Price Paid:
$1600.00 Favorite Ride:
Uphill Bike Setup:
Colnago C40, Dura Ace, Zero Gravity, 3T ErgoSum, Specialized Toupe Summary:
The redesigned 202 really doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the pre-2008 reviews. It's quite a different wheelset now (I think even Zipp would own up to some of the issues with the old 25mm rims).
About three years ago I started really investing in all kinds of wheels, looking for the best of the best to fit different types of rides. Different wheels can reinvent the ride your bike to a degree. I was unsure of these at first: they are so light and you can look through older reviews here and see that Zipps used to need to be coddled out on the road - that's why I waited a couple of seasons before writing this. The conclusion: these are my favorite wheels.
They have a fantastic balance of real lightness, lateral stiffness, and durability. Zipp claims their kevlar bridge technology makes these tougher than lots of carbon rims (including the old 202s) and I would have to agree based on my experience. I'm not too heavy, 140lbs., so factor that in but these have held up on rough Utah roads and my occasional lack of attention to what I'm riding over (even a handful of miles on roto-milled pavement) and they are in great shape and running true. This is a very good thing as the spoke nipples are internal on the 2008 wheels - mercifully Zipp remedied this on the 2009 by going to external nipples. I have only so much power as a little guy but descending the canyons around here is pretty telling when it come to lateral stiffness and the 202s are confidence inspiring. Don't get me wrong there are stiffer wheels; my Mavic Cosmic Carbone Ultimates are crazy stiff but that goes in the vertical direction too - ouch. These are climbing wheels after all. The Zipp 202s on the other hand, likely because of the excellent steel spokes used, provide a pleasant ride but a ride that also performs when you put the power down or the road goes way up. I ride them more than I should, given that they're tubulars, but I'm addicted. Strengths:
Very light, good lateral stiffness, wonderful ride quality (hey, they're tubulars) Weaknesses:
Internal spoke nipples (2008 - fixed in '09), Goofy, ineffective dust caps on hubs (also fixed in the new '09 hubs), Price - you have to admit that you can buy a decent bike for the cost of these wheels but if you are reading this you are likely past that point. Similar Products Used:
Mavic R-SYS ‘08, Campagnolo Hyperon Ultra ‘07, Mavic Carbone Ultimate ‘08, Zipp 202 ‘08, Corima Winium ‘07, Mavic Cosmic Carbone Pro ‘06
Not as similar: Mavic Ksyrium ES ‘07, Topolino C19, Rolf Elan Aero, Neuvation R28 SL2, Easton Tempest II
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