I’m in the market and on a budget for a set of carbon wheels. A local bike shop has a set of ZIPP 60 on sale.
After doing some research I realized that these wheels are not full caron but have an aluminum braking surface. This is why the price is somewhat reasonable.
My questions is, does anybody out there have a set and can give me some feedback?
Would you use these in a race?
Huge zipp fan, but I wouldn’t race on those. Old technology. I would rather get a set of Flo’s than Zipp 60s. With that being said, I would take Zipp Carbon Clinchers any day of the week. If you can’t afford new, then shop around for some used one.
My understanding is that these wheels are the same rim as the old Zipp 404 clincher with aluminum brake track… But different hubs.
They are about 160g heavier than 404s were but would be essentially the same aerodynamically.
I always liked the 404 clinchers and still have an old set kicking around. I would ride em if it wasn’t super hilly where you ride and race.
Bear in mind that an old-style Zipp 404 with a 23mm tyre tests similar to a 40mm V-shaped aluminium rim with a 20mm tyre.
They are rebranded Sram 60 wheels…which are rebranded Flashpoint 60s…which are older Zipp 404s without the dimples. Not a bad wheel at all. I’m not a fan of carbon braking tracks so they would be on my short list if I were in the market.
They are rebranded Sram 60 wheels…which are rebranded Flashpoint 60s…which are older Zipp 404s without the dimples.
The Zipp 60s have dimples, so they are exactly the old (pre-Firecrest) 404 rim with different hubs.
At a selling price of $1500, I think the wheels are a terrible choice given the proliferation of other options that are more aero with modern wide rims and a blunt-nosed shape (and have an aluminum brake track) and of similar or cheaper price. The Flo60 comes to mind immediately, as does the Bontrager Aura5. And the HED Jet6 has a higher MSRP but can easily be found for less than what the Zipp 60 sells for.
It’s pretty clear that Zipp/SRAM just wants to try and grab a bigger chunk of the “mid-range aero wheel” market share without having to put in any effort, but they haven’t produced an offering that’s competitive with other modern wheels out there right now.
I’m in the market and on a budget for a set of carbon wheels. A local bike shop has a set of ZIPP 60 on sale.
How much are they charging?
After doing some research I realized that these wheels are not full caron but have an aluminum braking surface. This is why the price is somewhat reasonable.
Nah, the price is reasonable because Zipp didn’t actually have do any R&D to develop them because they are just the old Zipp 404 rims. If the shop is selling them for significantly less than their $1500 MSRP, then they could be an ok choice (not as aero as the newer rims from various manufacturers, but not bad either).
I’m in the market and on a budget for a set of carbon wheels. A local bike shop has a set of ZIPP 60 on sale.
After doing some research I realized that these wheels are not full caron but have an aluminum braking surface. This is why the price is somewhat reasonable.
My questions is, does anybody out there have a set and can give me some feedback?
Would you use these in a race?
As others have said they’re not bad wheels but at full retail they’re not a very good deal in today’s market.
If you want to stay with alloy braking surfaces I’d look for a set of Bontrager Aura 5s. They’re a newer blunt cross section aero design with 23mm clincher rim width and a very nice wheel which retail for a lot less than the Zipp 60s.
If you want to go full carbon I’d look at the newest generation of Boyd rims which are still less cash than the Zipp 60s or if wide rims aren’t your thing then look at the Williams carbon clinchers and save even more cash.
-Dave
Ok, so I guess my next question would be to find a medium grade set for carbon fiber wheels?
I would love to get a set of FLO’s, but I would have to wait until the end of June to finally recieve them because of all the back ordering. I’ve got a HIM the first of June:(
The Bontrager Aura 5 & Williams are tempting.
Anymore brands out there I might want to check out?
Thanks
I think the Aura’s are probably a best in category wheel when talking about whats available through LBS, at $1200 with a wide blunt rim, its got a lot of new tech in a comparatively affordable price.
As others have said, the Zipp 60 isn’t a bad deal at $1500 its just not great. You are in part paying for the Zipp name. The 60 rim is one of the most proven rims of all time.
Anybody have any thoughts on the brands Oval or Easton.
I’m still in the hunter for a medium grade carbon fiber tri wheelset.
Thanks
HED Jet 5/7 Express…
Anybody have any thoughts on the brands Oval or Easton.
Based on what I can tell from pictures, none of the Oval or Easton wheels of comparable depth will be more aero than even the Zipp 60.
Ok, so I guess my next question would be to find a medium grade set for carbon fiber wheels?
I would love to get a set of FLO’s, but I would have to wait until the end of June to finally recieve them because of all the back ordering. I’ve got a HIM the first of June:(
The Bontrager Aura 5 & Williams are tempting.
Anymore brands out there I might want to check out?
Thanks
Suck it up and wait, or find a used set of Flos, Zipps, or Heds. It’s not worth spending a bunch of money for an inferior wheel so you can save 4 minutes on one race. Buy the right equipment the first time, and if you just use them for racing they will last forever…almost literally.