Zipp 404 specs

[KABOUS]

To the tech boffins out there- are the newer Zipp 404 wheels really that much better in terms of strength, weight and wind resistance compared to older models?

In short do I buy a set of 2008 at a reduced price or a 2010 set at ?

 

Input will be appreciated !

[Minion]

Clinchers or tubbies? Are the 2008s new or second hand?

 

The new all carbon clinchers are about 100g lighter than the old alu ones and have a very different rim shape. The weight of the tubbies and non-carbon clinchers hasn't changed very much. They did change the hub design after 2008 and reduce the number of spokes on the wheels.

 

The new wheels are probably an improvement on the old, but not necessarily worth a huge price premium over new 2008s.

 

You can browse through old Zipp catalogs here:

http://www.zipp.com/support/identify/catalog_timeline.php

[Spinnekop]

Assuming you are talking about clinchers....

If you are not going or full carbon cinchers, I'd go for the 2008 cheaper ones. Raced on 2008 wheels for about two years. AWESOME wheels and not much difference in performance compared to 2009 ones.

[KABOUS]

Thanks guys- I am actually taling about the Carbon tubbies.

[KABOUS]

Did you notice a difference in riding quality between clinchers and tubbies ?

[Christie]

Biggest difference between 2008 & 2010 is the hubs. The sealing on the 2008 hubs were not very good, which was fixed in 2010.

 

Zipp also changed the internal rim construction of the 404 from 2008. The impact strength are now supposed to be some of the best in its class - vast improvement over 2007 & earlier 404 rims (which broke easily under impact).

 

If you don't plan to race in wet comditions (seldom a good idea with carbon brake surfaces) 2008 model should be fine.