Anyone tried Zipp Clydesdale or Cross wheels?

Pokerface

Currently running a set of Mavic Comic's but as a heavy rider I flex them a fair bit.

Looking at getting a set of Zipp 404's (better aerodynamics, stronger, lighter).

Looking at the Clysdales as they are made for fat guys like me - but also looking at the cross wheels.

Wondering if anyone had tried the Cross wheels. They seem to be exactly the same as the Clysdales but perhaps with better hubs to keep out dirt. Otherwise same weight, spoke count, etc.

Anyone ridden either set and have any feedback?

Thanks!

James_London

Which Cosmic model do you have currently? Also, why is the flex a problem exactly? You won't find there's a material aerodynamic difference between the two rims either. It's about 2 Watts at 50 km/h for the Carbone SL and Zipp 404 (standard with fewer spokes than the Clydesdales) so some shoe covers would be a cheaper solution.

I had a set of Zipp clinchers (standard, not Clydesdale) and found them pretty flexy when sprinting (85kg at the time). The tubular versions are better (lighter and stifffer) but sounds like 404 Clydesdale tubulars may be a good option. AFAIK there's no difference between the Cross and Clydesdale versions. Both 1304g and 24/24 with same hubs and rims. Other than that, the Zipp hubs are well made and run very smoothly compared to most I've found. Mavics aren't so great...

If you can get a set from the US you may also fare better as apparently the UK distributed Zipps are built locally and not as well. Also getting a decent wheelbuilder to work on your Cosmics may also help stiffen them up a a little.

Pokerface

I have the Cosmic SL clinchers. They are pretty heavy compared to a full carbon tub.

Flex is a problem as power is wasted when out of the saddle or accelerating, etc. Plus I don't want to break them!

Maybe I'm just trying to justify buying a new set of wheels and looking to make myself feel good about it. :oops:

But still want to make sure I get the 'right' set.

Thanks for the input.


P.S. Just had an email off Zipp and the Clysdales and Cross wheels are indeed the same.

James_London

There's nothing wrong with wanting them for the sake of it but always good to go in with your eyes open :-)

The 404 tubs would make sense but the clincher version are overpriced for what they are IMO with limited benefit over the Cosmic SLs. You could probably have more fun with the money elsewhere... If you're staying clincher, Cosmic SLRs are very nice (though I don't think quite justify the price tag and the holes where the spokes enter the fairing are large and don't help aerodynamics), Dura Ace 50mm clinchers or something from Reynolds might be worth considering.

Pokerface

James_London wrote:

There's nothing wrong with wanting them for the sake of it but always good to go in with your eyes open :-)

The 404 tubs would make sense but the clincher version are overpriced for what they are IMO with limited benefit over the Cosmic SLs. You could probably have more fun with the money elsewhere... If you're staying clincher, Cosmic SLRs are very nice (though I don't think quite justify the price tag and the holes where the spokes enter the fairing are large and don't help aerodynamics), Dura Ace 50mm clinchers or something from Reynolds might be worth considering.

For whatever reason I have my heart set on Zipps. And looking at tubs, not the clinchers.

Can get a very good deal on what I want right now so thinking hard about it. Cheaper than the other wheels you mentioned.

James_London

Sounds like a non-decision then! Go for it... ;-)

Pokerface

James_London wrote:

Sounds like a non-decision then! Go for it... ;-)

Ah yes - but still looking for feedback from other people that might own them. Obviously some people may have had bad experiences, etc. But I believe them to be good, strong, fast wheels.