New wheels- is it worth the money invested?

PB dreamer

Hi Guys

I am looking for a bit of expert advice on purchasing some new wheels.

I have just started racing in a few cat 4 races and am looking to upgrade my wheels. I currently ride a Cervelo S2 and use Schimano Carbon Laminate RS80s and are doing the job fine, but want to invest in some racing wheels for now and the future.

I have a few questions...

1. Is it worth buying the Zipp 404 Carbon/ Alloy Clincher Wheelset?
2. Is £1050 good value for money to spend?
3. Can anyone recommend an alternative in a simular price range?

Cheers

rozzer32

If you crash and bust the wheels can you afford to replace them?

markos1963

rozzer32 wrote:

If you crash and bust the wheels can you afford to replace them?

+1

If you are just starting out racing then probably more advantage to be had by going for a sprint rim like a Nemisis as you are more likely to need a nice light strong wheel which can be repaired easily.

nochekmate

Come on if you cannot pick up points in 4th Cat riding a Cervelo S2 and Shimano RS80s, then there's bugger all that a pair of Zipps are going to do for you to be honest.

Find the guy riding the best bike with the most expensive wheelset in 4th Cat races and you've probably spotted the chap who will be first off the back.

Buy the Zipps by all means but there's no need to race on them at this level, as somebody has pointed out ride something that you can afford to replace. Now if that is still the S2 and Zipps simply go ahead but don't expect some miraculous improvement in your placings.

EKIMIKE

What 'value' are you looking for by spending your money on Zipps?

If it's better race placings > nochekmate has it spot on.
If it's sheer blingtastic posing > fine, you can't do much better than the Zipp brand for posing. The graphics are loud.

Also, why clinchers if they're just for racing? Tubulars are the way to go for dedicated race wheels.

doubledenim

I use strada wheels for TTs on my S2 and would recommend - under your budget but they are tubs!

Looks like this :







They won't make you a world champ but I do find them easier to maintain high speeds and have vastly improved my TT times.

For everything else I use dura-ace c35 clinchers which cannot be faulted.

doubledenim

http://www.stradawheels.co.uk/