Switching to race wheels

[cyclinrunt]

I've been eyeing some Zipp wheels, but no one in town carries them, so I have a stupid question. When switching wheels for a race, how do I switch my cassette over?

[Sprocket Man]

Use a cassette lockring tool like this one: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=12775&subcategory_ID=4203

And a chainwhip or two to get the cassette off.

Personally, I just buy another cassette for my race wheels. Less hassle, plus I prefer slightly higher gearing on my race wheels anyway.

[^*^BATMAN^*^]

Are you sure you want Zipp? they are the Nike of wheels, they cost alot more, for virtually the same thing.....unless someone has stats to prove that me paying $500cdn for a Renn disk, makes it way worse then a Zipp 909 that costs close to $2000cdn

[MHR]

Are you sure you want Zipp? they are the Nike of wheels


First time I ever heard that - I have a 2 sets of Zipp 404's and a new "Z999 wheel set" All of my wheel sets have an additional cassettes, and all my bikes have Dura Ace 10-speed which makes it very easy to switch. Zipp is also the wheel of choice at Ironman Hawaii....many are riding a 404 rear and a 303 front.

[cyclinrunt]

You have all given me good things to think about. I'm riding Ultegra 9 speed, and I think the idea of putting another cassette on the race wheels is a great idea. I hate messing around with things, especially before a race. I'd love to hear more about different Zipp wheels, and non-Zipp wheels, because until you buy, anything is an option! I was thinking Zipp 404s with clinchers, front and back.

[lilscotboy]

i have a race cassette on my american classic CR420's, it works out really well

i thought about zipp 303's and HED jet60's for a bit, but then plumped with the AC's, i love these wheels

[Sprocket Man]

I was thinking Zipp 404s with clinchers, front and back.Unless you are really uncomfortable about having to use tubulars, you may want to consider it as an option. With Zipp wheels, the tubular option is usually priced the same as clinchers but it weighs quite a bit less. As long as you're going to spend $1,000+ for a wheelset, you might as well go all the way. . .

[cyclinrunt]

I've never seen tubulars. They are a complete unknown for me. Considering I've really never had to change a flat in clinchers (knock on wood), tubulars are even more daunting.

[zakk]

i just got my 404's set-up last night. I went with the Clinchers. weight means little to me, but the ability to change a flat in 2 minutes compared to 5 and hoping the glue holds is another matter.

That said, I have a wide assortment of Ultegra cassettes.

12-27
12-25 x2
11-25 (DA)
12-23
11-21

all in 9 speed. You can really tailor it for the course. A whip and a cassette tool help

[cyclinrunt]

I wonder how much faster 404's would be than the Bontrager wheels that came on my Trek 5200? They have some depth to them, I think they are the "Race" wheel.