"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Zipp 303's or 404's (with PT hub) for Look 585 Build

In keeping with the socratic dialogue we had with alreadyblue earlier this week about rich old jackasses buying fancy bikes they don't need, I am seriously considering splashing out for a Look 585.

I haven't earned it. Indeed I don't even plan to ride it. Ever. Instead I will hang it on my wall at home and also publish elaborately composed photographs of it here in Bike Forums, purely as a symbol of my social and economic superiority over anyone who is too young (or maybe just too smart) to buy a $6,000 bicycle.

I may someday earn the moral right to ride this "bicycle", perhaps through as series of hard interval workouts followed immediately by removal of all of my leg hair with hot wax and perhaps a bit of self-flagellation with a cat of nine tails thrown in for good measure (OK I like to do that anyway).

If someone of great moral wisdom someday permits me actually to ride this bicycle (very much in doubt), I am trying to decide between Zipp 303s and Zipp 404s (either way with a PT hub).

Are the 404s squirelly in the wind?

Also, Campy or Shimano?

Thanks.

please dont buy a white look!

Awesome post. I hope it looks good on your mantle.

please dont buy a white look!

Origin Black, of course....

404 front with 606 rear... :)

sweet i want to make sure we dont have matching bikes

404's can be mildly squirrely in strong crosswinds, but then again, so are box rims. Go with the 404s. The aero advantage more than makes up for the weight penalty. By the way, this assumes that you are not 120 lbs or less. Control is a bit more difficult if you don't have the stabilizing mass (Read: My rock hard pectorals) :)

404 tubies!

please dont buy a white look!
Why not? I think they look good...did I just commit a faux pas?

Anyway, I wish I was in your dillema. I can't afford 404s yet, but I've heard a lot of positive things about them and several guys on my team have them and seem to like them.

I own a 565 and I like shallow section rims on it. Lugged frames will always look better with 303's rather than 404's.

Why not? I think they look good...did I just commit a faux pas?

Anyway, I wish I was in your dillema. I can't afford 404s yet, but I've heard a lot of positive things about them and several guys on my team have them and seem to like them.

because i want to buy a white look and we both live in the same area.

Will you be time trialing on the bike? If so, then go for 404's. The 404's will also help you in road races if you get off the front.

Will you be time trialing on the bike? If so, then go for 404's. The 404's will also help you in road races if you get off the front.

Yeah sure, but will the 404s help me if I'm off the back? :D

Yeah sure, but will the 404s help me if I'm off the back? :D

They'll help ease the pain, and maybe help you look good. ;)

Myregular wheels are 404 clinchers, and it gets windy down here. Above 20 mph or so it gets your attention, but it has to be blowing a gale to become truely unmanageable (at least with my size and pectorals).

That being said, just picked up a set of 303 tubulars that I'll use in hilly races (and to weigh the bike when I brag how light it is.)

Look is a nice bike, and they seem to have good warranty protection. I know at least two people whose Looks developed stress fractures in the CF - no crashes, nothing. But Look took care of them, no hassles.

I would go with the 303's, but that's just me. I'm light and I like climbing. The 404's might feel better, and suit your riding style. I'd probably blow over on the 404's in a stiff wind. I almost blew away a couple times today riding the path next to Lake Michigan.

But year, totally depends on the type of riding you intend to use it with, and also your physical attributes.

404's

They are probably the best do it all wheel. *



*not accounting for durability :p

OT/

My friend is getting a Look 585. Curious how much it cost for the frame?

/thread jack

OT/

My friend is getting a Look 585. Curious how much it cost for the frame?

/thread jack


$3000 MSRP. Can be found cheaper though.

OT/

My friend is getting a Look 585. Curious how much it cost for the frame?

/thread jack


Can find them for $2,300 on eBay, I have not seen them cheaper anywhere else. I am also looking for a 585 to build up with full Record!

my girlfriend knows the answer to this:

deeper wheels = sexier bike

end.

Can find them for $2,300 on eBay, I have not seen them cheaper anywhere else. I am also looking for a 585 to build up with full Record!

Just got one for $1,800, never ridden.

If you are OTB then 404's for sure. The slower you go the less the decals blur in a picture and the cooler they look. I think the 404's are the best all-around wheel for rr/crit/tt if you are going to have just one.

I have a 585 with tubular 404's built on a powertap hub. Campy Record.

... so that is what I recommend.

Actually, I just got the 404's this winter and have only ridden them a handful of times. I have ridden them in pretty strong winds (10 - 15 mph) and could feel it a little more than my Open Pro's but it was not as bad as I expected. I couldn't imagine noticing that much difference between the 303's and 404's. Although, I can't speak on the 303's because I've never ridden them.

No. Get the 595 Ultra. Get it in my size and sell it to me at a massive loss. Just to show you can.

Also, Campy or Shimano?

Thanks.

Campy, you will thank me later.

Campy, you will thank me later.

incorrect.

incorrect.

Why do you hate Italians?


http://www.pbase.com/smera/image/70176049/original.jpg

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/phpBB2/download.php?id=18244

Why do you hate Italians?

i am italian.

i am italian.


Really? I always got the feeling you were from Beligum/Dutch lineage... There's no reason for hating yourself!

Really? I always got the feeling you were from Beligum/Dutch lineage... There's no reason for hating yourself!

incorrect.

Really? I always got the feeling you were from Beligum/Dutch lineage... There's no reason for hating yourself!



incorrect.


That's sad... you shouldn't hate yourself. :p


Edit: sorry Ghostman, no more thread stealing, promise!

That is a beautiful bike!!

This may be a stupid question, but how is that bartape staying on? It doesn't look like it has tape on it.

i am italian.

Then why the self loathing? ;)

That is a beautiful bike!!

This may be a stupid question, but how is that bartape staying on? It doesn't look like it has tape on it.


you do not need tape due to the adheasive backing.

Why do you hate Italians?


http://www.pbase.com/smera/image/70176049/original.jpg

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/phpBB2/download.php?id=18244
Maybe it's just a visual illusion, but that's quite a bit of saddle to bar drop. :eek:

Maybe it's just a visual illusion, but that's quite a bit of saddle to bar drop. :eek:

The rear is jacked up a bit.

Get the most expensive, best looking ones, in several colors. Zipps are not going to make you go any faster, so you may as well go for the bling.