Zipp 303 firecrest vs Enve 45s
11-06-23, 01:41 PM
#1
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Zipp 303 firecrest vs Enve 45s
As a complete newbie, are you really going to notice a difference? If so, is there a difference in comfort or something? I love climbs and I love speed on descends, but it's not like I'm going to race or anything. Are the firecrest going to engage faster? Or help me climb better for some reason? What would justify the increase in price if all you care for are something that will be durable? Lots of questions, thanks for your response in advance!
11-06-23, 02:04 PM
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If you're a newbie, and don't have the experience to recognize subtle differences, you won't notice any difference because there's no frame of reference. In reality, even highly experienced riders, who have significant time using both of those specific sets of wheels, might not be able to tell you what is better or worse when comparing them. For a non-racer, where miniscule differences in speed don't mean anything, it's pretty irrelevant. Other factors are going to make more of a difference in your climbing and descending speeds. Both brands have a long track record of making great wheels that have been used at the highest levels of the sport.
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11-06-23, 02:24 PM
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Thanks very much for the information. I didn't want to give information on pricing because I didn't want the money to be an influencing factor in people's answers. But what if was able to get the Enves for $890 and the firecrest for about $1300? Would you then tell me that the firecrest at that price point is a no brainer and I should go for it? I do have to add that I'd much rather spend $890 of course lol
11-06-23, 03:25 PM
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Thanks very much for the information. I didn't want to give information on pricing because I didn't want the money to be an influencing factor in people's answers. But what if was able to get the Enves for $890 and the firecrest for about $1300? Would you then tell me that the firecrest at that price point is a no brainer and I should go for it? I do have to add that I'd much rather spend $890 of course lol
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11-06-23, 04:34 PM
#7
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I am coming from shimano Tiagra Wheels that I paid $175 full retail so I'm sure these are going to feel like a Ferrari in comparison lol.
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11-06-23, 04:36 PM
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11-06-23, 05:03 PM
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11-07-23, 12:52 PM
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You need to measure the tire at its inflated riding pressure. Tires sizes are all over the place once inflated. Depends on the tire manufacturer, the design, the internal rim width. So just because you have a 30mm tire doesn't necessarily mean it will be 30mm when on the bike.
J.
11-07-23, 01:20 PM
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11-07-23, 03:05 PM
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If you want to get the max aero benefit, you'd want to be at a 28mm tire or less. Rule of thumb is ideal is to have the rim external width e 105% of the tire width. Exceed that ny much and you start to lose most of the aero benefit. But for the price you paid for those wheels, it would be hard to get a set of really nice custom made aluminum wheels.
You need to measure the tire at its inflated riding pressure. Tires sizes are all over the place once inflated. Depends on the tire manufacturer, the design, the internal rim width. So just because you have a 30mm tire doesn't necessarily mean it will be 30mm when on the bike.
J.
You need to measure the tire at its inflated riding pressure. Tires sizes are all over the place once inflated. Depends on the tire manufacturer, the design, the internal rim width. So just because you have a 30mm tire doesn't necessarily mean it will be 30mm when on the bike.
J.
11-07-23, 06:43 PM
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Some may not notice but I had the Foundation 45s for maybe three months. I found them to be a bit firm but not too bad. I then got the ZIPP Firecrest 303 but not a stock one. My set was custom built with 28 spokes instead of 24. The ride quality difference was instantly noticeable. The 303 Firecrest is maybe a bit lighter (200 grams...not sure) but smoother and comfier (they feel springier, almost) with the same tires ant the same PSI. The 45s are still nice wheels though.
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11-09-23, 06:49 PM
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Some may not notice but I had the Foundation 45s for maybe three months. I found them to be a bit firm but not too bad. I then got the ZIPP Firecrest 303 but not a stock one. My set was custom built with 28 spokes instead of 24. The ride quality difference was instantly noticeable. The 303 Firecrest is maybe a bit lighter (200 grams...not sure) but smoother and comfier (they feel springier, almost) with the same tires ant the same PSI. The 45s are still nice wheels though.
11-09-23, 06:55 PM
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Those are very nice wheels. They are a little
smoother and definitely lighter than the 45s.
smoother and definitely lighter than the 45s.
11-09-23, 06:58 PM
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Enve is definitely the premiere chinese wheel maker out there.
11-09-23, 07:03 PM
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11-09-23, 07:05 PM
#19
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I bought those same wheels but I read some bad reviews here and there and I returned them. Went with the Continental GP 5000 S. But I'm glad they're working out for you!
11-09-23, 07:56 PM
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11-09-23, 08:33 PM
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