Zipp Speed Weaponry 909 Tubular

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Blade
Dura-Ace 9spd
Syntace Bars
650c wheels

Summary:
These wheels are great if you're willing to take the plunge and spend some money to buy instant speed.

Strengths:
Speed and Weight. My 650's weigh almost the same as my set of Ksyriums, so there's never a question as to whether the time trial course has a few too many rollers for the disk.

Weaknesses:
Cost. It took me two years before I got up the nerve to spend so much on something that would be used so infrequently.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $650.00

Favorite Ride:
Sizuolou, Beijing, China

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR Carbon Once, Schmolke carbon handle- and triabar, Storck Powerarms, Poshbikes chainrings, Extralite seatpost/stem/headset/seat clamp, Tune Speedneedle/skewers, Tufo S3 <195/215 tires, Campy Record Carbon BB/shifters/rear derailleur, D/A front derailleur/chain, Speedplay X2, CAT-USA brake calipers, B-T-P breakpads.

Summary:
After having ridden the 303s (with ADA hubs) for 18 months, I was looking forward to going for the supposedly best wheel for time trials, the Zipp disk. My first ride with the disk (and the front 303) was in windy and hilly conditions, and I was pleasantly surprised that the disk did not influence my balance at all, nor did it negatively affect the uphill ride. I weighed 84kg at the time, so I suppose that being a bit heavier helps.
I will receive the front 404 wheel next week, and will try it out in my next tri in Shanghai in September. If I break 60' I will know it's not only because of my recent increased fitness!

Strengths:
* Lightweight, even for hills
* Absorb shocks well
* They feel very fast
* Most importantly: except for the whizzing sound, you don't notice it's there.

Similar Products Used:
Zipp 303s, Mavic CPX33.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
RAGBRAI

Bike Setup:
Cervelo P2K, D/A.

Summary:
Nothing short of awesome can be used to describe these wheels. If you are fast and want to be the fasted you can be, then these are the wheels to do it on. The disk wheel is really light, lighter than my Hed3, so even on the hilly races I use the disk on. Great customer service and support, along with great instruction for use, including instructions on mounting tubulars. Build quality is top notch, and the new bearings for 2002 will super-silly smooth. I kid you not, with the bike on the stand, I spun the front wheel and left to make a sandwich in the kitchen. Came back down to find it still spinning.

The first time I used them, I couldn't figure out what "jet" noise was. It sounded like an airliner way off in the distance, but it seemed to not taper off like it usually does. Then I realized it was the rear wheel.

Strengths:
Build quality.
Bearing smoothness.
Customer service.
Light for what they are.

Weaknesses:
Instability charateristic to ALL disk wheels. Probably should have a minimum rider weight limit for control.

Disks are fragile and must be taken care of. Purchase wheel bags to ensure long life.

You better be fast because people can hear you coming and you shouldn't let them down.

Probably not the cheapest option, but they are the best.

Similar Products Used:
Hed H3

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
litespeed tach, 650, size 47, visiontech areobars, speedplay pedals, ultegra setup

Summary:
using a 2000 disc with a 404 front wheel, in 650 size, the disc is very fast even in slightly windy conditions, once you get this wheel going it is easy to keep it up at speed, only problems are those inherent with discs, climbing is a bit slowed since it is heavier thatn the standard 404 rear wheel, also since it is a disc, the acceration is hurt a little, so if it is a technical course then you are hurt by the slow aceleration, also the disc is a little more harsh than a spoked wheel on all but the smoothest roads, so don't expect a sooth ride on bumpy road... have an alternate back for those conditions...if you get this wheel you konw this already and are willing to spend the money for the speed despite its drawbacks.. only use on specific courses for its strengths.

Strengths:
very light, fast once at speed, direct power transfer

Weaknesses:
slow to spin up to speed, acceleration is hurt by disc, uncomfortable over non smooth roads

Similar Products Used:
404, and rolf vector pros

Price Paid:  $800.00

Bike Setup:
Cervelo P2k with Ultegra

Summary:
These are pricey new, but when you want the best sometimes it costs you. Definately worth it, and customer service is great. I am 200+ pounds and I know a disc is supposed to be very punishing, but I never noticed the difference.

Strengths:
This is one aero wheelset! Ive only used them in one race, but I could feel the difference. My mavic carbones are going to sit in the corner. Heck the 909's are lighter anyway.

Weaknesses:
None that Ive seen yet, beside that noisy click from the rear hub.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic open pros Mavic cosmic equippes Mavic cosmic carbones