FAQs - race wheel rental

1. How do I book my wheels?
Answer:  Just click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill in the details. In the  comments section, state the type of wheel configuration you require.  (e.g.: 303 set, 404 set, 404 front/808 rear etc.)

2. How will I collect my wheels?
Answer: We will bring the wheels to your preferred location. For Ironman events (70.3 Victoria), wheels will be collected at the race expo

3. Do the rental wheels come with tires?
Answer:  Yes, all rental wheels come with tires. Clinchers will be fitted with  Pirelli P-Zero Velo TT 25mm for clinchers, and tubulars with Continental  Competition 22mm.

4.What is the difference between Tubulars and Clinchers? (We rent both)
Answer:

1. Clinchers  tires are have a hooked bead that interfaces with a hooked rim on a  clincher wheel. It has a removable inner tube that can conveniently be  replaced mid-ride in the event of a flat. They are however more  susceptible to pinch flats and from debris getting caught inside the  tire. 
   
2. A  tubular is a tire that is stitched around an inner tube that is  attached to a tubular wheel with tubular glue or double sided rim tape.  They are more resistant to punctures and because the inner tube is sewn  in the tire, the risk of a pinch flat is virtually eliminated. The down  side to tubulars is it does not often provide the mid-ride replacement  in the event of a puncture. Trying to remove and replace a well-glued  tire will very often be a time consuming task.

5. Do I need carbon specific brake pads?
Answer: Yes, we strongly recommend carbon specific brake pads for the following reasons

1. Wheels  with an aluminum-braking surface will cause tiny bits of aluminum to  get embedded in the pads. This will damage the braking surface of carbon  wheels.
   
2. Carbon specific brake pads will provide better stopping power in wet conditions.

6. Will I need to purchase carbon specific brake pads?
Answer: No, you will not need to purchase carbon specific brake pads. All our rental wheels come with carbon specific brake pads.

7. Will I need to install the wheels myself?
Answer: We will perform the installation for you. Which includes the following,

1. Swapping of cassette from your wheel to the rental wheel.
2. We usually try to provide a cassette of your choice, to save time. 
3. Swapping of brake pads. (if necessary)
4. Adjustment of brake calipers
5. Installation/adjustment is included in the rental fee. If you prefer, you can perform the installation/adjustments yourself.
   

8. Is a damage deposit required?
Answer: Yes, we will require a valid credit number in the event of lost or damaged wheels

 9. Should I travel with a disc wheel?
Answer:  If you rent a disc wheel and wish to travel by air, we advise you NOT  to pack it in your bike bag/case. Disc wheels are fragile and are very  easily damaged. We have rental wheels bags available, for air travel.

 10. How do these wheels handle in windy conditions?
Answer:  Riders of lesser weight (<140 lbs) may not fully benefit from the  aerodynamic advantages of deeper wheels (eg: 808s and/or discs) in  strong crosswinds. The high profile wheel or disc will generally act  like a sail in a crosswind, effectively causing the rider to exert more  energy to control the handlebars. 

11. What wheels should a rider of lesser weight use?
Answer:  We recommend 303s, 303/404 combos, 404s or 404/808 combos for rider  under 140lbs. Unless you feel confident that you can maintain the  necessary control in a crosswind, we suggest that you choose a pair of  wheels that will provide you with the optimum aerodynamic advantage

 12. What’s my time savings in each particular wheel set?
Answer: Per the Zipp website www.zipp.com
Starting with a standard aluminum box section rim as baseline, and assuming an output of 300 watts, your time savings will be:
404 front + 404 rear = 58-60 seconds/hour, i.e. savings of almost a minute
404 front + 808 rear = 68 seconds/hour
808 front + 808 rear = 80 seconds/hour
808 front + rear 900 disc = 92 seconds/hour

 13. Do you rent out single wheels?
Answer: Yes, we do.

14. Do you ship wheel for rental?

Answer: No, we do not.

15. Is it possible to rent if I live outside of the Lower Mainland or the Greater Vancouver area?

Answer: Yes, it may be possible. Please send us an e-mail and we can see if it can be done.