wheels
Easton EC90 TT $2,200 Zipp engineers have lauded the Easton EC90 TT for being an incredibly aerodynamic V-rimmed wheel. Of course Zipp asserts that its products are faster, but this endorsement from a competing company carries a lot of authenticity. In addition to their aerodynamic characteristics, the EC90 TTs are also light and competitively priced. They accelerate quickly but are a little flimsy through tight corners. Eastoncycling.com
Triathlete.com/ec90tt
112 T r i aT h l e T e b u y e r ' s g u i d e | 2011
Hed Jet 6 $1,600 Steve Hed is regarded as the mad scientist of aero wheels. His wheels aren’t always the prettiest, but they are frequently among the fastest. The Jet 6 wheels are constructed by attaching a 60 mm deep carbon fairing on top of a shallow aluminum rim, and their combination of aerodynamics and ride quality set them far apart from the other wheels at this price point. They are built with a wide clincher rim that improves cornering and reduces rolling resistance. They feel almost as good as tubulars without the expense and headache that come along with tubies. The deep-section rim is a flimsy carbon fairing, which makes them less exciting to show off, but they are a thrill on the road. Hedcycling.com