Zipp 404 Firecrest Tubular

The 58 mm rim profile is a classic in Zipp®’s arsenal that dates back to the early 1990s. These days, the 404 Tubular is still winning races from the Queen K to L’Alpe d’Huez. Now, with the advanced Firecrest® aero-rim shape, our leading all-around performer is an even greater threat to win any race on any terrain. For 2012, the venerable wheelset is available in a classic Falcon Grey color scheme or our all-new Beyond Black with black-anodized hubs, spokes, and reflective black logos.

By controlling airflow around the back half of the wheel, 404 Firecrest is 9 seconds faster than its predecessor 404 model over 40 km at a moderate 10-degree wind angle. At higher wind angles, the improvements are even more dramatic in terms of speed and stability. That’s because Firecrest moves the center of pressure closer to the steering axis so crosswinds exert less side force on the wheel. The result is a more stable ride.

Beyond aerodynamics and stability, the 404 Firecrest’s wider 27.5 mm-wide profile offers a slew of other benefits on the road. The upgraded lateral stiffness makes the 404 Firecrest even more responsive to accelerations and more precise when cornering. And its composite structure is designed to absorb impacts by flexing slightly outward – which gives you a comfortable ride and long-term durability.

Even with all the improvements from Firecrest technology the 404 Firecrest Tubular’s weight is a light 1,282 grams. On the climbs, it goes toe-to-toe with shallower, less aero rivals. On the flats, it hangs with deeper, less nimble competitors. If any one wheelset can do it all, it’s the 404 Firecrest.

And new for 2012, the 404 Firecrest is getting the brand new 88/188 hubset, with a 7.5mm-wider bearing stance in the rear hub, and a driveside hub canted by 2 degrees for improved stiffness and reliability.