Rim suggestions

Keith Wick

During last falls northeast century i hit something and put a dent in my front rim.  i've finally decided to send it back to wheelbuilder to have it fixed and brief email discussions indicate that i need a new rim.  i can get the same thing for $65 or upgrade the rim to either a zipp 404, FP60 or FP80.  i know people train on these regularly, so i'm looking for some advice on which way to go.  i've gotten over the vain of matching wheels, so i'll use my roadie front for some of my training, but at least want to do half of the training with the new front.  i think i'll also do some roadie races this year for fun.  any advantages, disadvantages, etc. would be helpful.  i'll be reusing the dtswiss hub that's already on the wheel.

thanks, -keith

Gordon Cherwoniak

Keith,

I not much of a wheel guy so take my comments for what they are worth.... If it were me I would get another $65 wheel.  Unless you have lots of spare cash I would not be wanting to replace a 404 on a regular basis.  I'd definitely try to get something more aero to race on in the front if possible but even that's not essential. 

Now if wheelbuilder is giving you a good deal to upgrade I'd look at taking that and get a training wheel as well.  

Gordon

mgraffeo

Keith,

If memory serves from the century, you're riding clinchers.  If so, everything I've ever heard about the Zipp's is that the clincher wheels are pretty solid for training. 

For me, it would come down to total cost of ownership.  You can get a brand new Zipp 404 front for about $1050, or a brand new 808 for about $1150.  If you can get a good deal on just the rim, then go for it.  If it's a similiar cost to buying a new Zipp, I'd defer the decision until later.

OTOH, if you went with the Zipp, and then got nervous, you could always pick up a Mavic Aksium for about $100 for training, or a Ksyrium for $175.

 

Mike

Jeff Braaten

I don't think you will have any problems with Zipp in terms of durability for training. I have trained and raced with a set of Zipp 808 clinchers for years and never had a single problem. No experience with the flashpoints but have heard good things about them. As a side note, I bought a set of Edge wheels for my road bike from Wheelbuilder last year and love them and they seem rock solid. Have used the rear wheel with a wheelcover for my last few tri's including IMFl and they were great. They are much lighter than the Zipp wheels, clinchers, and all carbon.

mancona

I trained on my FP 60s for the full year last year with no issues. As others said the Zipp clinchers are pretty durable as long as you are not a big guy and don't abuse them. 



I have heard the FP are slightly strong than the zipp due a higher spoke count and differnet carbon lay up process. This is also when the flashpoints are slighly heavier.