What Is So Special About Zipp 404?
When I raced competitively in the 1980s, we used normal tubular wheels for road racing and for others who could afford it, used disc drum wheels for time trials. Now about more than 20 years later, bike wheel technology has surpassed any expectation that I had for faster wheels.
I am honored to provide a review of one brand of these wheels – the Zipp Wheel. In other posts, I also provide a review of the Zipp 303 and 808 models. Well, here is our review:
There are various reasons why many serious racers choose Zipp 404. The different models in the 404 series have all been tested in the race tracks of the world to the Tour de France. It appears that Zipp 404 wheels have always been amongst the elite.
Zipp 404 Tubular
The 58mm rim profile is a classic in Zipp’s arsenal that has been winning races since the early ’90s. These days, the 404 Tubular still dominates races around the world. Now, featuring the advanced Firecrest aero rim shape, this wheel set has become an even greater friend on any race and on any terrain. The biggest difference of the Firecrest rims is their shape.
This is not just a revamped version of the 404 Tubulars. The Firecrest has wider sidewalls. The large radius design is able to produce lower drag numbers at a wider range of yaw angles thus improving handling in crosswinds and improving wheel strength. The 404 Tubular exhibits excellent aerodynamic qualities. By moving the center of pressure due to crosswinds closer to the steering axis, the new Firecrest technology makes the latest version of the Zipp 404 a good nine seconds faster than its predecessor at over forty kilometers at moderate wind angles.
Its performance on both speed and stability is even more dramatic at higher wind angles. The 404s are 60mm deep rims, not 40mm, but one would never guess from their weight or rapid acceleration. The deeper surface section is dimpled to reduce straight-line drag. The bulging toroidal cross section, on the other hand gives excellent maneuverability.
Front Wheel-2011 From $1000 to 1200
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Rear Wheel-Shimano From $1,200 to $1300
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Rear Wheel-CampyFrom $1200 to $1400 |
Zipp 404 Carbon Clincher
Zipp has also launched its first ever full-carbon clincher wheel set. The 404 Carbon Clincher has been described as the most highly anticipated wheel set of all time. And it would definitely not disappoint. Backed by two years of development for its revolutionary rip shape design and top-notch carbon technology, the 404 Carbon Clincher is the ultimate weaponry, providing even more reasons why many serious racers choose Zipp 404.
Its Firecrest aero profile is the first ever deep-profile full-carbon clincher design to offer the aerodynamic qualities, ride quality, handling, and superior strength of a wider rim body. It offers all of these at just 1557 grams per set, making it among the lightest available. This 404 is designed specifically to account for the differences in wind patterns between clinchers and tubular. Thus, the Zipp 404 Carbon Clincher highly outperforms any other clincher wheel set in the aerodynamics category.
Front Wheel-Clincher From $1,100 to $1200
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Rear Wheel-Clincher From $1,000 to $1100
Special Offers available |
Wheelset-Clincher From$2,600to $2700 |
Where are the Best Prices For Zipp 404?
Ebay could possibly have the cheapest zipps on offer. I checked several offers and have to say honestly that these are mostly used wheels.
I would not spend a lot of money to buy zipp from ebay as they are not covered by the zipp warranty. From personal experience, I would be careful about purchasing high cost items from ebay. Ebay is a great site but elite bike wheels should be purchased new from authorised dealers to ensure that you are assured of the integrity of the wheels and that the warranty is still active.
Other retailers have good prices for zipp but I found that the best prices on offer is at Amazon online.
Are the Zipp Wheels Covered By Warranty?
Warranty from Zipp is normally for 2 years after original purchase and is extended only for the original purchaser from an authorized dealer. Receipts for the purchase must also be produced.
It must be noted that there there are certain conditions that must be met for the warranty to be effective. These include:
- the serial number or production code must not be tampered with.
- the wheel will not be covered for normal wear and tear.
- the warranty does not cover any wheel involved in a crash or impact damage, abuse or wrong usage of the wheel outside the manufacturers specifications
- other conditions as outlined in the Zipp website.
Some Reviews
There are numerous reviews on bicycle blogs and cycling forums across the internet. Most of them speak highly of the speed and strength of the Zipp 404 brand. Here is what some of them had to say:
- One cyclist said that he was absolutely blown away by the zipp 404s
- Another said that the zipp tubular rides beautifully
- A Florida rider said that, “all-round I love these wheels, I will be recommending them with confidence”.
Weaknesses of the Zipp 404 Wheels
Firstly, the cost for Zipp 404 might seem a bit high but for excellent performance and purpose, the cost is well earned. There are other brands that have higher costs. Also there are warranties on the wheels and excellent support from Zipp.
Secondly, these wheels are fast and stable in every facet, which includes, flats, uphill and downhill. It is important to take care on descents due to the speed of the wheel.
The good news is that zipp 404 has a version with more spokes available for the “heavier” riders.
Thirdly, the carbon rims work better with specialized brake pads. Cork
pads will work well in dry weather but might slip a bit in heavy rain and wet weather. Normal brake pads tended to wear out faster.
Summary of Review for Zipp 404 Wheels
Zipp 404 models are also made with a new heat-resistant resin. This amazing technology provides improved heat dissipation. Thus, heavy and continuous braking on carbon surfaces known to increase rim temperature and affect overall performance, would no longer be a problem.
The Zipp 404 series is the most versatile wheel set. It is considered by many to be a world-class all-around top-notch performer that has carried athletes all over the world to the victory line. It has won in every kind of event, triathlons, breakaways, criteriums, field sprints, and even Grand Tour mountain stages and is expected to dominate future races as well.
From our research, we found that zipp wheels manufactured after 2005, are better performers than those from the earlier years.
Where Can I Buy the Zipp 404 firecrest wheel?
You can purchase a zipp wheel on Amazon. Currently they have free shipping with any of the zipp wheel purchase and Amazon do have the best offers especially with free shipping. Click here to check it out with Amazon.
2011 Zipp 404 Front Firecrest Tubular Wheel
- Built for the purpose of all-round, hills, dashes, time trials, multi-disciplines
- Firecrest wheel provides greater side to side rigidity as well as streamlined efficiency compared to Zipp’s earlier wheel
- 27mm broad
Price $1,000 to $1100
Check here for Amazon best prices
