Zipp 404/808 Firecrest Clincher race wheels
Still one of the best bike wheelsets around, this is why other companies compare themselves to Zipp
The big bonus of the 404/808 combo is that when the wind starts to blow the 404 at the front is considerably more stable than another 808. That’s especially true on a tri bike where handling is somewhat compromised when you’re on the extensions, so you need the wheels to behave as predictably as possible.
The Firecrest shape is quite chunky at 27.5mm wide, but the wind tunnel data suggests that these are pretty quick. They hold speed very well, and once you’re up to race speed you feel like you could go all day. The set weighs in just shy of 1,700g, are built around Zipp’s own hubs and just as you’d expect have plenty of, er, zip.
They also accelerate nicely and, perhaps most importantly, handle superbly in all conditions. The fact that you know you’re riding Zipps probably has a certain psychological effect as well, so you expect to ride fast knowing you’ve got no excuses if not.
Contact : www.zipp.com
Mike Anderson
