Okay, I am looking to buy a new set of racing wheels, and I have the choice between these 3 zipp sets.
So, which set should I buy?
Dave
how much $ ya got?
I would think the 606s are the most versatile out of the three you mentioned. I would also consider a Renn Disc and a HED 3 front which would be cheaper than any of the Zipp combos you mentioned.
I used a set of 999’s at IMF this month for the first time, and was surprised at how much the 808 front was grabbed by the wind. I’ve never experienced that when I used a 404 on the front with my disk. FWIW, I weigh 170lbs. I think the 606’s would be a great set. I’m thinking of selling my front 808 to get a set of 606’s.
I have heard the same comment about the 808 in the front and wind.
They have a sale on these sets this weekend so the price is much cheaper than a set of 404’s via qbike.
Dave
I have the 999 now, and I rode the 404 in the past. Without question the 999 is a faster wheelset than the 404 (duh).
I rode the 999 setup at IMWIS this year, with strong sustained winds and gusts above 30mph. I felt fine on those wheels during the race. There was only ONE point where I was scared (30+mph downhill, strong crosswind), but I think I would have been freaked there on any wheels. If I had to do it again in the same conditions, I would ride the 999s. I also rode them a couple of weeks ago in Florida, with nor problems.
For what it’s worth, I’m ~155 and don’t consider myself an expert bike handler.
Where are these wheels on sale?
Hey, I think I saw in another post that you got ride of the velotron? How come? Not happy with it?
-C
606 was the most popular seller this past year, and if you think you’ll be headed to Kona, that’s what I would get. The 909 would be my choice over the 606, if I wanted a 404 up front and was not sure about heading to Kona.
I’d choose 909 over all sets except the 999, which is the fastest overall choice. I’ve heard plenty of people ride the 999 without problems. But if you get nervous, the 909 will be a good choice. A disc in the rear is generally regarded as not being too difficult to handle.
I had to return the Velotron because basically it has bugs, and I could not get it to work. When it worked, it was a dream.
But, when it stopped working, what good is spending all that money?
Dave
606, use them everywhere
tubulars of course, and a set of Zipps tires would be appropriate.
Enjoy
If anyone on the thread is interested, I have a set of 606 tubulars used twice for sale. PM me for more info.
I think the 606s best all-around fast-as-hell wheelset on the market right now.
Can anyone piont me to online specials.Who ahs the best price on Zipps right now?
Shane D
Check this out…never used them myself…but looks like pretty good deals…
Trisports.com, 15% off with “slowtwitch” code at checkout I believe. Excellent CS.
In store only for the Zipps, but if you’re local, then perhaps a deal can be had.
Yes, that sale was basically a complete comeon. I got up at 1:45 PST. Started calling a 1:59 PST. I finally got a person to pick up the phone at 2:30 PST. Basically all the wheels were gone. They only had one set at least in the 606’s which I was looking at. Should have known better.
Dave
Thought I’d recycle this thread rather than start the 10,000th thread on this topic.
race: Pacific Crest half iron
course: 10 miles of steep climbing, 15 mile descent, rest rolling
wind: not extreme. one fast descent that can have crosswinds for about 2 miles.
choice: 404 v 606 v 808
I am sure the differences are incredibly minor but I do have to make this choice and these are the only three choices I am considering for this race. What are your thoughts?
Deeper is faster, assuming you can handle it. The 808 is more aero than it is heavier vs. the 606 or 404. Assuming you can handle all three sets comfortably in the wind that is likely on course, the 808 is your best bet.
The only reason to ever go shallower is for weight on a hill-climb type race, like Mt. Washington, where you are always going up, and very steeply. OR if you have trouble handling a deeper wheel in the wind.
That being said, I am sure you will race more than once on these wheels, so it’s best to consider what will be most useful overall. If you are a good bike handler, the 808 pair is going to be fine for everything (plenty of guys rode the 808 pair in Kona no problem). If you are not so good, the 606 might be a better choice. And if you are planning on doing any bike racing (crits and the like), then the 404 might be your best choice, since it is a little more nimble.
So that is the answer that is not really an answer. 
The 606 is Zipp’s most popular combo, if that helps at all…
Can someone say how much time improvement any of these wheels will give. Also add the 900 to the list. I am just trying to see what the best bang for the buck is. If I only get 15 seconds in a 40km, maybe I should save my money and just get another bike with a more slack angle than my 81 yaqui.
Now, I am also looking at the cool factor, which still may make spending the money worth it, kinda.
Dave
Most bang for the buck race wheels? EASY.
front - eBay a HED3 or 404 or Alps or similar, $200-$400++
rear - CH Aero wheel cover, $60
In my totally unscientific experience, I find my race wheels (404’s currently, now going to 404 front and CH aero cover rear due to PT purchase), save me approx 0.5 mph. Which is approx 1.5 mins in a 40k, give or take.
You can spend $1700 to get this, or about $250+
YMMV.
<< Cool factor? Nothing says “cool” like, “My disc is as fast as yours and I had enough dough left over to buy a front AND take my wife out to dinner.” >>
Hell - to take that a step further, you can get a PT rear wheel, disc cover AND an aero front wheel, for less than the 404/606/808 whatever combo would cost.
That would truly be bang for that particular # of bucks. You’d get the “free” speed of the aero wheels, and be able to build a bigger engine to take advantage of it too.