I am in the market for a Zipp clincher wheelset with a powertap hub. Because I don’t have the money for two powertap SLs: I want a zipp rim for all my rides so I can always use the powertap. I do not ride crits or road races. I love to do fast trainingrides, ride in the french alps (cyclosportive La Marmotte) and do some time trials.
Which wheelset with a powertap should I buy? A 303, 343, 404, 606 or a 808?
Which one has the best comfort?
For weight I should choose the 303 and for aerodynamics I should choose the 808. So I think durability and comfort are the two factors that make me deside which wheelset I should buy.
I was just reading a post by John Cobb about a blackwell 100 that is coming out in a clincher. I am not saying that Zipp is not a great wheel, but if you want to train and race the 100s could be a great, slightly less expensive, alternative.
I race and also train on zipp clinchers everyday. The 808s are slower handling and the front can be a handful in winds over 25mph. Would suggest 404s for best all around. Have trained on both 303s and 404s for two years each. Find the dimpled 404s that I’ve had the last two seasons best for all conditions.
I tried that option (Hed Alps with PT-SL). I did not like training on a race wheel. I worried about it - I damaged it - harder to true and more expensive to fix…
I’d either just race with a training wheel in the rear or race with a cover over a training wheel.
If I did go that route - I’d get an 808 clincher if it comes in clydesdale or 404 clincher-clydesdale.
I’d also just PM Josh for his advice…esp. re: comfort.
As Daveinmammoth suggested, PM Josh at Zipp. My guess would be a pair of 404s, thereason being that pro teams use them for races that really mix it up terrainwise and if it meets their requirements…
I have a set of 404 clinchers with PT SL, less than a year old that I’m looking to sell. I had no trouble with them vis a vis comfort, and that is on a Ti frame with Reynolds carbon fork. PM me if you’re interested.
EDIT - i purchasd these after a number of emails with Josh at Zipp, who I believe commutes on these and 606’s if I remember correctly. They are pretty bomb-proof and assuming you know how to ride over rough surfaces (i.e. getting your butt off the seat), then you should have no problem. THere is a crash replacement policy. In ~1800mi on the rear, I had 2 flats this season riding in NY and NJ, which do not have fantastic road surfaces. They were ok on cobbles, but I wouldn’t ride them to Roubaix.
I don’t think any of them will differ in the comfort department. They are all strong, deep rimmed carbon wheels with a low spoke count. Your choice of tires will have more effect on your comfort.
I would personally choose a pair of 404s for everyday all-round riding and racing. Nothing scientific there – just what I would choose. Maybe the 606 set – I really like that 808 rear wheel.
I’m in the same boat as you. That is, not enough cash for seperate Powertap wheels for training and racing. I’ve been told that the Zipp clinchers are stronger than the Zipp tubulars. According to the Zipp downloadable catalog, you can get the clydesdale version in the clinchers as well. I’m only at 150lbs though, so I think the clydesdale would be overkill, and overly heavy. The wheels will be used for time trialing, crits and road races in my case. I’ll probably go with the 404’s over the 606 or 808 set, but those 808’s sure look sweet.
Agree with Ashburn about the tires effect on comfort. My favorite tire is currently the Vittoria EVO CX. It’s confidence inspiring, comfortable, and fast. If your ride is too harsh, take 10psi out of the tires.
Should have included in my original reply that my 404 training wheels are Zipp rims only. These are 32 hole/spoke laced to Campy Record hubs. Laced radially front and 2x in back.
Regularly ride rough country roads. Wheels have been bullit proof for 16K miles.