Zipp 404 w. Powertap G3 by Wheelbuilder.com
12-29-13, 10:17 PM
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Zipp 404 w. Powertap G3 by Wheelbuilder.com
Hello,
I recently made an order for a set of Zipp 404 FC Clinchers with G3 and after doing some research (should have done it beforehand) I've found that these do not come from zipp but rather from a custom wheel builder, wheelbuilder.com to be exact. So I have a few questions for you guys.
* The wheel weight varies from 1590 to 1715g. Is this all the G3 hub?
* How will the stiffness of the wheel rate with the G3 over the original 188/V9 hub that zipp has?
I've heard that handbuilt wheels are often much better than what comes from the zipp factory and really hope this holds true. I am not too concerned with the extra weight (considering it is in the hub) but I am concerned with stiffness. I am training to be a fairly strong sprinter and would not like a flexy wheel holding me back.
I can still change the order since they are placing it tomorrow and I can be there before they open. The other option was the Enve SES 6.7 combo but it was a little more expensive with the same hub and slightly heavier.
Thanks,
Luis
I recently made an order for a set of Zipp 404 FC Clinchers with G3 and after doing some research (should have done it beforehand) I've found that these do not come from zipp but rather from a custom wheel builder, wheelbuilder.com to be exact. So I have a few questions for you guys.
* The wheel weight varies from 1590 to 1715g. Is this all the G3 hub?
* How will the stiffness of the wheel rate with the G3 over the original 188/V9 hub that zipp has?
I've heard that handbuilt wheels are often much better than what comes from the zipp factory and really hope this holds true. I am not too concerned with the extra weight (considering it is in the hub) but I am concerned with stiffness. I am training to be a fairly strong sprinter and would not like a flexy wheel holding me back.
I can still change the order since they are placing it tomorrow and I can be there before they open. The other option was the Enve SES 6.7 combo but it was a little more expensive with the same hub and slightly heavier.
Thanks,
Luis
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12-29-13, 10:50 PM
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Yes, the Zipp 188 hub weighs 188g. The Powertap G3 weighs 325g. So there's all of your extra weight. The prowheelbuilder.com site has a wheel weight calculator that lists the weight of all of the components. I can't answer your other question(s) although I did just get a Powertap G3 laced to a Kinlin XC279.
12-29-13, 10:52 PM
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Yes, the Zipp 188 hub weighs 188g. The Powertap G3 weighs 325g. So there's all of your extra weight. The prowheelbuilder.com site has a wheel weight calculator that lists the weight of all of the components. I can't answer your other question(s) although I did just get a Powertap G3 laced to a Kinlin XC279.
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12-29-13, 10:56 PM
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I only have two rides on it but it feels just as stiff as my old Kinlin XR270 with a Novatec hub. I never noticed any flex on that wheel when hammering it. Both (rear) wheels have 28 spokes and my weight is 170lbs (down from 195lbs.) So I'd advise you to get the higher spoke count on the Zipp 404 for sprinting.
12-29-13, 10:58 PM
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I have the G3 laced to a Enve .4 (3.4).. its a fine hub. Mine did indeed weigh 325g on the dot.
12-30-13, 01:00 AM
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I had a PT last year. Did you ask yourself "Am I ready to use these wheels for racing and training?"
I got annoyed with switching tires/cassettes/wheelsets. Fixed that problem with a P2M PM this season.
I got annoyed with switching tires/cassettes/wheelsets. Fixed that problem with a P2M PM this season.
12-30-13, 02:19 PM
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Hello,
I recently made an order for a set of Zipp 404 FC Clinchers with G3 and after doing some research (should have done it beforehand) I've found that these do not come from zipp but rather from a custom wheel builder, wheelbuilder.com to be exact. So I have a few questions for you guys.
* The wheel weight varies from 1590 to 1715g. Is this all the G3 hub?
* How will the stiffness of the wheel rate with the G3 over the original 188/V9 hub that zipp has?
I've heard that handbuilt wheels are often much better than what comes from the zipp factory and really hope this holds true. I am not too concerned with the extra weight (considering it is in the hub) but I am concerned with stiffness. I am training to be a fairly strong sprinter and would not like a flexy wheel holding me back.
I can still change the order since they are placing it tomorrow and I can be there before they open. The other option was the Enve SES 6.7 combo but it was a little more expensive with the same hub and slightly heavier.
Thanks,
Luis
I recently made an order for a set of Zipp 404 FC Clinchers with G3 and after doing some research (should have done it beforehand) I've found that these do not come from zipp but rather from a custom wheel builder, wheelbuilder.com to be exact. So I have a few questions for you guys.
* The wheel weight varies from 1590 to 1715g. Is this all the G3 hub?
* How will the stiffness of the wheel rate with the G3 over the original 188/V9 hub that zipp has?
I've heard that handbuilt wheels are often much better than what comes from the zipp factory and really hope this holds true. I am not too concerned with the extra weight (considering it is in the hub) but I am concerned with stiffness. I am training to be a fairly strong sprinter and would not like a flexy wheel holding me back.
I can still change the order since they are placing it tomorrow and I can be there before they open. The other option was the Enve SES 6.7 combo but it was a little more expensive with the same hub and slightly heavier.
Thanks,
Luis
Others already answered the weight difference question, but to address your question about stiffness, it is likely the G3-based wheel will NOT be quite as stiff as the stock 188 build because the 188 zipp hub has a significantly wider bracing angle on the drive side, which results directly in greater stiffness.
If you're ordering custom from wheelbuilder, it would make sense to do one of two things:
1) ask for the 24h option instead of a 20h for the rear wheel. The 4 additional spokes will not only boost durability but also stiffness
2) request thicker spokes on the drive side of the wheel. One excellent option is the DT Aero Comp - still aero shaped and doesn't require slotting to get it in the hub holes, but it has about 40% more cross sectional area compare to the CX-Ray or Aerolite spokes it would replace.
You could leave the front wheel a 16h with CX-Ray spokes. It's plenty stiff as-is.
12-30-13, 05:15 PM
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It is entirely possible that the wheel you get built by wheelbuilder.com as opposed to directly from zipp will actually be a higher quality build.
Others already answered the weight difference question, but to address your question about stiffness, it is likely the G3-based wheel will NOT be quite as stiff as the stock 188 build because the 188 zipp hub has a significantly wider bracing angle on the drive side, which results directly in greater stiffness.
If you're ordering custom from wheelbuilder, it would make sense to do one of two things:
1) ask for the 24h option instead of a 20h for the rear wheel. The 4 additional spokes will not only boost durability but also stiffness
2) request thicker spokes on the drive side of the wheel. One excellent option is the DT Aero Comp - still aero shaped and doesn't require slotting to get it in the hub holes, but it has about 40% more cross sectional area compare to the CX-Ray or Aerolite spokes it would replace.
You could leave the front wheel a 16h with CX-Ray spokes. It's plenty stiff as-is.
Others already answered the weight difference question, but to address your question about stiffness, it is likely the G3-based wheel will NOT be quite as stiff as the stock 188 build because the 188 zipp hub has a significantly wider bracing angle on the drive side, which results directly in greater stiffness.
If you're ordering custom from wheelbuilder, it would make sense to do one of two things:
1) ask for the 24h option instead of a 20h for the rear wheel. The 4 additional spokes will not only boost durability but also stiffness
2) request thicker spokes on the drive side of the wheel. One excellent option is the DT Aero Comp - still aero shaped and doesn't require slotting to get it in the hub holes, but it has about 40% more cross sectional area compare to the CX-Ray or Aerolite spokes it would replace.
You could leave the front wheel a 16h with CX-Ray spokes. It's plenty stiff as-is.
https://www.powertap.com/collections/...p-404-wheelset
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12-30-13, 05:19 PM
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12-30-13, 06:05 PM
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Wheelbuilder builds great custom wheels, has great customer service and stands behind their work. I have two custom sets of Enves from them and am very satisfied with the build quality. Check out their website ... they have quite a laundry list of top amateur riders and teams they provide wheelsets to. No worries .... you will be happy with your wheelset.
