INDIANAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Zipp's latest road wheel model is the 404 Firestrike, which features a new technology called Carbon Shield to add durability. The company is selling just 404 pairs each of the updated Firestrike Tubular and Carbon Clincher this year.
The wheels' Carbon Shield feature is a new ply sequence of unidirectional carbon as well as a new mold-tool design and mold process. Zipp said the Carbon Shield was proven on the Spring Classic cobbles by pro riders this year.
All wheels in the Firestrike product line features a versatile 58mm rim depth.
Other features for the 404 Firestrike Tubular and Carbon Clincher are:
- Zipp's ImPress direct-print black razor graphic for improved aesthetics and weight savings over traditional decals.
- Newly designed titanium quick-release skewers have a wider more ergonomic handle to provide more leverage for opening and closing. When closed, the lever contours neatly with the frame.
- CeramicSpeed bearings (ceramic balls and steel races).
- Zipp Valve Extenders by Silca provide easy inflation and feature an external gasket for no annoying rattle at the valve hole.
- Showstopper brake track technology applies a molded-in brake track pattern and introduces a Silicon Carbide (SiC) surface for wet-weather braking.
- CFD (computational fluid dynamics)-designed Firestrike rim shape provides a 34 percent reduction in side force while maintaining the aero performance of Zipp's Firecrest rims.
- Revised ABLC (Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control) smooths airflow through more frequent and smaller vortices, providing unmatched stability and control on even the windiest days.
- The Zipp 88/188v10 hubset adds torsional stiffness gained through the use of a 2-cross lacing pattern utilizing Sapim CX-Ray® spokes and precision-set bearing pre-load. That means no bearing pre-load adjustment is ever required.
The tubular wheelset weighs 1,395 grams per pair and retails for $3,600. The clincher set weighs 1,620 grams per wheelset and retails for $3,600.
Each 404 Firestrike includes Zipp black titanium skewer, Zipp valve extender by Silca, Zipp individual wheel bag and Zipp Platinum Pro Evo brake pads. Carbon Clincher wheels also includes a Zipp innertube and rim tape.
