Last year, Zipp introduced the latest in a long history of aero wheel designs with their new Firestrike platform. Starting with the 404 clincher, the Firestrike moniker became the calling card of Zipp’s highest end wheels. By using a new rim shape and ABLC (aerodynamic boundary layer control) dimple pattern, the new design maximized the amount of stability the wheels provided essentially allowing you to use deeper rims than the conditions would normally allow. Other improvements included their new Showstopper Silicon Carbide (SiC) brake track for drastically improved wet weather braking as well as new hubs, printed graphics, and a new molding process.
There was only one drawback. The Firestrike 404 wheels have only been available in clincher – until now. Not only are the Firestrikes now available in tubular form, but the Firestrike 404 clinchers receive a few updates as well…
Calling it their most technically advanced tubular wheel ever the Firestrike 404 tubular uses their 58mm deep rim with the proven Firestrike shape. Offering the best blend of stability, aerodynamics, and ride quality, the 404 tubular specifically benefits from a new technology called Carbon Shield. Using a new layup process with unidirectional carbon and new molding techniques, the resulting rim is both stronger and lighter. As usual, Zipp took their latest project to the ultimate proving grounds for road wheels – the cobbles of Paris Roubaix. After letting some of the top cyclists do their worst on le Carrefour de l’Arbre, the Carbon Shield wheels all managed to survive, even with less than optimal air pressure. Only found on the Firestrike 404 tubular wheels, Carbon Shield should protect your rims from any unexpected damage.
Along with the new Carbon Shield technology, both the clincher and tubular models of the 404 Firestrike retain all of the advancements from the first generation. That includes the Showstopper brake track with a unique molded pattern and Silicon Carbide surface for wet weather braking, CFD tuning to make the wheel more stable in cross winds, a new ABLC dimple pattern again for increased stability, and the new 88/188 V10 hubset. Using a preset bearing preload, the hubs use a 2 cross lacing pattern, and ship with Zipp’s new (to both models) titanium quick release skewers which have been redesigned to be more ergonomic. The hubs also ship with CeramicSpeed hybrid bearings installed with ceramic balls and steel races for as little rolling resistance as possible. Finally, both models include a new version of Zipp’s ImPress direct print graphics called black razor which not only looks better, but saves weight over traditional decals.
Limited to just 404 pairs of each model, the 404 Firestrike clincher and tubular both sell for $3,600/ €3,200/ £2,750 per pair. That price includes black titanium skewers, Zipp’s new valve extenders by Silca, individual Zipp wheel bags, and Zipp Platinum Pro brake pads. Clinchers include Zipp tubes and rim tape as well.
404 Firestrike Tubular Specs:
- 1,395g per wheelset
- 58mm wheel depth
- 27.8mm max width
- 24 rear spoke count
- 18 front spoke count
- Sapim® secure-lock nipples
- Sapim® CX-Ray® spokes
- 88/188V10 2x lacing pattern
- Ceramic bearings (CeramicSpeed)
- Available in 10/11-speed cassette body
- ImPress graphics
404 Firestrike Clincher Specs:
- 1,620g per wheelset
- 58mm wheel depth
- 27.8mm max width
- 24 rear spoke count
- 18 front spoke count
- Sapim® secure-lock nipples
- Sapim® CX-Ray® spokes
- 88/188V10 2x lacing pattern
- Ceramic bearings (CeramicSpeed)
- Available in 10/11-speed cassette body
- ImPress graphics
