flythebike
captain
Reged: 08/26/04
Posts: 272
Loc: N. Virginia, USA
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Re: Zipp 404 wheels
08/27/04 09:31 PM (66.7.29.138)
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I concur. The wheels are surprisingly comfortable despite their astonishing lack of flex. I disagree with the LBS that you can only tell the difference at upwards of 30MPH. Aerodynamics starts to make a lot of difference at even about 15-18 MPH. CSC used 404s almost exclusively in this year's TDF. Basso even rode them in the Alpe D'Huez TT. However, this may have been because their Cervelo R2.5s (with all the FSA stuff) were making their bikes come in under the UCI weight limit (they are light as a D-Fly), so they just used the (1200gms) heavier 404s or Z4s. Nevertheless, they didn't consider the rim's rotating weight to be a liability. In fighting that limit, you'd be better off with a heavier bar/stem, seatpost, saddle, and brakes, rather adding rotating weight. Accelerating quickly out of 21 hairpin turns on a beyond category climb is very important to winning the bike race! Getting the 303s with a fairly high spoke count to insure the durability that you want is probably a good choice. Just don't get the clinchers. Please. If you have concerns about tubulars check out www.tufo.com. They make flat sealant for them and rim tape if you hate the gluing.
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