Wheels for closed circuit / crit racing

terongi

Campag set up on bike - so rules out Shimano wheels

I have a nice comfy set of handbuilt wheels for training and sportives, so I am looking for stiffness, aerodynamcs and raw speed from some new wheels to use for short races only.

I am prepared to go up to the £1,250 price bracket for Zipp 303s or 404s if necessary.

Recommendations please.

redddraggon

If you are willing to splash out on Zipps - I'd go for the tubular 404s - but for racing only If you want them for training some clinchers may be better.

terongi

Thanks Reddragon.

Are the Zipps really worth the price difference?

and

Why are 404s better than 303s for racing, considering they are the same price?

redddraggon

terongi wrote:

Thanks Reddragon.

Are the Zipps really worth the price difference?

and

Why are 404s better than 303s for racing, considering they are the same price?

I've never used them BTW, but going off reviews and testimonials (is that the right word?) and if I had just over the grand to spend I go for the Zipps.

The 404s are deeper, so the aerodynamics are fractionally better, but the weight will be fractionally higher.

Of course if you could stretch to the Bora Ultras they'd make the bike look better aswell

andyp

How about a pair of the FFWD F4R wheels? Much cheaper than the Zipps, almost as light and reportedly very stiff. They also offer a half price crash replacement policy (essential for racing in the UK in my experience).

Monty Dog

For crit racing, expect to experience a crash, so I'd put durability at the top of your list, as well as stiffness. Ironically, stiffness isn't a strong point of Zipps and neither is durability - unless you go for the Clydesdale model with aluminium brake track - but they're more expensive and have a 300g weight penalty over the normal carbon ones. The're also relatively little advantage from aero wheels is crit racing, as you'll be spending 99% of the time in a bunch where the advantage of aero wheels is marginal - unless you foolhardily spend large amounts of time off the front in break-aways? If it were my money, I'd opt for something like a Shamal, or if it had to be a deep-section wheel, I'd got for Planet-X - peel the stickers off if you want the 'expensive look'

dennisn

Monty Dog wrote:

For crit racing, expect to experience a crash, so I'd put durability at the top of your list, as well as stiffness. Ironically, stiffness isn't a strong point of Zipps and neither is durability - unless you go for the Clydesdale model with aluminium brake track - but they're more expensive and have a 300g weight penalty over the normal carbon ones. The're also relatively little advantage from aero wheels is crit racing, as you'll be spending 99% of the time in a bunch where the advantage of aero wheels is marginal - unless you foolhardily spend large amounts of time off the front in break-aways? If it were my money, I'd opt for something like a Shamal, or if it had to be a deep-section wheel, I'd got for Planet-X - peel the stickers off if you want the 'expensive look'

I agree with MD. Expect to crash(so to speak) as it will happen sooner or later. If you are only buying one set of crit race wheels, durabilty is not a bad idea as not all courses are created equal in having the perfect road surface for Zipps. They are a lot of money and
hittting a big rut with them could prove much more costly than hitting one with something
a bit less expensive and sturdier. Forget aero for crits, won't help. Something that spins up quick is what you need. Maybe the Shamal that MD talks about would fit the bill of fairly
durable and quick spinup. Don't know.

Dennis Noward

terongi

Thanks for all the advice.

If aero is no use, would the new Mavic R-Sys fit the bill of durable and fast spin-up?

James_London

Agree with the previous comments on Zipps. Go 404 tubular rather than 303 with the big caveat that they're expensive wheels to crash or break. 303s are not that stiff IME. If you want deep sections, two people I know riding them on their own money have been very impressed with FFWD. Also maybe Edge Composites rims with CX-Rays and hubs of your choice. Corima Aero+ are also relatively cheap and effective.

For mid/shallows, take Shamal Ultras over R-SYS. R-SYS are an unjustified premium for negligible performance improvement and (outside a crit situation), aerodynamics are poor. Unless you just want bragging rights. I also like Neutron Ultras. Both Shamals and Neutron Ultras are bulletproof though sliightly more expensive to fix in a nasty crash with the Campag premium.

robbarker

I had Zipp 404s on my triathlon bike a couple of years ago. They were OK but changing tyres always seemed to be a PITA.

If you're racing you will crash, and aero wheels offer no advantage when you're in a peleton, so go for repairable handbuilts - DT rims, spokes and hubs will make a fine set of wheels.

oldwelshman

I have gone for ffwd wheels on my track bike.
I would not consider any wheels with tubs for outside use due to expense of replacing after punctures!!
Personally I would not go for zipps as they are very expensive, having siad that I have most charisma on my new prince I am going for the new dura ace 7850cl for general racing.