Hi,

I purchased an older Zipp 404 wheelset. the wheels are true with tubular already on the wheels, the outer rim of the wheel where brakes applied show some where, otherwise the wheels look good. From the stickers that are currently on the rim, I determined that is from 1999-2000.

i rode with them on my bike and seems to be very nice and light, but is there anything i need to be concern of? i did notice that the rear tubular looses a tiny bit of air in couple of days (is that typical for tubular?)

The price I paid was $500 for the set, I am wondering if i paid too much, and if there is a big difference between the older set that I have to the new zipp 404s?


Thank you for your expertise.

here are pics of the setup:
https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/11899...42183899_reJWw

Five skins isn't too bad a price to pay for a ~10 year old set of Zipp 404s with tires installed. I can't tell from the pictures just how bad the wear on the braking surface is but have to ask, did you buy a set of carbon wheel type of bake pads?

Time to get familiar with life with tubulars

Pretty blue bike BTW

yes, i got Zipp F1 carbon pads... and yes, didnt realize how 'specialized' tubulars are, local bike shops will not deal/install with them, had to find another shop.

Forgot to ask. Do you know the history of the wheels and any idea as to how old the glue job is? I changed a set at the shop a while back that had been on the wheels so long that the glue had dried up and the tire would have probably rolled off had the owner made any hard, fast turns.

Any luck at the other shop? Biggest issues (other than any cracks) would be the braking surface wear and the area (not sure how to put this) right at the edge of the wheel where one might damage the rim by hitting a pot hole or curb.

I'm not really familiar with Zipps that old, so I'm not sure if there were any issues back then.

yes, you are right, the shop told me that could be an issue, i was told that the tires were on the rim for 2 years and have not been ridden on since. i dont plan to ride fast or make aggressive turns, i thought i try them out for awhile before i get new tires put on. ( as it would cost me $50 per tire for installation). But maybe it is just safer to get new tires put on.

$50 per tire for installation? WOW

What state do you live in? Is there another shop near by you can call?

Time to learn the care and feeding of tubulars and do it yourself.

northern virginia - the $50 includes removing/cleaning existing tires, and installing new ones. was told its a 3 day process. i am new to tubulars, so i thought letting 'experts' do it, until i learn to do it myself.

one question - i noticed that some 404 models have aluminum outer rim with the carbon fiber, rather than all carbon like the ones i have, any advantages/disadvantages?

Good idea to have someone familiar do the first change. Providing they do a good job, replacing them in the future shouldn't be a problem.

Keep your eyes open for an old tubular rim (only need the RIM) also find an old flat bladed screwdriver 1/4 inch or so in diameter. Cut off the handle and discard. Take new unglued tire, install and inflate on old rim to streach out. Leave over night at least. Your screwdriver is a tool you will carry with you along with a preglued tire in the event of a flat. Worry the screwdriver between the tire and rim and kind of drag it around the rim until you can remove your flatted tire by hand. CAREFULLY install and inflate the new tire. If you are out on a ride, do not make any hard/fast turns. If at home, let set overnight before riding.

Gluing isn't hard but I'm not too good with the printed word.

These would be clincher type rims