Hi,
Sorry for starting another wheel debate…
I’ve been given the opportunity to purchase a pair of mavic cosmic carbone pros at the same pricepoint as a pair of new zipp 404s
which of these wheels would you get and why?
Thanks!
ZIPPs all the way, why? bling factor, and probably a better wheelset in general.
Zipps will be faster. Better aerodymanics, better bearings (one of the most overlooked wheel speed factors).
The Mavics may or may not have more impact resistence.
This is an easy debate to settle. Put both of them on a scale. You’ll know what to do…
Definitely the 404s! I’d wager they are faster anyway (WAG though), but the resale value of a set of 404s vs. the Carbones is like a Chrysler vs. Honda. Another often overlooked factor. Also, there is the made in U.S.A. vs. France thing 
Like Tom (indirectly) sez, Zipp. The Mavic is virtually indestructible (according to my buddy who hasn’t trued his in over 3 years) but it comes at a cost…lots of grams compared to, well, almost everything else. If you’re a clydesdale you may want to go with the Mavic otherwise go with the Zipps.
the carbone pro only came out last year LOL
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Zipps will be faster. Better aerodymanics, better bearings (one of the most overlooked wheel speed factors).
The Mavics may or may not have more impact resistence.
Agreed. The Zipp bearings are silky smooth, the wheels are fast, and truly do dampen road vibrations. The Mavics are great wheels, but if the price is close, I’d go with the Indy wheelset. Zipp also has a reasonable crash replacement program. I believe that Mavic has a “crash insurance” program of some sort.
Mavic makes some great wheels… I’d probably go that route just to be a little different.
I have raced both. The Mavic set it nice and very very strudy. I felt like I could have done cyclocross with them. However, they are heavy. I now use Zipps and LOVE them. BTW, it’s not that they don’t feel sturdy because they do, they just seem a bit more delicate. I true them once a year and have absolutley zero buyers remorse.