ksi300
08-16-08, 08:41 PM
I know that Flashpoint is made by Zipp, but how can the FP's be way cheaper? The FP's are almost $300 less, so what is the difference between them? Also, are the FP80's the same as the zipp 808's? Thanks in advance.
Triathlon - Flash Point vs Zipp
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DrPete
08-16-08, 08:48 PM
I know that Flashpoint is made by Zipp, but how can the FP's be way cheaper? The FP's are almost $300 less, so what is the difference between them? Also, are the FP80's the same as the zipp 808's? Thanks in advance.
The FP's use cheaper spokes and the years-old version of the Zipp rim. So you don't get the dimples on the rim, the CX-Ray spokes (which are quite pricy), or the latest/lightest materials.
I actually found a blurb at Competitive Cyclist:
Similar to the Zipp 808 wheels, the FP80 offers the rim depth and shape in a more economical wheelset. FP saves money by going with more conventional hubs, skipping the dimples found on the 808s, and using less expensive spokes. The aluminum rims are bonded to a carbon fiber v-shaped structure that gives strength to the rim and an aero edge. Another difference between the 808 and the FP 80 is the carbon layup; a Zipp rim takes 60 pieces of carbon fabric while a FP takes four.
The FP's use cheaper spokes and the years-old version of the Zipp rim. So you don't get the dimples on the rim, the CX-Ray spokes (which are quite pricy), or the latest/lightest materials.
I actually found a blurb at Competitive Cyclist:
Similar to the Zipp 808 wheels, the FP80 offers the rim depth and shape in a more economical wheelset. FP saves money by going with more conventional hubs, skipping the dimples found on the 808s, and using less expensive spokes. The aluminum rims are bonded to a carbon fiber v-shaped structure that gives strength to the rim and an aero edge. Another difference between the 808 and the FP 80 is the carbon layup; a Zipp rim takes 60 pieces of carbon fabric while a FP takes four.
ksi300
08-17-08, 12:47 PM
So would the FP's be comparable in quality and effectiveness as other similar priced options? My idea is to buy a set of nice racing wheels that I can put on my road bike and future tri bike. I will be doing mostly sprint triathlons. The Zipps seem too overpriced for me, which attracts me to other choices like Blackwell, HED, Flash point, and Prolite (are all of these comparable in quality?). What would be the best choice for short - medium length triathlons?
DrPete
08-17-08, 04:46 PM
So would the FP's be comparable in quality and effectiveness as other similar priced options? My idea is to buy a set of nice racing wheels that I can put on my road bike and future tri bike. I will be doing mostly sprint triathlons. The Zipps seem too overpriced for me, which attracts me to other choices like Blackwell, HED, Flash point, and Prolite (are all of these comparable in quality?). What would be the best choice for short - medium length triathlons?
This would just be my opinion, but any of the 80mm deep rims would be a good choice if you want to use them on a TT/Tri and a road bike.
If you're just looking for the Tri bike, then a Hed 3 front wheel and a Hed rear disc are your best bet based on wind tunnel data etc. and can be found for less than $1500 if you do some searching.
As for the quality level, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the big names.
This would just be my opinion, but any of the 80mm deep rims would be a good choice if you want to use them on a TT/Tri and a road bike.
If you're just looking for the Tri bike, then a Hed 3 front wheel and a Hed rear disc are your best bet based on wind tunnel data etc. and can be found for less than $1500 if you do some searching.
As for the quality level, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the big names.
bikinpolitico
08-18-08, 11:13 PM
Get a Hed 3 or other deep front and a disk cover for the back from Wheelbuilder ($90 or less- http://www.wheelbuilder.com/closeup.asp?cid=25&pid=185&offset=0). You'll be just as fast if not faster than getting a full set of deep rims for half the price.
I and many others use this setup, and it works great. (Some wind tunnel tests have shown the cover to actually be faster than full rear disks.)
I and many others use this setup, and it works great. (Some wind tunnel tests have shown the cover to actually be faster than full rear disks.)
bartturner
08-19-08, 07:15 AM
Curious to what the weight of the cover from WheelBuilder.com. Does anyone know? Don't see it on the web site.
chrisuletz
08-19-08, 10:50 AM
FlashPoint is an older version of the current Zipp's.
I've rented FP80 at a race and they were great... next time I'll rent Zipps, so I can compare. But as for now, the FP's are worth it.
I've rented FP80 at a race and they were great... next time I'll rent Zipps, so I can compare. But as for now, the FP's are worth it.
DrPete
08-19-08, 12:35 PM
Get a Hed 3 or other deep front and a disk cover for the back from Wheelbuilder ($90 or less- http://www.wheelbuilder.com/closeup.asp?cid=25&pid=185&offset=0). You'll be just as fast if not faster than getting a full set of deep rims for half the price.
I and many others use this setup, and it works great. (Some wind tunnel tests have shown the cover to actually be faster than full rear disks.)
Thanks for the link--I ordered one to use while I'm saving up for my Sub9 purchase next spring... Incidentally, if you're in the military and shopping for Zipps, they offer a military discount that's, well, substantial.
I and many others use this setup, and it works great. (Some wind tunnel tests have shown the cover to actually be faster than full rear disks.)
Thanks for the link--I ordered one to use while I'm saving up for my Sub9 purchase next spring... Incidentally, if you're in the military and shopping for Zipps, they offer a military discount that's, well, substantial.
bikinpolitico
08-19-08, 01:20 PM
Curious to what the weight of the cover from WheelBuilder.com. Does anyone know? Don't see it on the web site.
Wheelbuilder is using using the CH Aero which is 540g uncut. You can get these elsewhere for a little cheaper, but then you have to cut them yourself (NOT recommended.) Don't worry about weight though. Unless your on a course with a lot of climbing, the aero benefits of the cover far outweigh (pun?) the extra weight.
Also, if you want total flexibility, these can be cut to fit most deep rim wheels, so you could put them on your Zipp, HED, Flashpoint, etc and take them off if the course is too windy (never happened to me) or you are doing a race like IM Hawaii where they are banned.
Wheelbuilder is using using the CH Aero which is 540g uncut. You can get these elsewhere for a little cheaper, but then you have to cut them yourself (NOT recommended.) Don't worry about weight though. Unless your on a course with a lot of climbing, the aero benefits of the cover far outweigh (pun?) the extra weight.
Also, if you want total flexibility, these can be cut to fit most deep rim wheels, so you could put them on your Zipp, HED, Flashpoint, etc and take them off if the course is too windy (never happened to me) or you are doing a race like IM Hawaii where they are banned.
cjbruin
08-19-08, 01:26 PM
Incidentally, if you're in the military and shopping for Zipps, they offer a military discount that's, well, substantial.
Wheelbuilder offers the discount or Zipp? Where can I find out more about this?
Wheelbuilder offers the discount or Zipp? Where can I find out more about this?
DrPete
08-19-08, 07:28 PM
Wheelbuilder offers the discount or Zipp? Where can I find out more about this?
It's a factory-direct thing through Zipp. I'm assuming they still do it... I bought a pair of 404's last year with the deal. If you call the 800 number on the site and ask for military pricing they'll send you the right direction. You need to send a copy of your military ID, etc etc., but the process is really quite simple.
It's a factory-direct thing through Zipp. I'm assuming they still do it... I bought a pair of 404's last year with the deal. If you call the 800 number on the site and ask for military pricing they'll send you the right direction. You need to send a copy of your military ID, etc etc., but the process is really quite simple.