estimated wattage savings between Enve 3.4 SES and deep section Reynolds Aero wheels?

[theStig]

this is on my Lynskey endurance rig. its purpose is to grind out flat miles with as much comfort as possible.

I used to have a set of Reynolds Aero 72(front)/90 (rear) clinchers. 25mm ext width, with GP5000 700x25 at 95psi, vittoria latex tubes.

Recently upgraded to a pair of 1st gen Enve 3.4 SES 35mm front, 45mm rear, 26mm ext width , same tire /tube/pressure.

yes, I know the Enves are shallower and probably slower. They did save a solid 300-400g though.

But how much slower? without precise power comparisons, I'm noticing at roughly the same exertion (I know not very scientific), I find myself having a harder time maintaining higher speeds.

At something trivial, like 150-200watts, between 15-20mph the enves feel a LOT slower. My question is, is this placebo, or is the difference something I can quantify? 10 watts? 20? 30?

[Marin]

My estimation is zero savings at low yaw

[Steve Curtis]

Probably nothing.

[polpy]

Pure placebo imho

[Nickldn]

Probably not placebo if you consistently ride above a certain speed, say 20mph.

I have two bikes as per signature below and find my 55mm deep EC90 wheels hold onto speed better than my 45mm Bora WTOs. It's not dramatic, but it's noticeable on fast segments.

Now of course there may be a multitude of other reasons for this, but both bikes are pretty similar in terms of geo and equipment. Wheels and tyres are the main difference and I think the 10mm difference in wheel depth can account for the feel.

My other half also has an aero bike with Zipp 303s, which are 45mm. I find it also doesn't hold onto speed quite as well. I choose to blame the wheels.

I imagine the difference you are feeling is more pronounced if you went from a 72mm front to a 35mm front! Better for crosswinds though.

[jlok]

How's changing to a much shalower wheelset considered an upgrade when your target is "maintaining higher speeds" on "endurance rig"?

[theStig]

How's changing to a much shalower wheelset considered an upgrade when your target is "maintaining higher speeds" on "endurance rig"?

I was looking for a better all around wheelset that didn't catch crosswinds so much. I changed the wheelset knowing it would be slower, I'm just trying to quantify how much slower in terms of numbers rather than by feel.

[theStig]

The enve's accelerate better from a stop, and they "feel" better when climbing. I normally keep speeds between 15-20mph, and its definitely noticeable.. But yes, way better in crosswinds.

Probably not placebo if you consistently ride above a certain speed, say 20mph.

I have two bikes as per signature below and find my 55mm deep EC90 wheels hold onto speed better than my 45mm Bora WTOs. It's not dramatic, but it's noticeable on fast segments.

Now of course there may be a multitude of other reasons for this, but both bikes are pretty similar in terms of geo and equipment. Wheels and tyres are the main difference and I think the 10mm difference in wheel depth can account for the feel.

My other half also has an aero bike with Zipp 303s, which are 45mm. I find it also doesn't hold onto speed quite as well. I choose to blame the wheels.

I imagine the difference you are feeling is more pronounced if you went from a 72mm front to a 35mm front! Better for crosswinds though.

[jlok]

How's changing to a much shalower wheelset considered an upgrade when your target is "maintaining higher speeds" on "endurance rig"?

I was looking for a better all around wheelset that didn't catch crosswinds so much. I changed the wheelset knowing it would be slower, I'm just trying to quantify how much slower in terms of numbers rather than by feel.

That makes sense.

Not sure anyone mentioned but here is a reference.
https://www.hambini.com/bicycle-wheel-p ... ta-50km-h/