Christie is a Pro Triathlete of some pedigree. She’s won and finished on the podium of Ironman and 70.3 races both here in Australia, and around the world. She’s not been competing actively for a couple of years, but is back and she’s “On A Mission!”
As a Pro, she has ridden all sorts of wheels and brands, but none stood out as “what she needed”.
Known for her extremely determined attitude and powerful riding, Christie wanted a wheelset that was stiffer than all the wheels she’d been using. The flex had been noticeable, and was robbing her speed out of transition, turns, and when power climbing.
We started with the XLR8 Mistral T series carbon tubulars. A 20h T55 was selected for the front, and a 24h T90 for the rear. These rims are the finest quality Taiwanese tubs available – the UD carbon finish is impeccable, the brake tracks are beautifully smooth, and they’re very stiff for their weight.
The super deep and wide rear T90 rim (90mm deep, 25mm wide) works really well with the close confines of aero bike rear triangles, smoothing airflow. The T55 front (55mm deep, 22mm wide) is deep enough to offer serious aero benefit, but not a handful in the windiest of conditions.
As these wheels will be workhorses (as well as show ponies) for a woman who’s job is (most of the time) on the bike … White Industries T11 hubs were the logical choice.
We specced DT Competition spokes on the front – offering a round cross section less affected by crosswinds than many aero spokes, but ensuring stiffness (and no rubbing on the brake pads). They’re held in place by DT Prolock alloy internal nipples for added aero and lighter weight!
On the back (where there’s always a fair bit of churning air), we specced DT Champion spokes – a bit thicker to ensure rock solid power transfer. External brass nipples ensure long term reliability for a wheelset that is designed to win.