For 2014 models, all of Zipp’s rim brake wheels -the 202 tubular and the entire Firecrest range- get completely redesigned rear hubs.
The 188 V9 hub was developed with and for Mark Cavendish, who tends to put a lot of stress on equipment. Larger, thicker flanges and larger Swiss stainless steel bearings in the hub shell (same 17mm axle) add up to a 20% laterally stiffer and 140% torsionally stiffer wheel. That means there’s virtually no effort lost to wind up or flex during massive sprinting efforts.
Close up pics and more below…
Spoke counts have bumped to 18/24 across the range, too. They call it a “virtual 3-cross” lacing because if you extended the spokes they’d cross again – but really it’s a 2-cross pattern.
All in, there’s a gain of about 30g, but most of that’s at the hub. Front hub and rear disc brake (303) hub don’t change.
Rims get new diecut logo decals that are a bit sharper looking with a thinner, lighter material.
They’re also experimenting with printed labels (like Reynolds), but for now the amazing graphics are limited to wheels used for coffee tables. Want!
