All-Around Advancement

The 58 mm rim profile is a classic in Zipp®’s arsenal that dates back to the early 1990s. These days, the 404 Tubular is still winning races from the Queen K to L’Alpe d’Huez. Now, with the advanced Firecrest® aero-rim shape, our leading all-around performer is an even greater threat to win any race on any terrain.  For 2012, the venerable wheelset is available in two decal options, the stealthy Beyond Black or the distinctive Classic White decals. Both decal options feature black anodized hubs, black spokes and black nipples. 

By controlling airflow around the back half of the wheel, 404 Firecrest is 9 seconds faster than its predecessor 404 model over 40 km at a moderate 10-degree wind angle. At higher wind angles, the improvements are even more dramatic in terms of speed and stability. That’s because Firecrest moves the center of pressure closer to the steering axis so crosswinds exert less side force on the wheel. The result is a more stable ride.

Beyond aerodynamics and stability, the 404 Firecrest’s wider 27.07 mm-wide profile offers a slew of other benefits on the road. The upgraded lateral stiffness makes the 404 Firecrest even more responsive to accelerations and more precise when cornering. And its composite structure is designed to absorb impacts by flexing slightly outward – which gives you a comfortable ride and long-term durability.

Even with all the improvements from Firecrest technology the 404 Firecrest Tubular’s weight is a light 1,355 grams. On the climbs, it goes toe-to-toe with shallower, less aero rivals. On the flats, it hangs with deeper, less nimble competitors. If any one wheelset can do it all, it’s the 404 Firecrest.

The 404 Firecrest is getting the brand new 88/188 hubset, which in 2012 was remade with a 7.5mm-wider bearing stance in the rear hub, and a driveside hub canted by 2 degrees for improved stiffness and reliability.

Note: Zipp wheels for model year 2013, which began shipping in October 2012, are compatible with cassettes of up to 11-speed to work with all modern drivetrains.

Recommended and approved brake pads

404 Drag comparison graph

MSRP:

Front wheel $1,085 / €996
Rear wheel  $1,315 / €1,204

Set Weight	1355g
Max recommended rider weight	250lbs
Front Wheel
Weight	620g
Hub Used	88
Rim Depth	58mm
Brake Track Width (center)	25.34mm
Max Width	27.07mm
Spoke Count	16
Spoke Pattern	Radial
Spoke Length	244mm
Track Adaptable	Yes
Dimpled Surface	Yes
Ceramic Bearing	Aftermarket
External Nipples	Yes
Rear Wheel
Weight	735g
Hub Used	188
Rim Depth	58mm
Brake Track Width (center)	25.34mm
Max Width	27.07mm
Nominal Tire Bed Width	18.00mm
Spoke Count	20
Spoke Length Non-Drive	246mm
Spoke Pattern Non-Drive	Cross
Spoke Pattern Drive	Radial
Spoke Length Drive	232mm
11-speed compatible hub	Yes
Track Adaptable	No
Dimpled Surface	Yes
Ceramic Bearing	Aftermarket
External Nipples	Yes