Any opinions on this?
Actually, I have no idea why a triathlete would choose a 404 wheelset over a 606 (or 808 really unless you are nervous about the 81mm front).
999 is a way to go 
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Actually, I have no idea why a triathlete would choose a 404 wheelset over a 606 (or 808 really unless you are nervous about the 81mm front).
I choose a 404 over a 606 (or 808) for IMWI last year. The “theory” was to have the (albiet slight) weight reduction on a course that is very hilly and contains a number of turns. Of course, I will be blowing that “theory” to hell this year when I run 909s (unless it is ridiculously windy).
Aren’t the 404’s cheaper?
I’ve done 404’s, 909, and 999 wheels at Moo. Don’t see any reason to worry about weight on that course…
Yes, and if you’re looking for used there are a lot of good deals out there for 404’s. Not so good for 606/808. I still think the 404’s are one of the best and fastest wheel sets ever made. The difference in speed between them and the 606/808 appears to be really small, if even noticeable for most of us.
Aren’t the 404’s cheaper?
Sure, but when has money had anything to do with a slowtwitcher’s wheel purchase choice
I’d wager 1/2 of the Z series wheels are sold here LOL!
606 is 700C only…Not an option for myself unless I want a bike that’s too big for me.
jaretj
Thank you for your kind reply. Do you have any suggestions of places to purchased used? Zipp keeps pretty tight control of their product line. And, I do admire that. Also, - do you think that it’s probably better to buy new as perhaps carbon wheels would have cracks or flaws more obscured?
I would probably look for a good used set of of the Slowtwitch classifieds forum. Nothing like buying from family :). Maybe get a deal from someone that has to have the next best thing :). I would be very careful on ebay, but would look there as well.
Buying new is a different story. I think the price will be kept the same no matter where you go.
I think buying new is the way to go when it comes to something like race wheels.
I don’t know what makes you set on Zipps but if it’s the speed, why not a set of rebadged undimpled 404s( Zipp sells their rims to Cane Creek, Ritchey, and others. You get 99.9% of the speed at about half the price if you know where to look(the website below offers a 15% discount on your first order, and Ritcheys retail for quite a bit less than Zipps anyways)…
As to the original posters question. Go as deep as you can and still be comfortable.
Additionally, the rule of Kona applies… buy the 999/909 so you can buy a new wheel when you qualify.
I am looking for light, yet very aero wheels, - but not a rear disc, for my road bike for the Furnace Creek 508.
Thanks,
Cheers,
For a road bike I would say Zipp 404 (or Flashpoints, etc) or Hed Stinger / Jet 60 wheels. You do see some folks riding road bikes with 808’s and deeper now though so this is something to consider as well I guess.
The ritcheys should fit the bill. I think the tubulars are around 1350 - 1400 grams. good luck on your search. The ritchey 404s were in the tour test and took second to only the 808.
This is a pretty good resource for finding the best price
http://www.qbike.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?ord=p&nd=9&tz=2&st=zipp+404&auct=on&lp=&hp=
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Buy the wheels, and put them on the bike, right now! Well, thats what Jack Bauer would say! 
I recently went through this and got the 606, which as you know is a 404 front and an 808 rear rebadged as 606. I too thought about the weight issues, but we are only talking about 1/10th of a pound here! I highly doubt you can feel this on a hill. Add that to the known aero advantage of the 808 rear wheel, and it suddenly became an easy decision, one I dont regret.
I did ride my 606’s on a windy race day, and I didnt get blown around as much as I would have thought. So no big deal from my perspective.
Its your money, so get what makes you feel comfortable. I went 606 (tubular) and have no regrets. Hope this helps!
Jimbo
Note the last line from language appearing on the website that offers 15% discounts on first orders:
TAKE 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!.
USE COUPON CODE 112004.
ONLINE ORDERS ONLY
DISCOUNT CODE MUST BE APPLIED AT CHECKOUT.
Note - the coupon does not apply to component groups, Zero Gravity products, Zipp wheels, or Kurt Kinetic trainers.
Read my post, I recommend Ritchey wheels which although utilize the ever popular 404 rim, aren’t considered a Zipp product. Making the price of the wheels I recommended with coupon under $1100.
Hiya,
Thanks very much for all of your help and the tips. I checked them out and that’ a good price. That’s about the same as the Flashpoints, - they’re probably at least comparable. I’m looking for 700c, Campy, clinchers… There’s also Neuvation and Williams that I’ve been checking out, - but the Zipp/Reynolds name is pretty big as far as reliability…
Thanks again,