Zipp Speed Weaponry 303 Clincher

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at ebay store

Bike Setup:
Ti bike w/ carbon seat stays, 10 speed Ultegra group. Total bike weight = 17lbs

Summary:
I got these Zipp 303 clinchers brand new in the box for a steal of a price and only used them on race days, (never trained on them). After 60+/- miles I noticed a crack arching over the carbon rim at one of the nipples on the front wheel, (It looked like the spoke was trying to pull through the carbon). The guy I bought them from was nice enough to return them to the company for a replacement, which I got. a month later, I found a similar crack in the rear wheel, and then a developing crack in the replacment front wheel. This common defect has made me give up on Zipp. For what these things cost (even with my deal) it's not worth the headache of getting a replacement every few months. I'll be replacing them with a new set of Mavic Cosmic's, they sound more reliable.

Strengths:
Don't get me wrong, their light, fast, smooth, and ride great.

Weaknesses:
Their not strong enough for a 170 pound rider doing road races or crits.

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $1950.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Roadie

Bike Setup:
Specialized Roubaix Pro

Summary:
So far, this wheelset has been very impressive. It climbs very well, descends even better, but I notice the biggest difference on Flats and rollers. I seem to be able to hold speed longer with less effort. To you that have experienced this effect, you can identify.

Strengths:
Very light, true right out of the box to good specs. These wheels climb like a champ, and descend like a hawk after prey. They look great with my Roubaix, which is flat black carbon.

I have hopes they will continue to perform with little upkeep; however, I will let you know how things progress.

Weaknesses:
Tires must be stretched before installing, and don't make the mistake I did of using a cloth rim tape; it is just too big to get a tube and tire to seat properly. I have ordered some Zipp tape and may try the new Velo plugs if they will fit.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano 7800, Mavic ES, Flashpoint 40s, Rolf Vector Pro.

Price Paid:  $2100.00 at Competitive Cyclist

Favorite Ride:
Any Ride

Bike Setup:
Scott CR1 Team Equipe with Shimano Dura-ace setup.

Summary:
2006 Zipp 303s with powertap SL hub. Very good set of wheels, 2000 miles and not a single problem. These were built up by the guys at Competitive Cyclist, who were extremely helpful. Overall ride quality is very good, road vibration is kept to a minimum, but not as dampening as my Reynolds carbon mid-vs, to be expected. Very stable at high speeds and the tires hold speed extremely well. Very satisfied with purchase. Wish more manufacturers would incorporate Powertaps into their line-ups.

Strengths:
Excellent overall wheel that performs both on race day and everyday training rides.

Weaknesses:
Price

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lites, Mavic Carbones, Reynolds Mid-v Cirro.

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Sydney Australia

Favorite Ride:
going fast

Bike Setup:
TCR advanced 2007

Summary:
Beware! Had the clincher 303 (non dimpled) - they cost a bomb. Only ever managed to get one training ride and one race in (total 200km) before wheels completely out of true (both). Took it back to shop and they sent it off to the distributor. After a week, it was reported there were cracks in BOTH front AND back wheels.

These wheels are a joke. I wonder how badly made they are to last such little distance. Totally unreliable.

I have replaced them with Mavic Cosmic Carbones SLs, which have stayed true and problem free for thousands of kms.

I also run Spinergy Stealth PBOs, which are full carbon 45mm which are just as fast - these have done thousands of kms, I commute on them too - and have never needed so much as a twist of a spoke wrench.

Strengths:
Look good

Weaknesses:
See above.

Similar Products Used:
Kysrium SL
Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLs
Spinergy Stealth PBO

Price Paid:  $1750.00 at Hendry

Favorite Ride:
In the Country being chased by Beautiful Girls

Bike Setup:
Merlin, Dura-ace.

Summary:
I had a set of 404's that I loved but felt they were really a special race day wheel, had a look around and came back to these as I can use these in unison with the 404's. 303 front,404 Rear.

Strengths:
Magnificent hubs, I can outcoast just about anyone, means a lot as you get older. Just there general "Feel" on the road lets you know you're riding something special. Less prone to cross winds than 404's. Great looks especially the dimpled surface. Not bad value when you consider Boras for example.

Weaknesses:
None of the complaints that other reviewers describe only that you are concerned about the cost every time you hit a bump, but they take it in there stride.

Similar Products Used:
Rolf Vector Comps, 404's.