Since I am now thinking about a new wheel set because of problems with my current Bontrager Race X Lite Aero wheel set, I was thinking of trying a Zipp 303 or 404 in a clincher. I know Zipp makes great race wheels but was wondering how these would be for my everyday bike that I use for century rides and not for racing very often. I am a big guy, 6’4" and 195 lbs if that is something to be concerned about with these wheels. I did a search but most of the info was about using them for racing. Also if anyone knows a place to get a good deal on a set of new or good used ones please let me know.
Since I am now thinking about a new wheel set because of problems with my current Bontrager Race X Lite Aero wheel set, I was thinking of trying a Zipp 303 or 404 in a clincher. I know Zipp makes great race wheels but was wondering how these would be for my everyday bike that I use for century rides and not for racing very often. I am a big guy, 6’4" and 195 lbs if that is something to be concerned about with these wheels. I did a search but most of the info was about using them for racing. Also if anyone knows a place to get a good deal on a set of new or good used ones please let me know.
I am 185 and use 303’s for everyday riding on my Road Bike… I was even heavier when I bough the wheels orginally. They are extremely tough and light. I would highly recommend 303’s above almost any cycling product I own.
There are some threads about using Hed Alps for everyday riding and the concensious seems to be - yes - they are very durable and a great all around wheel. I like the fact that the spokes go to the aluminum cap on the rim. They are my choice for when I can scrape together enough cash for a good set of wheels. I think they are considerably cheaper than the Zipps. Weight and Aero seems very close to the 404 Clinchers. Check out roadbikereview.com as well. The Jet 40 or 60’s are a little bit cheaper but a little heavier and not as aero as the Alps. I figure if you are going for premium wheels what’s a few extra hundred.
Yes, Mavics “may” be more durable, but they won’t ride as nice and are over 1 lbs heavier (this is rotating mass too that matters in hills, stop, starts, etc.). Time trial, triathlon, weigt doesn’t matter much. Since they cost about the same, go with the 404’s for sure. I’ve trained on my 404’s a lot (I’m only 159 lbs.) with no probls. Usually train on Reynolds Alta Race though. They will not likely fail as the new super smooth hubs seem pretty robust, but they are pretty pricey. Why not just a nice set of Ksyrium SSC SLs off e-bay - very light, ride nice and are bomb proof
While they are very nice wheels, I have found that the aluminum braking surface on Zipp clinchers is inferior to anything from Mavic or DT Swiss. The braking performance of the Zipp clinchers is superior to the tubulars, it’s still not as nice as the machining surface of Mavic. I race on 404 clinchers- they’re more grabby and not as strong as my ‘training’ wheels, which have Mavic CXP33 rims. I have also used Mavic Open Pros and the DT Swiss RR 1.1 rim with good luck. Since these are training wheels, there are other considerations than simply weight. Actually, when I built up my current set, I went with a CXP 33 over an Open Pro simply because it’s heavier. If you want a cool-looking, strong, aero wheel, I recommend the Mavic Cosmic Carbone, although these certainly qualify as ‘race level’ wheels. If you want something cheaper, I recommend the Mavic Ksyrium Elite- these things are very strong, have great hubs, and will last you a long time. Oh- one more (sorry!)… the Mavic Cosmic Elite- it’s one of their cheapest wheelsets, but is actually quite nice.
The 303’s did not work for me as everyday wheels. I am 6’3", 210lbs. I had 303 rims built on Campy hubs w/32 spokes to accomodate my weight. My lbs told me they would be perfect for both everyday and racing. However, they were a disaster as everyday wheels. In six months of riding, I bent the front rim on two separate occasions. Never once did I do anything that would explain the problem-no pot-holes, etc. While Zipp replaced the rims for free, it took several weeks both times to get the replacement rim and (re)build. Now I just race on them.
Since when does 90 grams = 1lb? We are talking clinchers here, right?
And they are not really the same price. The 404’s at all3sports are $1600. The Mavics list there for $150 less, but if you go to www.totalcycling.com you can pick them up for $1200.
I am a fan of Zipps, I think their tubular rims are stellar, but if I were going deep section clincher, I would go Mavic.
