sharkysa Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I am looking for some new racing wheels and have my heart on Zipp clinchers but cannot decide if the 404 or 303 would be better to ride with in Cape Town? I have some EA90 SLX with a power meter that I could use if the South Easter is blowing but wanted something light and fast for the league races? Are tose Zipp 404 that difficutl to ride with in the wind and at what wind speed would you leave them in the garage cupboard?
Li Mu Bai Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 yup, the added deep section really is affected in the crosswinds, steering becomes an issue in gusts. This applies to all deep section brands.on calm days the added speed they offer, despite being slightly heavier, is an excellent advantage.
Let's Ride Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 The fire crest apparently aren't as badly affected by the wind as a normal zip 404 wheel. I would take the 404 over the 303.
Lucky Luke. Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I have 404 firecrests and wind does not bother me. I live and ride in the teeth of the South Easter in the deep south of the peninsula.
Joobs Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I have got a set of the Zipp 808 Firecrest and I have not ridden lately in Cape Town but I have done some races on my TT bike into a pretty stiff wind and they do move a little in the gusts but nothing like the old 404's which I had. They handle a lot better. And overall are loads faster. Also remember that the new Firecrest come with the carbon brake surface so I know that the weight of my firecrest 808's are the same weight as the old 404's. So the new 404's will be really light... I would get the 404's because often in road races you are in the bunch so the gusts would not be super hectic...
sharkysa Posted January 31, 2012 Author Posted January 31, 2012 And would you guys go for better wheels over new groupset? I ride with Ultegra currently and thinking of Dura Ace and keeping the EA90 SLX wheels. But surely lighter deep section wheels will give you a greater advantage then going from Ultegra to Dura Ace? Thx for the advise, looks like Zipp 404 for me and hold on tight!
Lucky Luke. Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 And would you guys go for better wheels over new groupset? I ride with Ultegra currently and thinking of Dura Ace and keeping the EA90 SLX wheels. But surely lighter deep section wheels will give you a greater advantage then going from Ultegra to Dura Ace? Thx for the advise, looks like Zipp 404 for me and hold on tight! Yes, definitely Zipps over the Ultegra to DA upgrade. You should be thinking about Sram Red anyways Better shifting, cheaper and lighter than DA. Unless you are a spaz and cannot shift or set gears properly. Apparently if you don't mind lugging a battery around Di2 helps in that situation haha
Let's Ride Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 Get the wheels then upgrade the group set. Rotational mass is where it counts.
Tankman Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 yup, the added deep section really is affected in the crosswinds, steering becomes an issue in gusts. This applies to all deep section brands.on calm days the added speed they offer, despite being slightly heavier, is an excellent advantage. Only affected if you weigh 39kg's or you don't know how to handle a bike! The only issue you have with steering in gust winds is that you can no longer risk going "look mom, no hands"
andretraut Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 My 58mm profile Zipp Firecrests handle cross wind far better than my 45mm profile Rovals.
Bike Mob Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I have the 404 firecrest tubbies and they are unreal in the wind, better than the old 404 and as aero as my torroidal 303's were in the sidewinds. i have ridden them in gusting 40kmph winds around Cape Point and they move a little but not enough to leave them at home. I did a back to back test with a 50mm v-shape wheel and Andre Traut will confirm even though they Zipp is a 58mm they were still less affected than the shallower rim. I dont care what the wind is doing, I take out my 404 FC's every time and never worry.
andretraut Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 I have the 404 firecrest tubbies and they are unreal in the wind, better than the old 404 and as aero as my torroidal 303's were in the sidewinds. i have ridden them in gusting 40kmph winds around Cape Point and they move a little but not enough to leave them at home. I did a back to back test with a 50mm v-shape wheel and Andre Traut will confirm even though they Zipp is a 58mm they were still less affected than the shallower rim. I dont care what the wind is doing, I take out my 404 FC's every time and never worry.Our test made me get 404's over the 303's, and I do not regret my choice!
X-Man Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 Our test made me get 404's over the 303's, and I do not regret my choice! A question... Lets say the rider's weighing around 65kg's, would 303's not be a better option? (Firecrest that is)
sharkysa Posted January 31, 2012 Author Posted January 31, 2012 Zipp 404 done. Now to find a new set in CT
nuge Posted January 31, 2012 Posted January 31, 2012 A question... Lets say the rider's weighing around 65kg's, would 303's not be a better option? (Firecrest that is)if you're under 65 kgs forget deep sections. you'll be blown off chappies. rather go for the lightest set of low-profile wheels you can afford to take maximum advantage of your superior power to weight ratio. if you're 75kgs and up like the dudes above (and myself) - go as deep as you feel comfortable.
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