Starting to go off topic but my two cents...
For higher speeds (race speeds) the aero advantage is extremely important. Not only is the aero profile important, but new innovations in rim sidewall shape (dimpling) can make a very big difference. A friend of mine showed me some data which shows the impact of cross winds on wheel aero drag, and certain treatments of rim sidewalls (dimpling) can make some pretty noticable differences on drag. Again, all this is important only as speeds get higher. And at very high speeds it is extremely important.
Those who are skeptical of aero wheel advangates compared with classic wheels must remember that tires must be the same in comparisons. Most modern race tires have stinky high rolling resistance compared with the best tubulars of years ago. So for many retro riders on good rubber, we're enjoying rolling resistance advantages until the point at which the aero advantages become more significant.
Nirvana would probably a Carbon aero rim with correct dimples, shapped to accomodate a 22 or 23mm (for typical roads) silk casing latex tube silk tubular. None of this exists as described.
Mike Kone in Boulder CO
> Re: All around, I'd consider the classic wheels superior, with the principal
\r?\n> virtue of modern wheels being to allow a larger number of gears, if you
\r?\n> really believe 20 or 30 gears is necessary.
\r?\n>
\r?\n> Hey Jerry...don't forget the other major advantages...very few are butt ugly
\r?\n> like most more modern ones! Plus they have the advantage of being on
\r?\n> topic...
\r?\n> Tom Sanders
\r?\n> Lansing, Mi