Got a choice between Easton EC90 Aero tubulars & Zipp 606 tubulars.
EC90s are a little lighter.
606s are a little more aero.
Which do you think is faster with my Scott Plasma LTD?
That’s a can of worms here…
I’m no aero guru, but my guess iis the 606 (404 front and 808 rear). Unless you plan on only racing uphill TTs, the 606s would probably be the best bet. Aero usually trumps weight (at least given the small weight difference between the wheels) on the flats.
Thanks for explaining your position.
There are some serious hills at my 70.3… it’s a Kona IM qualifier.
I’d like to choose the best wheelset and also use that same set for road racing. Then sell the other set.
I don’t live in the mountains, but most of my road races have significant hill climbs.
Thanks again!
I’m interested in this too. Sure Zipp have the marketing behind them, perhaps they are more aero in most cases, but I’m still not certain that the reduced weight doesn’t trump an aero deficit in real world conditions. I’m also interested in a third dimension - durability.
I was at the Toronto Bike Show over the weekend, a few opportunities for race wheels, and a big range of prices in Zipp wheels (one dealer with lot’s of 404’s (10+ sets) for $1500, others selling the same product for $2200-2500). Chatted up wheels with a bunch of vendors and there was a lot of talk of Zipps being problematic in the long term due to a lack of durability, especially in the hubs (although, full disclosure, they were also not selling Zipps - could be a factor).
So, wondering what the experience has been with Zipp in the real world? I’m not willing to spend $2000 for wheels I’ll use 4-5 times per year, I’d like to train on them periodically too, but I wonder about durability. That said, I bought a set of used 2004 404’s clinchers 2 years ago and have trained and raced them and I can’t detect an issue/deficiency in them.
I’m interested in this too. Sure Zipp have the marketing behind them, perhaps they are more aero in most cases, but I’m still not certain that the reduced weight doesn’t trump an aero deficit in real world conditions. I’m also interested in a third dimension - durability.
I was at the Toronto Bike Show over the weekend, a few opportunities for race wheels, and a big range of prices in Zipp wheels (one dealer with lot’s of 404’s (10+ sets) for $1500, others selling the same product for $2200-2500). Chatted up wheels with a bunch of vendors and there was a lot of talk of Zipps being problematic in the long term due to a lack of durability, especially in the hubs (although, full disclosure, they were also not selling Zipps - could be a factor).
So, wondering what the experience has been with Zipp in the real world? I’m not willing to spend $2000 for wheels I’ll use 4-5 times per year, I’d like to train on them periodically too, but I wonder about durability. That said, I bought a set of used 2004 404’s clinchers 2 years ago and have trained and raced them and I can’t detect an issue/deficiency in them.
Well said.
Durability is a concern for me too since I’d like to race the wheels for road, TT, and tri.
The area where I live has some bunk-ass roads with stealthy sink-spots that don’t really look like indentations until you’ve already stuck your wheel into it.
this is tough to answer. but being an owner of the EC90 Aero wheelset, i can say that they are bomb-proof. nothing against Zipp at all. but the Eastons are solid wheels and i was told by many folks when shopping that i could easily ride the Easton’s everyday and not worry. now, i don’t do that. but was encouraging to hear that.
the 606 set is a very versatile set for sure. i raced them in Kona…probably the most popular combo at that race it seems. but, when i decided to buy wheels, i decided to go with the EC90’s. then pickup a disc for race days when it’s flat with little to no wind and use the EC90 front with it. i should also mention that i got a killer deal on the Eastons. money did play a part in my decision!
i know i didn’t answer your question…but i hope i helped a bit.
I am not a wheel expert by any means. I don’t even own a set of race wheels. My buddy who owns a LBS sells both zipp’s and easton’s. He recommends the EC90’s over the zipp’s from a price perspective. He said you can ride everyday on the EC90’s with no problem. I asked how he knows, later I found the answer when I went riding with him, sure enough, he rides the EC90’s everyday. Said he is yet to have a problem with them. He said due to his personal experience with the Easton’s he feels comfortable recommending them to someone who is going to be using them for more than just a few races each year.
Nick
*Just wanted to add that he did not have anything bad to say in regards to the Zipp’s. His perspective comes from a price point, and his personal experience of the durability of the Easton’s, which is what I was inquiring about.
this is tough to answer. but being an owner of the EC90 Aero wheelset, i can say that they are bomb-proof. nothing against Zipp at all. but the Eastons are solid wheels and i was told by many folks when shopping that i could easily ride the Easton’s everyday and not worry. now, i don’t do that. but was encouraging to hear that.
the 606 set is a very versatile set for sure. i raced them in Kona…probably the most popular combo at that race it seems. but, when i decided to buy wheels, i decided to go with the EC90’s. then pickup a disc for race days when it’s flat with little to no wind and use the EC90 front with it. i should also mention that i got a killer deal on the Eastons. money did play a part in my decision!
i know i didn’t answer your question…but i hope i helped a bit.
Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
I own Easton EC90 Aeros, after owning Easton Circuits and Easton EA90 SLXs, which are the best wheels I’ve ever owned. I’ve raced on the Eastons and a 606, and would take the Eastons every day, twice on Sunday. The Eastons are stiffer, cheaper, bombproof, and just as aero as a 404.
A 606 setup is going to be faster than EC90s, but that’s how it works. Either way, you will never regret owning the EC90-Aeros.
Hi,
I was faced with similar choices a month ago and went with a set of 606. No regrets with close to about 1000km on the 606. Here are some ride info including some personal average time savings data over a 30km and 90km course : http://www.triathlonfamily.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6970