Should I upgrade to 808 rear from 404?

Triathlon Forum
1

I have less than year old set of 404s (clyde/clinch version) and after changing the rear tire, I notice a crack in the rear rim on both sides of a spoke nipple. Zipp is going to replace but I was thinking about upgrading to 808 rear for minimal cost. Thoughts? Anyone else experience the same issue? I am 6’1" 210 lbs.

2

get another 404 and a wheelcover
.

3

Good point. If I stay with the 404, I can use on my road bike too.

Thanks.

4

I agree with Jack.

5

i don’t. get an 808 - it’s faster (with a wheel cover too) and brakes better. no downside at all.

6

i don’t. get an 808 - it’s faster (with a wheel cover too) and brakes better. no downside at all.

except the cost

also an 808 plus cover would maybe be lighter overall than a 404 + cover

7

if it’s zipp crash replacement the cost should be nearly the same. who cares about a couple grams lighter when the 808’s ‘bulge’ makes it faster.

8

I don’t understand the question - always upgrade if/when you can.

.

9

Right now, my out of pocket costs will be the purchase of shorter spokes. I am curious though as to how/why the 808 brakes better.

Thanks in advance.

10

most importantly the 808 looks much cooler
.

11

I was thinking that because he mentioned swapping back and forth with his road bike, assuming he may also be doing some road racing?

12

it’s something about the shape of the 808 rim that makes it brake better. not exactly sure what, but maybe one of the wheel experts can chime in.

after destroying a set of 404s in a stage race last month i’m switching primarily to 808s as everyday race wheels (when it’s windy i’ll use a 404 on the front). i’ve done a couple stage races on just 808s including san dimas, which has a short but steep climb. the extra weight was a non-factor.

13

I may take part in an occassional crit if time permits. A few grams, given my size, is not going to make a difference. Thanks to all for the thoughts.

14

In the Zipp road flyer Zipp told us the difference between:

Front 404 + Rear 404 and Front 404 + Rear 808

It was 1 watt or 2 seconds on a 40km timetrial.

15

I’d totally go with the 808 rear to give yourself the 606 set up. Even for road racing you can use an 808 rear. I know a bunch of guys who use a 303 front and 808 rear for road races.

Shanks

16

Get the 808. And a wheelcover- best aero value in the biz.