Zipp has whipped the covers of its first all-carbon clincher wheeset, the snappily titled 404 Carbon Clincher.
An all-new rim profile has been developed, and dubbed Firecrest, to enable Zipp to deliver a 1557g wheelset with a 58mm rim. The fully toroidal profile has high-radius curves that adjust the width of the rim from 25.5mmm at the braking track to 27.5mm at its widest point.
Zipp Technical Director Josh Poertner said: “This is a product that a lot of people have been waiting for, and we wanted to give them something unlike any other wheel on the market. We spent two years optimising our carbon clincher technology and it’s probably the biggest leap forward we’ve ever made.”
Furthermore, Zipp claims this wider, less tapered shape (than its tubular 404) greatly improves the aerodynamics of the rear wheel, as well as being stiffer due to the extra width in the rim design.
To combat brake-induced heat, a heat-resistant resin based on the materials used in motorsports brake systems is used on the brake surface.
According to Jim Douglas, Zipp product manager for wheels, “The versatility and popularity of the Zipp 404 made it a natural choice for carbon clincher. The performance characteristics of the 404, combined with the functionality of our carbon clincher and Firecrest rim shape will make it a success among triathletes and road racers alike.”
No word on UK pricing yet, but in the US expect to pay $2700. More soon…
