Zipp Firecrest Wheelset
So I'm looking at possibly getting a set of tubular wheels, and of course I've looked at Zipp. My lbs guy said the firecrest are far beyond the others, except for the warranty, in which case the Bontragers have a better warranty. He also said their Aeolus Wheelset is awesome!!
My question is, the "old" 404 wheelset is on sale at around $1500. The new firecrest wheels are about $2300 for the 303's and a bit more for the 404's (tubulars). Question is, what do you guys think about the firecrest? is it just marketing? has anyone ridden them? What about the Bontrager Aeolus? I didn't even know about them. Thoughts? Feedback? Opinions? :D |
I have both in clincher. 2011 404 clincher non-fc & aeolus 5.0ACC
the bontrager are not even in the same realm as the zipps. I'd put them in the same class as the cosmic carbone sl which I also have a pair of. |
Enve......
|
Ultegra 6700 wheels are more durable imho.
|
Originally Posted by gadabout007
(Post 14193087)
I have both in clincher. 2011 404 clincher non-fc & aeolus 5.0ACC
the bontrager are not even in the same realm as the zipps. I'd put them in the same class as the cosmic carbone sl which I also have a pair of. Ok, thanks. I have those Cosmic Carbone's now, and I'd like the upgrade to be sufficient to tell the difference. |
What are you looking for? Do you want no compromise speed?
The FC is really a faster wheel, especially for 23mm tires. |
yeah, speed, around the 1200 gr. I've heard that the FC is significantly better, and yes, in 23. not a high a profile as the cosmic carbones.
|
Picked up my new 303 FC tubies with new vittoria corsa evo cx 320 tpi tires mounted for $1700 off the bay awhile back.
|
Originally Posted by zigmeister
(Post 14193353)
Picked up my new 303 FC tubies with new vittoria corsa evo cx 320 tpi tires mounted for $1700 off the bay awhile back.
|
I would bet that if you rode the firecrest and some other carbon wheelset of similar rim depth, you couldn't get a useful measureable difference. Yes i have ridden them. I bought boyds.
|
Originally Posted by pdedes
(Post 14193416)
I would bet that if you rode the firecrest and some other carbon wheelset of similar rim depth, you couldn't get a useful measureable difference. Yes i have ridden them. I bought boyds.
|
Get the Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimate...1185 Grams
|
Originally Posted by pdedes
(Post 14193416)
I would bet that if you rode the firecrest and some other carbon wheelset of similar rim depth, you couldn't get a useful measureable difference. Yes i have ridden them. I bought boyds.
|
Originally Posted by Triguy
(Post 14193832)
Measurable is different than noticeable. In this case, the speed difference is quite measurable even if not noticeable.
|
The speed difference is there (as proven by wind tunnel testing) but you can't feel it. The difference you can feel with firecrest is in the crosswinds. The FC are noticeably better in crosswinds like tjspahr said. My 808 fc's are easier to control than the old 404's. The 303 fc's are easy to handle in major crosswinds. If you live in a windy area, I highly recommend the FC profile but other manufacturers are using something similar, HED for one, not sure who else.
|
^ Yep. The Hed Stinger 4 (40mm), 5 (50mm), or 6 (60mm) are worth looking at if you're in the 303 (45mm) or 404 (58mm) market, as are the Enve 3.4 and 6.7. You should also consider the 2010-2011 303s. At that depth your not going to notice the stability difference much, and the speed difference is negledgable. Since the Firecrests came out they've come down in price a bunch. I got a used set of Zipp built 2010s with a Powertap SL+ for 1300. :D
|
If they really are THAT good in crosswinds, then I'd be willing to give them a try one day. I always assumed that even the difference in crosswind stability wouldn't be noticeable and it was just part of their marketing story. If they are truly noticeable to where they make the difference between your bike feeling like a sail and staying in a straight line then they might be worth the cost in the end. I don't know about you guys but that's the one thing I hate with high-profile carbon rims. It would be nice to have my cake and eat it too.
|
I'd like to think I'm faster...but if that's not the case I definitely look cooler.
In all seriousness, everything I've read (and I did my research) the FC is hands down the better choice. Zipp literally dropped their design on the 2012 wheels to produce the FC because the results were undeniably better. I have the clinchers which come with a weight penalty but for my long rides, they are perfect. I'll be getting a pair of tubulars when I decide to race |
Originally Posted by ilovecycling
(Post 14194864)
If they really are THAT good in crosswinds, then I'd be willing to give them a try one day. I always assumed that even the difference in crosswind stability wouldn't be noticeable and it was just part of their marketing story. If they are truly noticeable to where they make the difference between your bike feeling like a sail and staying in a straight line then they might be worth the cost in the end. I don't know about you guys but that's the one thing I hate with high-profile carbon rims. It would be nice to have my cake and eat it too.
|
I think you mean they dropped the 1080. They still make the 900, Super 9, and Sub 9 discs.
|
Shallower is faster |
Unless you are racing why would you want any tubular tire/wheel?
|
Originally Posted by veganeric
(Post 14194902)
I think you mean they dropped the 1080. They still make the 900, Super 9, and Sub 9 discs.
|
Originally Posted by v70cat
(Post 14195027)
Unless you are racing why would you want any tubular tire/wheel?
|
Originally Posted by pdedes
(Post 14193416)
I would bet that if you rode the firecrest and some other carbon wheelset of similar rim depth, you couldn't get a useful measureable difference. Yes i have ridden them. I bought boyds.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:17 PM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.