WHEELS: ZIPP 404 Wheelset

Description:


ZIPP 404 Clincher

Our most popular clincher wheelset ever, the 404 is crafted especially for people who demand the ultimate performance this side of disc wheels without trading the convenience of clincher tires, and who expect the kind of all-day comfort that makes it easy to train and race on the same wheels. The 700c 404 clincher sports an aerodynamic dimpled surface. And you thought that they couldn’t get any faster.

You have to love the convenience of today's clincher technology. Now you can love the performance even more with this year’s 404 Clincher wheelset. The 404 clincher is great for both Roadies and Triathletes alike. Any rider looking for the highest aerodynamic performance in a clincher race wheel, who wants to race and train on the same wheelset and who demands light weight and durability will find the 404 clincher the ideal choice.

The pioneer in structural co-molded carbon fiber rims with welded and machined alloy braking surface, M2cm technology has produced a lighter, stronger, stiffer and yet more comfortable rim than ever possible before. An ICT process Carbon Fiber rim element is hand built and molded inside the precision alloy extrusion in a single seamless procedure. The dissimilar materials are melded into a unified whole that exhibits the best properties of each. There are no shortcuts in this demanding process; what you get is the result of hours of meticulous hand labor married to cutting edge technology.

At 180 grams, the 404 aluminum extrusion achieves a variance of plus or minus 1% in extrusion weight where the best previous industry standard was plus or minus 10% on conventional rims. The result is the lowest rotational rim mass of any alloy clincher available, which means quick acceleration and efficient transfer of power courtesy of lateral stiffness more than double that of any conventional rim.

The reduction in vibration frequency provided by Zipp’s VCLC technology shows that while the 404 clincher rim is nearly half the weight and double the lateral stiffness of an all aluminum box style rim, the 404 clincher rim has a LOWER natural frequency when subjected to vertical inputs. This rim transfers 10.9% less impact force to the rider than the standard aluminum traditional alloy rim and diminishes subsequent remaining vibrations nearly 30% faster. The result is more comfort and improved handling through improved ground contact. We understand that after six hours in the saddle every road seam can feel like the world's largest pothole, so no stone was left unturned as we sought to design the first high frequency suspension system for your road or TT bike.

The 404’s multi-patented rim shape is designed to offer the best aerodynamic performance over the widest range of real world conditions using a range of available tires. After exhaustive testing, the 2005 404 clincher rim surface has yet again been refined to better manage the airflow around the rim, resulting in slightly lower drag numbers without change in lateral stability in even the fiercest cross-winds.

Patent pending ABLC dimpling technology applied to the surface of the rim (700c only) allows air to flow over the rim with a minimum of separation resulting in lower drag. By adding this dimpled surface, you can expect to save 1-3 watts of power.

Weight: 768g front, 892g rear


ZIPP 404 Tubular

The 404 composite tubular is the classic Zipp wheel ridden to hundreds of World and National championships, dozens of Olympic medals, major Tour stages, world records and countless individual victories large and small. The 404 has dominated across the full spectrum of racing applications. For 2005, 700c 404s have received ABLC dimpling technology to the surface of the rim allowing you to go that much faster.

The 404 wheelset is our most popular wheelset ever.

It is ideal for time trails, long solo breaks and any application where efficiency and ultimate sustainable top end speed are paramount.

The rim shape is multi-patented. The 404 tubular rim offers improved airflow management over a wider range of tire styles and widths while improving cross-wind stability in even severe conditions. The fastest just keep getting faster.

It's designed to work with your fork and frame to provide superb aerodynamics over the widest range of conditions using the widest range of frames and forks, and every tire.

Time trialists and road racers everywhere have made the 404 the premier choice world wide for good reason. The 404 excels in all events with superior performance proven aerodynamics, durability and superior comfort.

The overall lightness of the 404 wheelset is truly amazing, at only 1292 grams for the set, the 404 tubular weighs nearly what the 303 tubular weighed only 3 years ago. Each year the 404 package only gets through the improvements made to the Zipp 202 rear and Zipp 84 front hubs combined with Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and improved materials throughout the design.

Zipp’s exclusive ICT process combined with VCLC technology results in 58mm deep section rims that more than double the lateral stiffness of conventional alloy rims while the weight at the outer edge is up to 75% less than that of traditional rims.

It's quick. It's fast at speed and handles like a dream through the corners. VcLc technology improves the wheel to ground contact for precise control while reducing rider fatigue.

You have to slow down sometime, so the 404 wheelset features our exclusive Silica-Ceramic braking surface for responsive deceleration wet or dry. Zipp specified thermally conductive brake pads ensure great braking performance and rim longevity.

Light weight alone does not make a fast wheel. The key to total performance lies in a keen understanding and application of aerodynamics. Thousands of hours of research coupled to tens of thousands of road miles and a fanatic attention to detail have gone into today's 404. You don't ride in a wind tunnel (unless you are really strange) so our wheels are always designed for the real world where true performance is the result of a range of characteristics.

Patent pending ABLC dimpling technology allows the air to flow more smoothly around the rim resulting in less drag. This innovation will save you between 1 and 3 watts of power.

Weights: 570g front, 682g rear

Product Reviews
nyvelocity.com July 2006 - second look
nyvelocity.com - orginal review
cyclingnews.com November 2005