33 - 4:42 This years award for the most considerate overtake goes to K114 GRP.

[bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

Ollie's explanation of aerodynamics, crosswinds, yaw angles etc is as interesting as Neil deGrasse Tyson discussing astrophysics and the universe - it makes us want to learn more. Good show old chap!

[isaacyoung]

So glad Ollie got in with gcn... Ollie=my fave

[benrolle]

I cant even afford carbon rims wait I dont even ride road bikes WHY AM I WATCHING THIS?

[inigoh]

Oli's transition to GCN has been excellent. Wasn't that much of a fan of his stuff CW but what he now does for GCN is exceptional, nearly at the Matt Stephens level! Keep doing what you're doing 👍🏻

[ibe]

I've got a 2019 Venge (comes with 64mm rims), and I have to say that it handles crosswinds very well. 
The strongest crosswind I've ridden in was around 8 m/s coming in at a 45-60 degree angle and although it was a bit twitchy at times, I always felt like I was fully in control. I previously had a 2018 Roubaix (32mm rims), and strangely enough it was a lot more sensitive to crosswinds. I didn't enjoy windy days before, but with the Venge I don't care anymore. It's fun to ride in any conditions.

[neilbalcombe]

Ollie's presenting style is top notch. I love these videos.

[chrisl.]

Ahhh, Zipp wheels look so pretty darn good! I wish I was able to afford a pair.

[wvudak]

If I use my aero wheels on the trainer, will i train faster?

[jamesd]

I dont watch GCN much anymore as i am a triathlete (GTN is better) but i still come to see Ollie. Best decision GCN have made hiring him

[zinho]

kudos for explicit mention of sponsorship and simple explanation of the basics of how twitching happens

[jon]

Ollie has become my very favorite presenter. After Matt departed I should have known GCN would step up their game to bring Ollie on board. Way to go everyone! great video!

[nickhumphrey]

I like Ollie's impersonisation of a burnley or yorkshire accent. But the flat cap did it for me :)

[phil_d]

Olly's presenting skills are laugh-out-loud; very formal and polite! He's come along way in 4 years!!!

[matthewparkv]

I've had a few close calls with "deep" section wheels in winds. Being a light rider I often get twitches when riding in high winds, although I do like the weird feeling of having to counterbalance the bike in a strong crosswind. When I'm in a big bunch and the wind pics up I often sit at the back as I do not want to risk anything or anyone's safety. I also learned the hard way when riding on a windy day when I was riding on a road that was sheltered by long hedges. I had my hands off the bars getting something from my back pocket, there was a gate to a field where there was a gap in the hedges, where there must have been a channel of air, the wind must have been strong enough to catch my front wheel and bring me down to the ground. I was ok but did wrek my bar tape and my shifter.

[stephenwepener]

I ride both types of wheels on two different bikes. My 2015 Propel Advance SL has Mavic R-SYS on them, shod with 25 mm tyres. My 2018 Propel Advance SL has the carbon rims on them (DT Swiss with Giant branding). I find in all sorts of winds and riding I am a lot more stable on the new 2018 model. It is not just the rim surface you have to take into account but the types of spokes being used. R-Sys round carbon spokes, Carbon rims bladed spokes. Milage per year around 18 000Km. Riding years; since the age of 4 till now 52 = 48 years. :-)

[MrSoloDev]

Despite Ollie making big efforts to look and sound serious, you're as hilarious as ever.