I am thinking about purchasing a 20 spoke zipp 808 rear wheel. I am 6’4 and 195lbs. Will this wheel work for me or do I need a higher spoke count? Or does it really even matter. I am only going to be using the wheels for racing not training.
The weight limit on 808 carbon clinchers and Firecrest tubulars is 250 lbs. with the standard 16/20 spoke configuration.
You should have no issues whatsoever.
http://www.zipp.com/…—carbon-clincher/#
http://www.zipp.com/...irecrest---tubular/#
I disagree! My friend just had this same issue. Dispute the listed weight limits, I would not suggest a rider over 175# to use them. It seems whenever someone approaches 70% of a products limits then failures exponentialize. Don’t try to save seconds at the expense of minutes. This doesn’t mean I would suggest a ultra robust wheel rated at 400# (like some who insist on 200% safety hedge) but I would encourage bringing it down to 60% of weight limit or 160% safety hedge (golden ratio- rough estimate).
If I were to color code the safety factor;
Blue (over protected) 0-50%
Green 50-60%
Yellow 60-67%
Orange 68-70%
Red 70-85%
Flashing sirens 85-100%
Black (here’s your sign) >100%
Pushing Limits is what we do. We define the edge between sanity and insanity, success and failure, being a leader or a follower. It’s an intense struggle for balance in every aspect of our lives.
I am thinking about purchasing a 20 spoke zipp 808 rear wheel. I am 6’4 and 195lbs. Will this wheel work for me or do I need a higher spoke count? Or does it really even matter. I am only going to be using the wheels for racing not training.
For what it’s worth, I am 165-170 lbs, and had a stock 20 spoke 808 FC carbon clincher. It rubbed the rear brake on my 2010 Felt DA when out of the saddle climbing steep hills (and the brake was opened up as far as I could go - pads shaved down too - without having the brake lever touch the bar at full squeeze). Part of it will depend on the brake placement, and how open you want to run it. It’s not uncommon to see pro triathletes and cyclists with “beefier” built wheels, and I think the same should go if you’re a clyde - or near. Wheelbuilder.com does great custom builds - you could do something like an 808 rim on a DT or Shimano hub in 24 hole, with a slightly beefier spoke and brass nipples. THAT would be a reliable wheel. My guess is that the stated weight limit is intended for true safety of the wheel - i.e. it won’t come apart on you if you’re 230 lbs, but it may not be the optimal performing choice when you look at all the factors. 16 spokes front and 20 rear is NOT that many - regardless of wheel manufacturer. But they sure look fast…