Quick review: Zipp 404 Firestrike carbon clincher

Zipp 404 Firestrike carbon clincher Zipp launched the 404 Firestrike wheels in 2014. With the debut of those 58-mm-deep hoops, the company drew upon the 404 Firecrest and added new features. The Firestrike got a redesigned dimple pattern along the sides of the rim. These dimples, like the surface of of golf ball, make the passing air adhere to the wheel better than a smooth surface. The company calls this feature “aerodynamic boundary layer control.”

Of the three wheels I tested, the 404 Firestrikes were the deepest. All that wind-slicing depth also means you’ll feel the air catching against the wheel depending on the yaw and your speed. You do have to counter these forces with your handlebars, which is simply what happens the deeper you go with the rims. I rode with the wheels in a variety of conditions, even in some late May wind and rain that was more reminiscent of November weather. I did notice the occasional push or pull effect of side forces, but considering all the wind that was coming at me and the rim depths, I say the wheels are strikingly stable.

Another notable feature of the 404 Firestrike is the brake track. The company calls the moulded track Showstopper. It has a silicon-carbide surface to increase braking power, especially when there’s water on the roads. Zipps says the braking is comparable to that of aluminum surfaces. I’m not sure I agree; however, for a carbon rims, these wheels stop really well. I was impressed, even when the hoops got soaked.

I took the 404s on the same roads as the other wheels (but not the gravel that the C50s faced). The Zipps offered good road feel, not harsh, but they are the edgiest of the bunch. The wheels’ torsional stiffness comes not only from the tuned carbon-fibre construction, but also the hub. On each Firestrike, a 88/188v10 is at the centre and creates a twocross lacing pattern for the Sapim CX-Ray bladed spokes. Zipp calls this a “virtual 3X lacing pattern.” The 88/188v10s have the pre-load set on the bearings; the company says that pre-load doesn’t have to be adjusted.

In May, Zipp announced some updates to the 404s including CeramicSpeed bearings, new titanium quick-release skewers and valve extenders by Silca that keep things from rattling in the valve holes. Every wheel in this test would be great in a race, but there’s something about the Zipps that make them seem as if they are champing at the bit. It could be loud click/buzz of the freehub when you’re coasting. The 404s look and feel fast, and have the design to maximize your speed.

ZIPP 404 FIRESTRIKE
Rim depth: 58 mm
Materials: Carbon fibre
Weight per set: 1,620 g
Hubs: Zipp 88/188v10
Price: $4,500
Website: zipp.com