Aerodynamics calculation methodology: Time and watt savings over 40km are calculated using a top-selling aluminum race wheel as the baseline and assuming a power output of 300 watts and a speed of 30mph (48kph). If you’re going slower, the time savings are greater, as you’ll be riding for a longer time. | Aero savings reflect rider-on-bike testing, not wheels-only testing. All numbers are calculated at a 10° wind angle to approximate the most common real-world riding conditions. Tests are conducted using 21mm Vittoria tires; Zipp Tangente tires can save an additional 3-9 seconds, or 1-3 watts.
A NEW CHAPTER IN SPEED
A BETTER WHEEL IN EVERY WAY 404 Firecrest Tubular
PowerTap® is a registered trademark of Saris Cycling Group, Inc. Vittoria® is a registered trademark of Vittoria Industries North America, LLC
Zipp® Carbon Clinchers have been described as the most heavily anticipated wheels of all time. During the two-year development process, we designed new clincher-specific approaches to prototyping, testing, materials, and manufacturing. The end result is worth the wait.
For every rider, every discipline, and every ability level, aero wheels make a noticeable difference. Now, Zipp wheels make a bigger difference in more ways than ever with the revolutionary Firecrest rim shape. Used in our 404 and 808 Tubulars and Carbon Clinchers, FirecrestTM is not only more aerodynamic than any other design, it also improves handling, wheel strength, and overall ride quality.
Optimized aerodynamics | Wind tunnel development has allowed us to perfectly match the real airflow patterns created by fully inflated clincher tires to the rim. This not only improves the speed and handling of our wheels but also means you don’t have to sacrifice aerodynamics when choosing clinchers.
More speed | Discovered as we developed our Carbon Clinchers, Firecrest refocused our thinking from the front to the back of the wheel. Whereas past designs tapered inward from the widest point of the toroidal bulge, Firecrest maintains its width nearly all the way to the spoke bed. Firecrest is the first rim shape designed specifically to control airflow around the back half of the wheel.
Optimized materials | Chemical engineers from our US-based composites supplier traveled to Zipp to develop an exclusive heat-resistant resin. This technology improves heat dissipation so substantially that ours are the only carbon clinchers to pass stringent limitations on rider weight or brake pad options.
More stability | Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Zipp engineers adjusted the Firecrest profile so that the center of pressure moved closer to the steering axis. As a result, Firecrest rims provide markedly more stable handling than other rims of equal or even shallower depth.
Optimized ride quality | Our proprietary heat-resistant materials, Tangente High Performance Cork Brake Pads, and angled braking surfaces provide smooth, pulsation-free stopping power under all conditions.
Inflating with water instead of air saves rims and eardrums when testing for maximum tire pressure.
More strength | As we demonstrated with the Paris-Roubaix-winning 303, a wider rim increases lateral stiffness for sprinting and cornering yet offers greater vertical compliance for more control, comfort, and durability on rough surfaces.
Photo: Eric Wynn
404 Clincher with hybrid-toroidal profile
Traditional “V” Shape
ZIPP 404 DRAG COMPARISON
175
155
135
2011 ZIPP 404 115
® 2011 COMPOSITECH, INC.
404 Firecrest Carbon Clincher
195
Drag (grams)
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Zipp Speed Weaponry 5315 Walt PL Indianapolis IN 46254-5797 1-800-472-3972 www.zipp.com
AEROEDGE
2009 ZIPP 404 2009 ZIPP 808 F9R
95
90TT AEO 9.0
Accurate thermal imaging enabled us to improve the materials and structure of Zipp Carbon Clinchers for optimal braking performance.
H3 75 2.5
5.0
7.5
10.0
AOA (degrees)
12.5
15.0
17.5
20.0