Road Cycling - 404's or ksyrium's

Are Zip 404's $400 better than Mavic ksyrium sl's.

That is defiently a personal call.

Take note they are different. Zipp uses a deep profile carbon rim while the Ksyriums use an aluminum rim.

Also take in consideration spoke replacement when spokes break and they will break. Find out which one will be cheaper and faster for you to buy.

Also I have to point out grey market. There are many shops selling both brands grey market and if you buy like this service may be alittle harder to get.

But either way it comes down to personal preference.

Zipps are lighter, much more aero and durable. They are definitely worth more money but you can't really compare those wheels as they are not even close to being competition for each other.

I like both wheels. Some shops don't carry the Ksyrium spokes so you might have to wait a long time for spoke replacement.

Zipp's are better racing wheels, but whether they're worth all that cash is dependant on how serious you are into racing. If you don't race, don't bother considering carbon wheels.

Zipps more durrable than Ksyriums? I don't think so. I used to ride 01' model 303's, and at 160 lbs, I broke two spokes on the rear, and melted the front rim under heavy breaking during a technical descent (yes, it really started to melt). Zipp was nice enough to rebuit my wheels with new rims after I melted them, so I have to say that their customer service is pretty good.

- Maurizio

I never said it was more durable. I said it was durable. I use Zipps for cross and road.
I have never had problems with the rim melting. I use ceramic pads and don't have any problems.

For a good training/racing wheel, go for the Ksyriums...the 404s are better off being used for races only.

Zipps are definitely race day wheels only according to Zipp. I have several of my triathlete customers on them and every time their bikes are in the shop the wheels need truing. I have also had a couple of Zipp rims crack where the valve hole is drilled. Zipp replaced these of course and their customer service is great. I personally ride Ksyrium SLs and I think they are the better wheel for all around use. For time-trials get the 404s but for all around use you need the SLs. The Zipps are light and Aero but the hubs are overly simplified and the rims often need frequent truing whereas the Mavics are slightly heavier but way more durable and still pretty cool looking. Whatever you choose be sure to buy them from a local shop who will take care of any problems you might have, free truing and warranty service are worth every penny over that hot internet deal.

-Ryan