A good thing to know about Zipp's FlashPoint 40 is that they come with no pro endorsements. This is not a pro wheel. We see that as a good thing. Just like using Chorus or Ultegra, this wheel has most of the performance of a pro wheel, at a price that's more back down to earth.

The FP 40 is the bargain-version of the Zipp 303 Clincher. Like the 303, the hoops are aluminum/carbon fiber hybrids, with a light aluminum rim bonded to a carbon fiber foil via Zipp's M2CM process for both aerodynamics and strength. The difference is the carbon layup; a Zipp rim takes 60 pieces of carbon fabric while a FP takes four. The rim is 38mm deep, just like the older 303, but with a non-dimpled carbon fiber surface, slightly less-aero Sapim bladed spokes and stock hubs. The rim shares the Hybrid-Toroidal shape that makes Zipps so fast. The wheels are still very aero and pretty light and stack up very well against most aluminum rimmed low spoke-count clinchers. In many cases they're both more aero and lighter, in a few they're a bit heavier, but much more aero.

The Zipp FlashPoint 40 has 18 front spokes and 20 rear. The front spokes are radially laced. The rear spokes are radial on the drive side cross-two on the non-drive side. The spokes are straight-pull, 4.2mm bladed custom-made by Sapim. The spoke nipples are internal and sit inside the carbon section of the rim. The rim is 38mm deep. The widest point of the carbon rim is 20mm. Available as Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM-specific. The wheels are hand built by Zipp in Speedway, Indiana. Rim weight is approximately 497g. The front wheel weighs 725g, the rear 890g for 1615g a set. Quick release levers are included with the wheels. A spoke nipple wrench is included with the wheels.