Originally posted by filipe720
Hello.
I want to get a new wheelset to use for training and racing that I can use on both triathlon and road bike. I’m trying to decide between Zipp 404 FC or Zipp 404 FC front wheel and Knight Composite 65 with DT 240 hub for back wheel.
I’m trying to decide between this two because I have two good prices for that ones. And what’s best: clincher or Tyre ?
Thanks in advance.
Zipp wheels are a good choice, DT Swiss hubs are also good components but not sure about the Knight brand.
You mention 404 FC twice for the front in your message.....
If I had some Zipp carbon wheels I would not use them for training
(unless I had lots of money to have spares etc.
). I would find a good pair of sturdy wheels specific for training then switch to the Zipps for training.
Clincher tires are much easier to repair, especially on the road. Very little benefit in terms of racing nowadays.
I've been racing for 8+ years now and still don't have any fancy wheels, just stock that came with my bike. You can be fast without them.
In case you haven't read up on the benefits here's some ballpark figures going from stock wheels to say, Zipp 404 types:
Olympic Distance: 0:35-0:45 faster over 40 km
(25 mi.
)
Half Iron: 1:15-1:40 faster over 90 km
(56 mi.
)
Ironman: 2:30-3:20 faster over 180 km
(112 mi.
)
A good tool to use to compare wheel types and other factors effecting cycling performance try bestbikesplit.com
With deeper wheels
(Zipp 808's, disc in rear etc. you can shave over a minute on 40K and over 5 minutes over a full iron distance.
If I had the extra $$ I would have those cool looking wheels but for now I just work on the engine