Zipp wheels don't spin as smooth as FLO's???
08-01-15, 09:18 AM
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Zipp wheels don't spin as smooth as FLO's???
Just bought my first set of Zipp wheels. 404 Firecrest, new in box, latest model. Granted I only have about 80 miles on them so far, but if I gently spin the rear wheel on my bike it seems to come to a stop much faster than if I spin one of my FLO wheels with the same amount of effort. Can I expect the Zipp wheels to "loosen up" over time or is this just the way it is? For the money I would have expected these to be the gold standard in every way.
08-01-15, 09:34 AM
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The "hand spin" test for wheels and cranksets is worthless. Seal drag is what stops the wheel (or crankset), and is insignificant when actually riding.
08-01-15, 10:23 AM
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If you want to check out the hubs, take out the quick releases and turn the axle by hand. If it is smooth, you're good. if it feels VERY tight, lumpy (like the bearings don't run smoothly all the way around), or gritty, that is a problem.
08-01-15, 11:39 AM
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08-01-15, 01:48 PM
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Yep....definitely bad. You should send them to me! 
To be honest, they're both good wheels, no doubt. But, assuming everything's fine, I'd love to hear your opinions on both. (and what model FLO's you're comparing to)
Congrats, btw!
To be honest, they're both good wheels, no doubt. But, assuming everything's fine, I'd love to hear your opinions on both. (and what model FLO's you're comparing to)
Congrats, btw!
08-01-15, 05:31 PM
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I wouldn't say that the Zipp wheel is being constricted and if I didn't have something to compare it to I likely wouldn't have any concerns.
08-01-15, 05:38 PM
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I just thought of something else that may explain at least a portion of it. The FLO 90 rear wheel is heavier than the Zipp 404 Firecrest carbon clincher. More mass = more inertia?
08-01-15, 09:47 PM
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I had an old set of 404's (before they became the Zipp 60) and they spun like crap. Replaced with a set of Boyd alloy wheels (for 1/4 the price) and it was night and day better.
08-02-15, 06:11 AM
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In spinning the rear wheel with the crank and freehub stationary, most of the drag will come from the freehub, pawls, and the grease therein. There can be a lot of variability due to freehub design, the amount of grease, temperature... You can investigate how much drag there is in the hub with the freewheel turning by removing the chain.
08-02-15, 06:26 AM
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In spinning the rear wheel with the crank and freehub stationary, most of the drag will come from the freehub, pawls, and the grease therein. There can be a lot of variability due to freehub design, the amount of grease, temperature... You can investigate how much drag there is in the hub with the freewheel turning by removing the chain.
08-02-15, 12:53 PM
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08-02-15, 12:56 PM
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In my case, the front wheel appears to spin the same as my other wheels. It's the rear that spins a little less freely. So does this have a significant effect on performance or not?
08-02-15, 01:01 PM
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Optically Corrected
08-02-15, 01:19 PM
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08-02-15, 01:30 PM
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08-02-15, 03:12 PM
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No, everyone is messing with you, Michael. I hope you find something that helps you get rid of the runs.
08-02-15, 03:43 PM
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Not likely.
08-02-15, 03:59 PM
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1. Take the wheel off the bike and spin it while holding the skewer and axle from turning.
2. Feel for roughness in the bearings and compare to your other wheel.
3. Put wheel back on bike and go ride it.
4. repeat #3 as often as you can.
2. Feel for roughness in the bearings and compare to your other wheel.
3. Put wheel back on bike and go ride it.
4. repeat #3 as often as you can.
