I recently picked up a brand new set of 2011 Zipp 404 tubulars. I already own the 2010 Zipp 808 clinchers and raced on them all of last year. I am now debating which set of wheels I should be riding for this years triathlons. The tubulars give me a weight savings of 595 grams (1.3 lbs) where it matters the most, and the 808’s have more aero advantages and less drag. I realize it is much harder to change a flat with tubulars, but for the purpose of this discussion I am only interested in knowing which wheelset is going to give me the better performance. Please let me know what you think.
404 firecrest are even touch better than 808s especially with wheelcover
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Simply too many varibles to answer this “either - or” question. Each have strengths, plus, running a 606 combination may be applicable as well.
Id go with the 404 FC with a cover on back and the 808 on front, especially in low yaw conditions.
Just to clarify, the 404’s are not the FC version.
Id still go 404 with cover back and 808 front. If you don’t want a cover than 808s for both.
I’m curious why people are suggesting the 808 clinchers over the 404 tubulars? Saving 1.3 lbs in the wheels has got to be a huge advantage. I was thinking even a bigger advantage than what a 808 deeper dish rim would provide.
Oh boy here we go I’m bugging out on this one it’s someone else’s turn.
I’m curious why people are suggesting the 808 clinchers over the 404 tubulars? Saving 1.3 lbs in the wheels has got to be a huge advantage. I was thinking even a bigger advantage than what a 808 deeper dish rim would provide.
How steep is the hill climb you’re doing?
I will be doing Wildflower (decent amount of climbing) and Vineman, which is relatively flat (imo). I know the 404’s would be better climbers, but with the weight savings and the way tubulars roll, my thoughts are the 404’s would even be better on flats. But again, I am not sure, which is why I am posting here.
Grant.Reuter, if this discussion has already taken place, please send me the url to the discussion. That would be appreciated.
The tubulars give me a weight savings of 595 grams (1.3 lbs) where it matters the most, and the 808’s have more aero advantages and less drag…
wheel weight doesn’t matter any more than any other weight. hear me now, believe me later.
edit: the 808 clincher may not be much more aero than the 404 tubie, the non-firecrest models take a hit to aeroness in clincher form due to the non shaped brake track.
. keep in mind you have to glue the tire REALLY well to get best rolling resistance, which makes changing a flat hard to do. Also the spare kit for a tubie tends to eat away at the weight savings you get from the tubie wheels.
my thoughts are the 404’s would even be better on flats.
tubies don’t roll better than clinchers. A good clincher tire with a latex tube rolls the same as a good tubie tire glued very securely.
Thanks for the tips jackmott. My plan is to use Victoria Pit Stop if I flat, which is only 80 grams.
Thanks for the tips jackmott. My plan is to use Victoria Pit Stop if I flat, which is only 80 grams.
404 tubies might be a good way to go then, just be sure to use the good rolling resistance method of gluing, and pick good tubies with latex insides.
and disc cover the rear wheel 
I went with the Corsa Evo CX 700-23 and am having my LBS glue them on for me and will be sure to bring up the good rolling resistance method. Thanks again for the info!
A better method would be to use Rapps mix of 50/50 Stan’s and slime (look it up I think thats what it was) and put it in before the race. Saves most of the 80 grams and is likely more effective. Pitstop can plug a leak but it seems to be about 50/50.