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PRODUCT MODEL YEAR: 2009
PRODUCT OPTIONS:
DESCRIPTION: The clincher version of the 404 uses the same go-anywhere, win-anything 58mm rim depth of its tubular brother, but with the everyday convenience of clincher tires and the reliability of an aluminum braking track.
Plus, Zipp's M2CM technology maximizes rim strength and durability by fusing the aluminum hoop to the inner carbon section. ABLC dimples, VCLC vibration-reduction technologies, and the new 88/188 hubset round out the 404 Clinchers' 1615g total package with 16/20 front/rear spoke counts.
WHEEL SIZE: 700c
WHEEL SPECIFIC: East St Cycles ridden and rated.
I was planning to start these product reviews with some brake pads, tyres or maybe a bottom bracket or headset. However as no one was using the Demo Zipp 404s and with Gary in a holiday mood, what was I to do, review the 404's or some brake blocks?
Speed Rating 5/5
Value Rating 4/5
+ Zipp 404s will make you ride, faster, further and for less effort, not a little faster but really quite a bit faster.
- They will make you poorer, not a little poorer, but really quite a bit poorer.
Read on for more, so when you see the 404s with their deep 58mm rim you just "know" that these are going to be heavy, harsh riding hoops, well I've news for you, you're wrong, I was.
First off, as someone who's borderline obsessive about weight, I cut the labels off all my clothes, weigh identical items to find the one benefiting from manufacturing tolerances, and use a toestrap (27 grams) rather than a seatpack (49 grams) i wasn't stoked about the extra 300g of rotating weight. Having ridden more than 200km on these wheels now, I can tell you that you don't notice the weight at all. I compared my HR data and rate of climbing from the week before on my Bonty's to see how much slower the Zipps would be, and there was absolutely no difference at all!! They'll climb as quickly as you can and without flex or brake rub. An unexpected benefit of the extra grams is the surge of acceleration you get when you land from a bunnyhop, (Gary, if you're reading, err, I made this up!!!)
With their 58mm deep rims, you would think that whatever the speed benefits, they will be harsh riding and make your hands, neck and shoulders hurt. Somehow through the magic of carbon fibre and M2CM technology, Zipp have managed to give the 404s the comfort of regular wheels. That combo won't stop you legs hurting though!!
Across windy and exposed flat roads you will roll faster than ever at the same HR, I reckon somewhere between 1-2 kph, and downhill they're good for at least 2-3kph more. That should help give you a whole host of PBs and put the hurt on everyone else you're riding with.
With their awesome aerodynamics and low friction hubs, the 404s spin up to speed with ease. This speed comes from a combination of their obvious investment in wind-tunnel time (their deep toroidal section that cuts through the air like the proverbial knife thru butter), and the smooth rolling hubs. Approaching junctions, you stop pedaling as you would normally, but rather than slowing down, the Zipps keep your speed way up. Not to worry, lean on them and they carve a turn like a laser guided, battle hardened, Belgium crit rider from the future!! This saves you energy, feels great and forces those on your wheel to accelerate hard, to close the gap.
So if they're as fast climbing and faster on the flat and downhill, what are the disadvantages?
They are expensive, there's no hiding that, even in times of excess, £1,500 is a lot for a pair of bike wheels and in a recession it might be seen as madness. But these are premium quality rather than luxury and offer real performance advantages. As the French might say, "the bitterness of poor quality lasts long after the sweetness of low price". Despite running against our British sense of fair play, speed can be bought !!! At least the high price does lend some exclusivity to Zipps, what would be worse than turning up to your race with your new Zipps to find that everyone had a pair?
The other drawback is that you will need another pair of wheels. It would be crime to ride the 404s through the winter, with the exception of a few cold crisp sunny days in Jan, so you will need training wheels for the winter km. Also, I wouldn't recommend using the 404s for recovery rides; as soon as you see your reflection in a shop window or the awesome shadow of those deep rims on the road, you'll be seduced out of Zone 1 into a world of hurt and overtraining!!!!
Finally remember the valve extender (screw it to your spare tube), that way you can always borrow a tube from someone or use a short valve tube from the local bike shop wherever you are. Forget it, and the only way you'll get to the finish with your arms aloft, is making room for your bike on the back seat of the taxi!!
Buy them, you'll be faster, and poorer, but your soul will be richer.
To demo them yourself, call us on 01252 723888, email info@eaststcycles.com or come by the shop. Please bring ID, and your old wheels, so we can transfer your cassette to the demo wheels (Shimano/Sram).
HUBS: Shimano/Sram
EXTRA INFO: Front Wheel
Weight 750g
Spoke Count 16
Spoke Pattern Radial
Dimpled Surface Yes
Rim Used 505
Track Adaptable Yes
Max Tire Pressure 125psi
Spoke Length 246mm
Hub Used 88
Rear Wheel
Rim Used 505
Hub Used 188
Weight 865g
Spoke Count 20
Spoke Pattern Non-Drive Cross
Spoke Length Non-Drive 248mm
Spoke Pattern Drive Radial
Spoke Length Drive 234mm
Track Adaptable No
Dimpled Surface Yes
Max Tire Pressure 125psi
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