I have 2 Wheelset options locally that I’m considering. I’m torn between the 2 set ups.
2007 Zipp 303 tubulars. $500
2007 Zipp 606 alloy clinchers. $750
Obviously the 303’s are only 45mm rims, but they are significantly lighter. I do train and race in a hilly environment. Tubulars would be new to me, but I am a decent wrench and not to worried about learning about them. I’d have to change my brake pads for carbon rims
606’s are deeper rims, cost more though and are heavier. They would make my Spec Transition look sweet. No having to learn tubulars or switch brake pads.
I have a set of clincher 606’s with the aluminum tracks, as well as a newer set of tubular 404’s. I am selling the 404’s as we speak. I owned them for all of 2 months, had some bad luck with 2 flats right in a row, and $200 in tires later, I decided tubulars are not for me. Gluing is not hard to learn, but I think it is hard to perfect (others may disagree).
I know I will be sacrificing weight (marginally), but I think the convenience trumps in my circumstances (mostly flat terrain, no changing brake pads, no need to buy a new tire after a puncture flat, you can train and race on the same wheels with less concern). Also, you are going to get more aero benefit out of a rear 808 (especially if you add a wheelbuilder cover) and any rolling resistance benefits lost by using clinchers, can easily be made up with a good set of racing tires and latex tubes.
Yes, actually 404 front and 808 rear. I forgot to mention it does come with a disc cover also. I don’t know if the cover would fit on the transition though.
A 606 set is an 808 rear and a 303 front.
If tubies are new to you, stick to the clinchers (even though I would only ride tubies on my race wheels). The 606 set is a more versatile one anyway.
Well probably race only but I’ll ride them some training rides also.
I currently only have a set of Mavic ksyrium Equipes.
I was thinking of selling those if I got the 606’s and just running those full time?
I would say go with the 303’s. Here’s my logic. First off you mention that you train/race in a hilly environment. Advantage 303’s because they are lighter and going uphill the lesser weight outweighs aero. More importantly tubulars aren’t as susceptible to overheating, de-lamination and tire blowouts as clinchers under heavy breaking present when riding hilly terrain. That’s the problem Zipp tried to solve with their Firecrest clinchers. (Zipp has a great video on their site explaining the development of the Firecrest’s and explaining this phenomenon). 303’s being shallower will handle better if you are subject to heavy crosswinds in training. Plus the 303’s are a very strong, durable wheelset that is used throughout road racing and the tough spring classics. It will hold up much better to daily training and racing, allowing you to unload your Mavic’s. You save $250 on the original purchase. Put $95 of that towards a WheelBuilder cover made for the 303’s and you have absolutely the same aero advantage of the 808 + disc cover rear when it comes to race time. Train and race on the same set of wheels. Change your brake pads once and forget about them.
Tubulars can be daunting at first, but I made the switch a few years ago and there is really nothing to it. I much prefer the gluing process than dealing with tubes, pinch flats and clinchers that are impossible to get the bead over the wheel. There is actually something cathartic about the gluing process Plus they are much more comfortable to ride on and less rolling resistance when using a wider tire (only newer clinchers have adopted the wider rim). I train and commute on tubulars and never had an issue.
More importantly tubulars aren’t as susceptible to overheating, de-lamination and tire blowouts as clinchers under heavy breaking present when riding hilly terrain. That’s the problem Zipp tried to solve with their Firecrest clinchers.
This is not an issue on the clinchers he is looking at, as the brake track is aluminum.
Plus they are much more comfortable to ride on and less rolling resistance when using a wider tire (only newer clinchers have adopted the wider rim). I train and commute on tubulars and never had an issue.
With a good set of racing tires (Vittoria or Conti 4000S) and latex tubes, he can get very, very close to the same rolling resistance.
While I agree that tubulars feel heavenly, a good friend of mine once said, “Tubulars will simultaneously make your marriage better because of how the ride, and cause you to get a divorce due to how much they cost when replacing tires.” Just my two cents. Either set will be a big improvement over the Mavics.
But, since that’s not your question, assuming you’re a triathlete you’ll be better served with the 404 front, 808 rear (though if these are 2007, they’re probably labeled 606’s as that’s what they were called then).
The 606’s in this case are more versatile for what I’m assuming you’ll use them for than the 303’s. Also, you could be a master mechanic with 1 million glue jobs but convenience is still convenience. Clinchers are just more convenient… especially if you plan on riding these as your daily wheels, which I would recommend you do. Why not, right?
This should not even be a question. Go with the 404/808 clincher combo with the wheel cover. Why?
You do NOT want to hassle with tubulars. Just don’t do it.
Wheel weight in triathlon just doesn’t matter. The weight argument for bikes won’t go away because it is so easy to sense and measure, but it does not matter unless you are finishing at the top of a hill. I’ve never entered a tri like that. Even a tri like the one up Alpe D’Huez has 25K of flat riding before you climb so you would still be faster with heavier wheels. The only time the 303s will be faster is if you start at the very bottom of a hill and climb to the top.
Yes, actually 404 front and 808 rear. I forgot to mention it does come with a disc cover also. I don’t know if the cover would fit on the transition though.
Duh, you’re right. Brain fart on my part. 606’s were always my favorite wheelsets for people when I recommended aero wheels.
Plus they are much more comfortable to ride on and less rolling resistance when using a wider tire (only newer clinchers have adopted the wider rim). I train and commute on tubulars and never had an issue.