sautan

I have struck a deal on the cervelo S5 package. I need to pick between Zipp Firecrest 404 Clincher and Mavic Cosmic Carbon SLR.

Review - 404 has better aero compares to Mavic but Mavic has better brake track and will last longer. How true and those who has experience? I have heard overheat while braking on the carbon track liek Zipp 404...

Your thought ASAP. I need to decide within next couple hours before the shop close in East Coast.

Seattle Forrest

This probably shouldn't be a rushed impulse decision.

Bah Humbug

Very much this. However, IMO, there's no way the Mavics compare to the Firecrests. More advanced shape, and their brake track is supposed to be very good despite being carbon.

Nonetheless, I wouldn't want to spend that sort of money on a couple hours' notice on the word of strangers over the internet.

Silvercivic27

Zipps fo sho

TrojanHorse

I seriously doubt you've heard that about Zipp carbon wheels... although those stories abound for uh, more generic wheels.

I'd get the zipps every day and twice on Sundays if it were my money. Of course, my money has stayed stafely tucked in my wallet where fancy carbon wheels are concerned, so I'm not the best person to ask.

sautan

I read about the overheating as general carbon brake track which Zipp has. So what make the Zipp stand out compare to other carbon brake track? Even if Zipp has a better braking ability, is it fair to say its still not as good as the conventional brake track? I do have some concern cause I love to climb and descent a lot and fast.

But ultimately, Aero is the main key, that is why I get aero bike. Would you agree Zipp is one of the best out there? This will be my first Aero Wheel Set. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!!!

Jandro 

In all reality it probably doesn't matter which one you go with.

Carbon does not brake as well as aluminum, period. Especially when it gets damp/wet. You'll want an aluminum training wheelset unless you're a fair-weather cyclist (which, if you're spending this much on a bike... none of our opinions really matter).

Go with the Zipps, why not?

David Broon 

Zipp.

thechemist

I average 100 miles a week on zipp 404s. I like them but I do have the older aluminum brake track which I would trade for all carbon in a heartbeat.

StanSeven

I've got Zipp 404 carbon and Zipp 303's with aluminum braking surface. There's not really much difference except when they're wet. I also don't ride down many long descents but I haven't even got them close to overheating.

abstractform20

zipps

achoo

Is the price the same? Unless you're 200 lbs and ride in a manner that means you do a lot of braking, get the Zipps.

The Cosmic Carbone SLRs absolutely suck in crosswinds - badly. I know. I have a set. The more symmetrical cross-sectioned Zipp wheels have to do much better in crosswinds.

And if something breaks, I think the Zipps use standard CX-Ray spokes.

gc3

In the best 41 protocol...between Zipp and Mavic...my recommendation is Enve...

Vlaam4ever

mavic looks better, do it, hurry

abstractform20

lies

I <3 Robots

404...and slam your stem.

TrojanHorse

*sigh*

Bah Humbug

He really doesn't seem to have paid any attention to how he spent over $7,000. I do more research about what flatware set to buy than he has on his bike, wheels, and powermeter.

Bah Humbug

And seriously, your sig bothers me.

rangerdavid

I have the Mavics. I've used them for everyday wheels for about 4 months last season. They are tough and bulletproof, and they do brake well, but I'd now like to have a set of zipps. The firecrest 404 and 303 are supposed to dissipate heat better and therefore break better than the older ones. But I've been looking at tubulars for climbing wheels. so I guess if you will be riding in the mountains, or use for everyday, get the mavics. if you want lighter, more aero, and you can pay twice as much, get the zipps. both are good wheels. nice problem to have!!



**edited for spelling

LowCel 

Personally this review is enough of a reason for me to stay away from the mavics. I don't want any wheel that "break well".

v70cat

I have the Mavics from 2011 or 2012 got them for $1,000 (for the pair). I think the Zipps are better but at more than twice the price it was not worth it.

The Mavics have been great, yes you do feel cross winds, and are still true and good after a few years and thousands of miles.

If I was purchasing new wheels today I would also look at Williams. They cost less than Zipp and weigh less than Mavic.

I also have the S5 and love it. The wheel clearance could be a issue so you should be mindful of that when looking at wheels.

rangerdavid

yeah, just now having my coffee!!

v70cat

Performance does have wheels on sale

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400931__400931

TrojanHorse

I know!