spectastic wrote:provided the drag and rolling resistance are the same, it shouldn't matter how heavy the wheels are, unless there's another force of resistance that I'm missing.. the lighter wheels will accelerate and slow faster due to the slightly smaller rotational inertia, and vice versa on the heavier wheels.
anyway, the 300 g difference I was asking about was meant more towards acceleration for the final sprint, or an attack (uphill or flat). 300g on the wheels is the same as 300g anywhere else, even on a climb. acceleration =/= climbing. But I guess it's pretty obvious that people agree lighter wheels make the bike feel more nimble for accelerations, whether it's real or placebo.
I guess I'll keep the tubulars..
Hi - 300g at the rim of the wheel will be very slightly harder to accelerate than 300g in the back pocket for example, due to rotational inertia. It will of course, also be harder to decelerate (hold speed "better")
So for the sudden uphill final sprint scenario you refer to, the rim of a wheel is the best place to lose the weight (other than perhaps on the rider)