dem219

The shop near me had some reps from Zipp today letting people try their wheels. They had a couple Specialized S-work Tarmacs set up you could try, but I rode by on my bike and they offered to swap a pair on for me to take for a ride.

It was a really nice opportunity and the reps were really helpful and nice, so I feel bad saying I was a bit underwhelmed. They were definitely nice wheels, especially compared to my 5 year old Easton Vista SLs. They rolled smoother, the cornering and handling was tighter, and overall everything felt a little bit more effortless. But it really wasn't a huge difference, the overall effect was only marginal. And, I suspect half the difference was psychological; me just wanting them to feel better.

Granted I only got to ride once around the park, about 5 miles...its possible I would notice more of a difference with a longer more strenuous ride. But frankly I expected to be much more wowed by $2700 wheels. The good thing is my upgrade lust is now diminished for awhile.

patentcad

No Zipps for you.

gregf83 

It's probably at most about a 20 watt difference which is very difficult to 'feel'. You would have been going a little faster but you won't be able to feel it. If you're not racing the only value is the bling factor for when you roll into the coffee shop.

Runner 1

If I ever buy Zipps, 90% of the reason will be looks.

If I'm ever given Zipps though, then I'll be good enough to not care about the looks anyway.

rat fink

If I ever buy Zipps, 90% of the reason wont be looks. I don't think they look all that nice. ...But, I would buy them if they felt better. I love the ride of a good deep section CF wheel.

10 Wheels

valygrl

^ lol

2ndGen

I have to get deep plastic wheels.
It's part of the depravity of road cycling.
I am seriously considering the purchase of a $5,000. bicycle.
That's; Five Thousand Dollars. 5. Thousand. 5. Cinco.
And then, I want to add an $800. crankset and a set of $2,500. wheels.

Runner 1

Aero engineering is sexy.

jsutkeepspining

it's because you tried the clincher! you should have tried the tubular set.

2ndGen

Affirmative.

Chris R.

So the handling was better, they rolled smoother and it was easier but you did not notice much of a difference....ok.:innocent

ilovecycling

this

s4one

Did you ride the firecrest or? I just received my firecrest and will be taking them out for a spin soon.

M_FactorX19

yep!

also how much of your ride was 25mph+? thats when aero wheels shine.

blueride2

Carbon wheels are worth every penny of their hefty price tag, but noboby pays full retail price for anything these days. Look at ebay for used sets, or better yet, Craigslist for every better deals.

A good set of carbon wheels will transform your bike. They're the single most important item if you want to go fast, and who doesn't?

AdelaaR

You failed to mention the only important factor ... your speed.
If you are slow ... those zipps will not do anything.
If you are fast ... let's say above 25mph at least ... those zipps might make you 1% faster depending on other factors.

Whatever the case ... you will not feel anything.
That just the placebo effect messin' with you.

AdelaaR

Thats, sir, is total bullshiet.
If you don't know what you're talking about it is best to not speak.
The wheels are only a very small factor in going fast.

patentcad

They help Hans.

rbart4506

Hahaha....That is a good one...

Wheels will help, but it's the engine that makes the biggest difference....

Someone has been buying into the marketing hype

kenji666

Are new wheels a NEED or a WANT?

patentcad

If it weren't for this there would be no economy at all.

Aero wheels do remain the single most effective upgrade you can make to a racing bike. Which is why just about every pro and amateur racer uses them. Even still, they do only make a slight difference. But every little bit helps. Anyone who has ridden competitively or raced can tell you that sometimes the difference between hanging on and getting shelled is that last 1%.

DrPete 

If you don't like them or can't tell how they would help you, count yourself lucky and just enjoy the money you saved...

dem219

Yep, that is exactly what I will do. I did like them, just not nearly enough to justify the cost. For those that ask, I was riding anywhere btw 18 - 27 mph. I did notice more of a difference at the higher speed, just less than I expected.

DrPete 

Realistic expectations are key. I think too many people think "wow, these are expensive. I won't even have to pedal" and end up disappointed. There's no limit to what you can spend on bike gear, and the fact remains that once you reach a certain point the price goes up exponentially while performance gains are small. If you're expecting something super amazing from something like a pair of wheels you're going to be disappointed.

I've got a pair of 808 carbon clinchers on the way and will most likely only use them on race days. After all, if there's no clock to race against there's no spectacular benefit from using them day to day.