Rear disc wheel with disc brake - how much less effort?

[cpml123]

I ran across this article which compared various wheels, including disc wheel, using Computational Fluid Dynamics computer modeling. I have attached the pdf file. It appears that disc wheel can make a sizable difference, even at 20 mph. I am certainly intrigued.

1. I am curious, for those with rear disc wheel or wheel with disc cover, how much less perceived effort or faster do you get from using disc wheel when compared to non-disc wheel?

2. As I have disc brake wheel, it has little clearance to put on disc cover, even though I see @Peter Lundgren and Jason @RojoRacing both have disc covered wheel with disc brake. I can imagine installing a disc cover using either ABS or carbon fiber sheeting in between the disc brake and the wheel. However, I am just afraid of catastrophic failure that somehow the disc cover comes loose and jams between the disc caliper and wheel. How likely is that happening?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[Beano]

https://cruzbike.com/blogs/blog/cruzbike-at-the-a2-wind-tunnel

The Parkers went to a wind tunnel and tested no disk/with disk. Check out the link.

 

[paco1961]

I’m looking for a rear wheel cover for my V. Currently running 60mm carbon hoops from Light Bicycle both from and back. Rim brakes. Any recommendations?

 

[cpml123]

I have seen the Wheelbuilder Aerojacket on a few people's picture. Since you have rim brake, you should be able to use that setup. I have disc brake...currently thinking of make one up using black ABS sheets or something... but kind of scary though since I don't want it to jam in between the caliper and wheel.

 

[RojoRacing]

Well when you consider how often I'm going over 50mph miles at a time with my covers on I'd say if done correctly there's little chance of them coming off. Plus if you made them out of carbon and they did somehow come loose, they would disintegrate completely before they actually jammed into anything. The carbon sheeting is only as thick as two pieces of paper.

 

[MrSteve]

You probably can't bike safely if you're afraid.
Rear-wheel covers are awesome.

 

[paco1961]

I have looked at the Wheelbuilder Aerojacket but their website says it is not compatible with a "front" wheel, which would obviously be a CB rear wheel. Anybody out there using an Aerojacket on a rear wheel? Not sure I'm up for the cost of a full disc wheel.

 

[cpml123]

@Peter Lundgren has it on his V20. https://forum.cruzbike.com/threads/thor-dolphin-tail-box.13438/