Aero wheel advice

wolfden33

I am interested in getting a robust lightweight rear wheel. My thought is to get a Zipp 404 Firecrest Rear Clincher. It seems lighter and more aero than the Shimano C50 for example. I have 3 questions:

1) is the Zipp wheel durable enough to be left on the bike all of the time?

2) when swapping over the wheel do I need to change the chain aswell as I was told that a cassette and chain always needed to be mated?

3) Fudges cycling store seems to have the best price by far at £839.99. There are no user reviews out there so I am naturally cautious. Any one else used?

Thanks guys!

ugo.santalucia

It seems a very expensive way to go for one wheel...
I typically build 3 sets of high quality wheels for that money... that's 6 wheels.
The aero advantage of a rear wheel is somewhat limited... robust? Probably enough for most riders/roads, but I wouldn't define a carbon clincher as the way to go for a light robust wheel.
If you like the big Zipp logos fair enough, but otherwise, seriously, look elsewhere

rpd_steve

Why not get something like a gigantex 50mm built up? Would cost almost a 1/3 of the zip and do what your asking. And seriously... Try tubs, cheaper and lighter, easier to change a flat too.

wolfden33

Thanks for the excellent advice which will save me a lot of money!