Zip 303's anyone?
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Zipp303's anyone?
LBS I deal with said they could offer me a good price on a set of Zipp 303's left over as end of year stock. Just wondered if anyone has any experience with the wheelset and what they are like to ride on. Thanks...........
Last edited by VeganRider; 10-26-06 at 03:39 PM.
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Do they have dimples? If not I personally wouldn't grab them unless they are willing to sell real cheap. I would rather have the new dimpled, deeper 303's.
I rode just the front wheel of the older, non-dimpled 303 and its really nice. The rim depth is a little shallow but it still makes a difference (could be placebo effect though) Its definitely a race only wheelset. My boss actually cracked the rear rim on a training ride and thus me only riding the front. (don't worry, he cracked it because he rode it home with a flat)
I rode just the front wheel of the older, non-dimpled 303 and its really nice. The rim depth is a little shallow but it still makes a difference (could be placebo effect though) Its definitely a race only wheelset. My boss actually cracked the rear rim on a training ride and thus me only riding the front. (don't worry, he cracked it because he rode it home with a flat)
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I have Zipp 303's and 404's. the 303's are the older version. I wouldn't buy the older version for the reasons stated above. They're just not deep enough to offer a big aero advantage. However the newer 303's are 6 mm deeper and claimed to be signifcantly more aero.
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With all the horror stories surrounding cracked rims I'd only spring for them if it had the new (used to be called the pave laminate) laminate (any wheel produced after may of this year I believe has them).
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Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
I have Zipp 303's and 404's. the 303's are the older version. I wouldn't buy the older version for the reasons stated above. They're just not deep enough to offer a big aero advantage. However the newer 303's are 6 mm deeper and claimed to be signifcantly more aero.
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I have the new 303s and while they are great performance wise I continue to have one big complaint: it is hard as hell to change a tire! The rims are just a little bigger (I guess) so it is a real effort to get a tire on and off the rim.
I spoke with the Zipp rep at an open house and he acknowledged the problem and told me to try Contis or Vredensteins instead of the Vittorias I've been running.
I spoke with the Zipp rep at an open house and he acknowledged the problem and told me to try Contis or Vredensteins instead of the Vittorias I've been running.
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Get the zipp flashpoints insteadas your first carbon wheel. You'll have fewer warranty claims for your 1st time around. See https://www.flash-pointracing.com/
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Not trying to start a manufacturer versus thread... would folks with HED Jet wheels comment on them (race only or race & training)? I have HED Jet 60's on my wishlist.
thanks.
thanks.
#10
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also, just to let you know, the retail on Zipp wheels is going up 15% this model year...
i don't use them, but when i was in the market for a pair of 303's a month or two ago, that's what the LBS in my area told me...
i don't use them, but when i was in the market for a pair of 303's a month or two ago, that's what the LBS in my area told me...
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Originally Posted by VeganRider
I have not seen them yet, just talked on phone to him; he said they are '06. Hmm, starting to think maybe I should stick with a new set of Mavic SL's. I've had Mavic before and trust them, just wanted something different.
The SLs are strong and durable but I have 3000 miles on my 303's and they still are perfectly true. Plus they look better on my bike sitting still
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if you're not going tubular don't waste your money on a set of $$$$ carbon wheels. the carbon/alu combo wheels are pointless and weigh about the same as all alu aero wheels, but cost twice as much
if you are going tubular, i would hold out for 404's, depending on your terrain. deeper rims are often stronger, and of course more aero
if you are going tubular, i would hold out for 404's, depending on your terrain. deeper rims are often stronger, and of course more aero
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Originally Posted by FunkyTang
Get the zipp flashpoints insteadas your first carbon wheel. You'll have fewer warranty claims for your 1st time around. See https://www.flash-pointracing.com/
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Hello VeganRider,
Don't know if this is too late to help but I have been racing on 2002 Zipp 303s since the spring of 2003. They are tubulars and I have used them in road races, criteriums (mostly), and time trials. I have had to touch up the true on them a couple of times. FWIW, I weigh about 155 lbs during the racing season.
They are the best race wheels I've ever owned.
Don't know if this is too late to help but I have been racing on 2002 Zipp 303s since the spring of 2003. They are tubulars and I have used them in road races, criteriums (mostly), and time trials. I have had to touch up the true on them a couple of times. FWIW, I weigh about 155 lbs during the racing season.
They are the best race wheels I've ever owned.
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Thanks.
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#15
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This the first wheel only purchase for me, any other time there was always a bike that came with the wheels. 800 bucks and no bike?
The other two Mavic Elite sets I had were wonderful; so maybe I'm being a chicken but going to get the SL's. Not a racer, the 303's were just the other offer my LBS made to me, they look so good. Thanks ........
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