The 404 Firestrike Carbon Clincher is designed for durability and impact resistance but, at 1,620 grams per wheelset, is also light weight. Simply put, Zipp set the industry standard for strength and durability in a carbon clincher.
With its versatile 58mm rim depth, the 404 Firestrike Carbon Clincher it stands as our pinnacle carbon clincher to overcome the resistive forces slowing you down – whether it’s aero drag, wind-induced steering torque, rain soaked roads, or tight corners.
Each version of Firestrike has limited availability – we’re manufacturing just four hundred and four (yes, 404) wheelsets each for the new 404 Firestrike Carbon Clincher and 404 Firestrike Tubular.
Additional new innovations and features in the 404 Firestrike Carbon Clincher:
• CeramicSpeed bearings are the lowest resistance hybrid ceramic (ceramic balls and steel races). Smooth rolling bearings put every last watt into moving you toward your goal.
• Zipp’s ImPress direct-print black razor graphic for improved aesthetics and weight savings over traditional decals.
• Newly designed titanium quick-release skewers have a wider more ergonomic handle to provide more leverage for opening and closing. When closed, the lever contours neatly with the frame.
• Zipp Valve Extenders by Silca provides easy inflation with an external gasket for no annoying rattle at the valve hole.
Zipp’s Firestrike design, which draws on the same rim patent used in Firecrest, also includes premium performance advancements:
• Showstopper brake track technology applies a moulded in brake track pattern and introduces a Silicon Carbide (SiC) surface for wet weather braking. Showstopper technology delivers greater stopping power in wet conditions than any carbon wheel ever produced, offering braking on par with aluminium braking surfaces.
• CFD (computational fluid dynamics) designed Firestrike rim shape provides a 34% reduction in side force while maintaining the aero performance of our Firecrest rims, for the ultimate in aero balance.
• Revised ABLC (Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control)smooths airflow through more frequent and smaller vortices, providing unmatched stability and control on even the windiest days.
• The Zipp 88/188v10 hubset adds torsional stiffness gained through the use of a 2-cross lacing pattern utilising Sapim CX-Ray spokes and precision-set the bearing pre-load. That means no bearing pre-load adjustment is ever required.