If you race at the top end you need top end stuff. Now the top end stuff just got that much better. Zipp calls it an improvement of the “coolness-to-weight ratio.” That’s “coolness” as in awesomeness not temperature, just in case you were wondering. Zipp past the break for closeups of the awesome ratio…
It’s named Impress Technology – direct printing onto carbon-fiber instead of decals. The claimed results are a decrease in weight and an increase in durability, not to mention an unfathomable array of graphics possibilities. Reynolds recently moved to printing logos on the wheels instead of decals, but Zipp appears to have taken it to the next level with fully customizable graphics – though no mention if customers will have the option for custom graphics at this time.
Those at the top end already using the new tech are Sebastian Kienle who took first at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship this year and last, Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and Team Saxo-Tinkoff.
Now this technology is finally available (late November) to us mere mortals. It will initially be available only on the limited edition 1155g Zipp Super-9 Carbon Clincher Disc (assuming $2,500 is in your budget). But seeing as the pros are using the Impress Technology on other models it’s highly likely we’ll see it disperse throughout Zipp’s line-up.
