Even with all the recent refinements and additions to the Zipp product line, the 404 (58mm) wheelset is still the Champ! This versatile wheelset has reigned supreme in World Ironman Championships, numerous CSC and Phonak Tour de France stage victories, and countless personal bests all over the world in every cycling discipline. The 404 composite tubular is the classic Zipp wheel ridden to hundreds of World and National championships, dozens of Olympic medals, major Tour stages, world records and countless individual victories large and small. The 404 has dominated across the full spectrum of racing applications. The 404 wheelset is our most popular wheelset ever.
Don't let those good looks fool you: the patent pending aerodynamically dimpled pattern is an extremely ruthless controller of air resistance that delivers an average gain of 1 to 4 watts of energy in very nearly all conditions and races. Triathlon, road racing, sprinting, time trials - you name it, 404 is the universal master that has earned its place as our top performer and the choice of elite cyclists everywhere. It is ideal for time trails, long solo breaks and any application where efficiency and ultimate sustainable top end speed are paramount. The rim shape is multi-patented. The 404 tubular rims offer improved airflow management over a wider range of tyre styles and widths while improving cross-wind stability in even severe conditions. The fastest just keep getting faster. It's designed to work with your fork and frame to provide superb aerodynamics over the widest range of conditions using the widest range of frames and forks, and every tire.
Time trialists and road racers everywhere have made the 404 the premier choice world wide for good reasons. The 404 excels in all events with superior performance proven aerodynamics, durability and superior comfort. The overall lightness of the 404 wheelset is truly amazing, at only 1252 grams (+/- 25g) for the set. Light weight alone does not make a fast wheel. The key to total performance lies in a keen understanding and application of aerodynamics. Thousands of hours of research coupled to tens of thousands of road miles and a fanatic attention to detail have gone into today's 404. You don't ride in a wind tunnel (unless you are really strange) so our wheels are always designed for the real world where true performance is the result of a range of characteristics. Patent pending ABLC dimpling technology allows the air to flow more smoothly around the rim resulting in less drag. This innovation will save you between 1 and 3 watts of power.
The pioneer in structural co-molded carbon fiber rims with welded and machined alloy braking surface, M2cm technology has produced a lighter, stronger, stiffer and yet more comfortable rim than ever possible before. An ICT process Carbon Fiber rim element is hand built and molded inside the precision alloy extrusion in a single seamless procedure. The dissimilar materials are melded into a unified whole that exhibits the best properties of each. There are no shortcuts in this demanding process; what you get is the result of hours of meticulous hand labor married to cutting edge technology. At 180 grams, the 404 aluminum extrusion achieves a variance of plus or minus 1% in extrusion weight where the best previous industry standard was plus or minus 10% on conventional rims. The result is the lowest rotational rim mass of any alloy clincher available, which means quick acceleration and efficient transfer of power courtesy of lateral stiffness more than double that of any conventional rim. It's quick. It's fast at speed and handles like a dream through the corners. VcLc technology improves the wheel to ground contact for precise control while reducing rider fatigue. You have to slow down sometime, so the 404 wheelset features our exclusive Silica-Ceramic braking surface for responsive deceleration wet or dry. Zipp specified thermally conductive brake pads ensure great braking performance and rim longevity.
You have to love the convenience of today's clincher technology. Now you can love the performance even more with this year's 404 Clincher wheelset. The 404 clincher is great for both Roadies and Triathletes alike. Any rider looking for the highest aerodynamic performance in a clincher race wheel, who wants to race and train on the same wheelset and who demands light weight and durability will find the 404 clincher the ideal choice.