Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

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2008-05-13 11:41 AM

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Subject: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP
Ok, so Ive been toying with the idea of renting wheels for LP. I just have my standard wheel that came with my Specialized Transistion Elite, 2006 model which are Lightweight Alex ALX 330 wheelset


I am 5'4, 125 and not the strongest rider ever. I can carry about 20mph on the short term, not sure yet this year what I can carry on the long haul. But regardless, Im not sure any of what I can do here in Michigan will matter that much on the hills of LP. Ive heard aero wheels dont provide too much benefit unless you are pretty fast, I have no plans of investing in wheels, but I would like to get some for LP to help in any way possible. Ive had the 404's mentioned to me, and the Mavics (which are less aero, but lighter and supposedly more comfortable).

Since I am new to looking at wheels, just looking for a few suggestions/thoughts for anyone who knows more than me!


2008-05-13 11:53 AM
in reply to: #1399339

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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

kellc09 - 2008-05-13 12:41 PM Ive heard aero wheels dont provide too much benefit unless you are pretty fast

This is not true.

Even at LP, aero trumps weight.  But if you are unsure of your bike handling, I don't know that I'd recommend renting them.  You'll have little chance to test them out.  And if it's windy on the way to Keene, you'll be tested on that front at some pretty high speeds.  The potential benefits may not be worth the added worries. 

That said, I rode an 808 front and disc cover rear last year.  And would do so again.

2008-05-13 12:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP
JohnnyKay - 2008-05-13 11:53 AM

kellc09 - 2008-05-13 12:41 PM Ive heard aero wheels dont provide too much benefit unless you are pretty fast

This is not true.

Even at LP, aero trumps weight.  But if you are unsure of your bike handling, I don't know that I'd recommend renting them.  You'll have little chance to test them out.  And if it's windy on the way to Keene, you'll be tested on that front at some pretty high speeds.  The potential benefits may not be worth the added worries. 

That said, I rode an 808 front and disc cover rear last year.  And would do so again.



I plan to rent and test whatever set I would get for LP, at my HIM in June. Doesnt mean that the two races will be the same wind conditions. But just to get a feel since my LBS rents wheels out. Im not a overly cautious biker with handling. So I dont have many worries, so its more so just trying to figure out which would be best.
2008-05-13 12:33 PM
in reply to: #1399419

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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

kellc09 - 2008-05-13 1:05 PM

its more so just trying to figure out which would be best.

Then go with aero--the 404s from your choices.

2008-05-13 1:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP
JohnnyKay - 2008-05-13 12:53 PM

kellc09 - 2008-05-13 12:41 PM Ive heard aero wheels dont provide too much benefit unless you are pretty fast

This is not true.


I'm banking on that!

 

[QUOTE) And if it's windy on the way to Keene,

Ther will be no wind. Or rain. Or heat.

2008-05-13 1:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

Ther will be no wind. Or rain. Or heat.

Yes, I know.  Same as the weather we'll have this Saturday. 



2008-05-13 1:17 PM
in reply to: #1399651

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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

It may be a little warmer up in LP. It will be July after all.

 

68 and partly cloudy on saturday Leave your plastic bags at home or maybe in the car  

 

 



Edited by rollinbones 2008-05-13 1:24 PM




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2008-05-15 7:10 AM
in reply to: #1399339

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Subject: RE: Zipp 404 vs Mavic R SYS for LP

I rented a set of 404's for LP last year when I busted a spoke on the front wheel of my older Mavic Cosmic Carbones about 2 weeks out from the race and lost confidence in the wheel.  I have the same bike as you (although the 2005 model) and was looking at the prospct of riding the stock ALX wheels unless I rented the 404's.  No brainer.  The 404's were buttery smooth and I feel rolled so much better than my stock ALX wheels that came with the bike.  Did they make my bike split faster...not sure but I'm convinced (and it purely opinion here) that using the 404's probably allowed me to work less for a given bike speed and save some legs for the run. 

As far as handling on the ride to Keene.  No issues but I'm a big guy (was 198 lbs at LP last year). 

Oh, and if you want another opinion you might want to PM MarlboroughMan.  He bought a set of 404's the day before the race and raced them after riding them maybe for 5 minutes total. 



Edited by CNIDog 2008-05-15 7:14 AM
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