Zipp 404 Firecrest Tubular Front Wheel 18 Spokes - Black Decal 2015

The 58 mm rim profile is a classic in Zipps arsenal that dates back to the early 1990s. These days, the 404 Tubular is still winning races from the Queen K to L Huez. Now, with the advanced Firecrest aero-rim shape, the leading all-around performer is an even greater threat to win any race on any terrain. This legendary wheelset is available in two decal options, the stealthy Beyond Black or the distinctive Classic White decals. Both decal options feature black anodized hubs, black spokes and black nipples.

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 27.07 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 1,445 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.

New for 2014, the 404 Firecrest Tubular is built with a the latest iteration of our 188 rear hub, the V9, along with
new spoke-lacing pattern for the rear wheel - refinements that result in improved stiffness and durability. The new
hub was developed in cooperation of superstar sprinter Mark Cavendish of the Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team
and is in use by other top pro cyclists and triathletes including Pete Jacobs and Mirinda Carfrae.

Cavendish received early hub prototypes in January 2013 and logged 13,000 kilometers (8,078 miles) on continually
refined variants, including his stage victories at the Giro d’Italia and the 2013 Tour de France. His feedback helped
optimize the hub’s flange geometry, stiffness and weight.

The new 188/V9 hub has larger precision Swiss steel bearings for increased durability. Our new “virtual 3 cross”
lacing on both sides of rear wheel improves stiffness, achieving 3 cross stiffness in a 2 cross pattern with a new
spoke geometry. The 188/V9 has 25 percent more torsional stiffness than a leading competitive hub. This measure of
stiffness is crucial for the direct power transfer to the rear wheel for out-of-the saddle sprints and climbs. The
new hub also is laterally (side-to-side) stiffer that its rival or predecessor.

New for 2014 wheels, our fully die cut matte White and matte Black rim decals are borderless, thinner and lighter.

11 speed compatible

Spec:
Set Weight     1465g   
Max Recommended Rider     250lbs   

Front Wheel
Weight     645g  
Hub Used     88
Rim Depth     58mm   
Brake Track Width (center)     25.34mm   
Max Width  26.53mm
Spokes   Sapim CX-Ray   
Spoke Count   18
Spoke Pattern  Radical
Spoke Length  246mm
Track Adaptable  Yes
Dimpled Surface  Yes
Ceramic Bearing  Aftermarket
Nipples  Sapim
External Nipples  Yes

Rear Wheel
Weight     820g
Hub Used     188/V9   
Rim Depth     58mm
Brake Track Width (center)      25.34mm
Max Width  26.53mm
Nominal Tyre Bed Width  18.00mm
Spokes  Sapim CX-Ray   
Spoke Count  24
Spoke Length Non-Drive  252mm
Spoke Pattern Non-Drive  2 cross
Spoke Pattern Drive  2 cross
Spoke Length Drive  250mm
11-speed compatible hub  Yes
Track Adaptable   No
Dimpled Surface  Yes
Ceramic Beading   Aftermarket
Nipples  Sapim
External Nipples  Yes