ZIPP WHEELS


2011 Zipp 404 Clincher Wheelset

DRIVETRAIN:  Shimano/SRAM

quantity

Weight isn't everything when it comes to wheels. Aerodynamics, especially Zipp-tuned aerodynamics can make a big difference. Their ABLC rim dimpling, as you know by now, reduces drag just like the dimpling of golf balls. And on the 404 Clincher Wheelset you get a totally-redesigned rim profile. It's now fully toroidal, based on the proven profiles of the 1080 and the Sub-9 disc. By toroidal, it means that there's a more pronounced "bulge" to the rim to reduce drag at every angle from 0 to 30 degrees. This rim bulges wider than the 303. And the better shape makes it faster than most wheels of its depth as well as faster than the 303.

If your preference is for the familiarity and easy care & feeding of clincher rims, the 404's need to be high on your wish list. They're reasonably light, slice through the wind well, are strong enough to be an everyday wheel. You can ride to races on these, race, and ride home. One bonus with these wheels, too, is that you don't need to change brake pads as the braking surface is aluminum. The 58mm depth is deep and you might feel it in crosswinds, but the flipside is that they conquer rolling hills with drag-nullifying slickness and can triple up to be a noticeable advantage in events where you're racing the clock.

The joining of carbon to aluminum, known in Zipp-speak as M2CM, is also stronger than all get out. While it is neither recommended nor covered by the warranty, 404s have been used mountain biking in 29er frames and have held up to the off-road abuse given out. There is a carbon bulge beneath the aluminum rim. The dimpled carbon section helps slice and smooth the airflow over the rim and tire and since the carbon is structural, it is also shock absorbing. The rim itself weighs a mere 200g, which needs the bonded carbon lower section to work. The spokes are affixed to the carbon. Between the spoke track and the rim, the curved carbon functions as a leaf spring, compressing every so slightly to take the edge off rough and imperfect roads. If you've ever felt that deep-section wheels have a harsh ride, we recommend you try clincher Zipps; you'll come away with a different opinion.

The 404 now comes standard with Zipp's new 88/188 hubset. As a pair they weigh a mere 276g. But their beefy 17mm axles are larger in diameter than most mountain bike hubs, and their Swiss bearings are as precise as many of the ceramic "upgrades" you see in the marketplace.

The Zipp 404 is built with 16 radial spokes in the front wheel. The rear has 20 spokes, with the 10 drive side arranged in a radial pattern and the 10 non-drive spokes in a cross-two pattern. All spokes are straight-pull Sapim X-Ray with aluminum nipples. The rim width is 22.5mm. The depth is 58mm. The freehub body can come with Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM splines for the appropriate cassettes. The front clincher wheel weighs 750g, the clincher rear 865g for a total wheel weight of 1615g. One note of interest to Zipp clincher owners: The maximum recommended tire pressure on the clinchers is 125psi. Skewers are not included.