Trying to decide what wheelset to rent for Kona since I can’t use my Zipp 999 set (808 front, disc rear). My choices are coming down to a 404 front/rear combo or a 404 front/808 rear (the 606 set).
Having never been in Kona, I was hoping for some advice regardig this choice. Is an 808 in the rear too much in the winds in Kona?
Sorry, can’t help you with the Kona question (wish I could). However, I was wondering how the 808’s in the front hold up in crosswinds. I have been running a H3 (trispoke) in the front and sometimes going downhill with crosswinds doesn’t work too well. I am now looking at either getting 404 or an 808 in the front. Have 808 on the rear.
Thanks!
I rode my 404s in Kona last year and despite the brutal winds, I thought it was the best choice for Hawaii’s course and winds. Just my opinion though!
I too road a 404 front and rear last year in Kona, and will stay with 404’s again this year. I do not have a 808 rear, but even if I did I would still stay with 404 set.
the faster combo is the 808 front and rear. Then the 808/404 F/R
I raced Kona last year which was supposedly a pretty hard year for the winds (sure felt that way to me!) with a Hed Jet 60 on the front and a Deep 90 on the back which would be similar to the 606 setup. I didn’t have too much trouble controlling it although something a little more shallow up front may have been better. The rear wheel won’t make much difference as long as its not a disk.
I agree. The 606 should be fine if you are a decent bike handler.
It’s the front wheel depth you should be paying attention to.
Go with the deepest rear you have, except for a disc.