I just bought a tri bike, came with some a front Hed Jet 60 and and rear 90. Since they’re new (I think they’re the '08 C2/wider rim/newer version (they made the C2 before '09 still right?) I’m thinking of selling them and trying to get a Zipp 404/808 set, mostly because of weight, as the Zipps are lighter and I think around similar price if I pick up some used Zipps and I’ve loved some 404s I’ve used.
Any feedback comparing the two? Zipps have carbon walls unlike the carbon fairing on the Heds, thus the weight difference, yet some people worry about the carbon cracking/strength of it. Swapping carbon brake pads is a pain too. I’m trying to figure in everything with my decision. Thanks a lot, advice is much appreciated.
It’s also good to remember that weight is less important when considering how aero a wheelset is. Look at what kind of courses you will be racing. Unless you will be doing a lot of climbing the weight won’t matter as much. The weight differences between the two brands are small when looking at each brands comparable clincher models or tubular models as well. Each brand claims their wheels are the shiznit. . . either way you’ll save yourself time, but with the HEDs you will also save money.
You are fine with the Heds. Keep 'em and save yourself some $$$. I am assuming you are talking clinchers also. I have a set of both. I bought the Hed Jet 60/90 combo and later bought a set of Zipps (404/808). I always wanted a set of Zipps and finally broke down and bought them last year. I can honestly say that I don’t notice any difference in performance between the 2 sets. Maybe, just maybe the hubs on my Zipps are a little smoother. They are both aesthetically pleasing to the eye and carry that “cool look” factor. Good luck with your decision although it shouldn’t be a difficult one to make.
I have these wheels from an earlier bike purchase and have been using them
on my Cervelo PC3 for the last year. Someone told me that they are not made by Bontrager
but are a private lable from another manufacturer.
Does anyone know the background on these wheels. I really like them but to be honest,
they are all I have ever used so I don’t have any comparison.
Keep the HED’s!!! You have a perfectly amazing set of wheels that cost less, are just as fast an aero, and are barely heavier than Zipp’s. What’s more, the manufacturer stands behind them about 200%. I’ve heard a lot of stories about people being up a creek without a paddle when they had Zipp problems, and just as many stories singing Steve Hed’s praise from the rooftops, if they had a problem with their HED’s. If you really want to get rid of your HED’s though, I’ll be MORE than happy to take them off your hands.
Keep the HED’s!!! You have a perfectly amazing set of wheels that cost less, are just as fast an aero, and are barely heavier than Zipp’s. What’s more, the manufacturer stands behind them about 200%. I’ve heard a lot of stories about people being up a creek without a paddle when they had Zipp problems, and just as many stories singing Steve Hed’s praise from the rooftops, if they had a problem with their HED’s. If you really want to get rid of your HED’s though, I’ll be MORE than happy to take them off your hands.
That is kinda odd as I have heard about lots of quality issues with hed wheels and very very few about zipps. Never heard anyone complaining about zipp customer service . There may be reasons to choose Hed wheels but poor quality control or customer service from Zipp are not valid ones. The Hed wheel advocates round here remind me of guys that drive a jetta and pretend they are just as cool as a bmw
I had a set of 90 C2’s, manufactured in 2008. But they had a “C2” decal on them, about the size of a nickel. I believe regular Jets had similar choices in decals in 2008, just no “C2” decal. From the pictures, I would surmise those are NOT C2’s. Good wheels nonetheless.
I have these wheels from an earlier bike purchase and have been using them
on my Cervelo PC3 for the last year. Someone told me that they are not made by Bontrager
but are a private lable from another manufacturer.
Does anyone know the background on these wheels. I really like them but to be honest,
they are all I have ever used so I don’t have any comparison.
Thanks
I think I read Carbonsports was making the disc wheels for Discovery team / Bontrager but they stopped b/c they could not get cost down low enough. They have a distinct paneled appearance so you might be able to determine origin from that. I can't tell from your pic.
I actually am no more a HED fan than a Zipp fan, other than the fact that you get them so much less expensively. I am basing what I said from stories I heard from other people. I don’t own either. I ride Fulcrum Racing Zero’s.
The Hed 60s are less then the Zipp 404 but there not exactly giving the Heds away. It's like when the Blair Witch Project hit the theaters everyone was amazed that they made a blockbuster for under 50k. Then at the Oscars Chris Rock asked "What the hell they spent it on?" I kind of feel that way about the Heds. I went with the jet 60/60 combo based on the simple design. Now I have to ask myself "What did I spend my money on?" A thin bonded fairing and mind blowing 23mm technology.
Are you sure about the weight thing? I remember the Zipp clincher wheels being heavier than the Jets. Might want to double check that.
FWIW- I would keep the Heds. No brainer. I have had both and would rather have the Heds. Assuming Hed = new and Zipp = used. This is a no-brainer for me. Both are great wheels and wheel manufactuers though.
Looks like the Jets are lighter to me. Plus the rear is 1cm deaper. If weight is your reason for changing then I would definitely say just keep the Hed wheels.
