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review

Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc Brake wheelset

8
£1,600.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Lighter, faster and cheaper, the new 404s are excellent allrounders – so long as you're prepared to go hookless
Stiff
Fast
Cheaper and lighter
Hookless limits tyre choice
Dry bearings on our front wheel
Weight: 
1,530g
Contact: 

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The new Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc Brake wheels have been on a serious diet. Not only have they dropped to a competitive weight for a 58mm deep wheelset, they've also dropped £800 over the previous iteration. The performance is excellent, they're quick and stiff, but the hookless rims do (for now) limit tyre choice.

The 404 Firecrest is a classic in the Zipp lineup, marketed as an 'all-round speed weapon' with its 58mm deep rims being suitable for anything from hilly road races to triathlon or time-trials. Thanks to the hookless rims – more on that later – the price has dropped substantially to a far more competitive level.

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The 404s stick with a conventional rim shape rather than the sawtooth design seen on the more expensive 454 NSW, but keep the dimpled rim surfaces of old to improve aero efficiency.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rim detail 3.jpg

With a claimed weight of 1,450g, Zipp has made leaps forward – on our scales they did weigh slightly more (1,530g), but that was with tubeless tape and valves installed. Compared to other wheels of this depth it's very competitive; for example, the Reynolds AR58/62 X DB wheelset weighs much more at 1,711g, while the Zipps aren't much heavier than the very light (1410g) Roval Rapide CLXs, despite those having a shallower front rim and forgoing tubeless compatibility to reach this weight.

Off the hook

Going hookless certainly has its advantages then – the lower manufacturing costs have actually made their way to the consumer, and there's a substantial weight reduction. Despite this, there is undoubtedly still some trepidation about the move to straight-sided rim walls, and it is still a relatively new idea for road wheelsets.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rim bed.jpg

I have to admit that, before reviewing this wheelset I was skeptical about using the hookless on the road, where pressures are much higher. To overcome this, like on the 303 S wheelset that we reviewed last year, the wheels have a relatively low maximum pressure recommendation of just 72psi.

That does limit usable tyre widths somewhat and, in general, you'll find a 28mm tyre is necessary (a 26mm can be used from a few brands). That doesn't bother me personally as, having trained on 28s for the last few years, I now choose to race on them as well.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rim bed valve.jpg

One issue is that some tyre manufacturers prohibit use with hookless rims, limiting you to certain brands. Zipp's hookless compatibility list is actually relatively comprehensive compared to some, but I still found myself unable to use my favourite Vittoria tyres, or my 26mm Pirelli P Zero Race TLR SLs, to name just two. So, hookless has its benefits, but don't expect to use anything narrow or clincher – although you can chuck a tube in instead of sealant if you so wish.

Fitting

Fitting tyres to the rims was extremely easy. I tried multiple sets, including Goodyear Eagle F1s and Schwalbe Pro Ones, and didn't even require an air shot. I was also pleasantly surprised by the reassuring pop as the tyres seated. Having used the 404s for six weeks I am now much more confident in the hookless design and, assuming the correct tyres are used, they're not likely to blow off the rim as some might fear.

There is still the issue of tyres coming off the rims during a rapid deflation, but as this has happened to me on clinchers, I'm not convinced the risk is substantially higher.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - valve.jpg

Another positive of hookless is the tyre/rim interface. Rims have been getting wider and wider to improve the transition between the tyre and wheel, but I've never seen any quite as smooth as the Zipps with 28mm tyres on. The 23mm internal-width rim transitions almost seamlessly – although we are unable to test it, I can see that being advantageous to aerodynamics.

The outer rim shape is also new; the 58mm profile is slightly more V-shaped than the modern U-shaped rims we have become accustomed to, but despite this I was pleasantly surprised with how the wheels handled in crosswinds and going past gateways.

Double dimples

While you might think smooth surfaces would work best, Zipp says the dimpled rims are now more dimpled than ever before. These dimples create a thin boundary layer that sticks to the surface of the rim as it moves through the air, which might sound like a bad thing, but it actually eases the airflow's separation into the wake, and therefore reduces drag.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rim detail.jpg

Laced to these rims are 24 J-bend spokes (front and rear), with external spoke nipples for ease of truing. The wheels climb extremely well, partially thanks to the new lower weight, but more so because of the stiffness. During hard accelerations and sprints there is no noticeable flex laterally, and they also sound great when riding out the saddle – the way only a deep carbon wheel can.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - spoke nipple.jpg

At the rear, Zipp's new ZR1 DB hub is near enough instantaneous even at low speeds, which adds to the 404s' overall feeling of responsiveness. Its six pawls and 66 points of engagement give an engagement angle of just 5.45 degrees – a welcome step up from the 32-tooth ratchet system of the 303S wheelset, which Matt found awkward on bumpy roads.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rear hub 1.jpg

As with most modern wheels, the 404s are available with a Shimano/SRAM or XDR 11-speed freehub body, while a Campagnolo freehub is available separately. All three are steel which, although heavier than aluminium, is better for durability.

Axles

Both wheels come with 12mm thru axle end caps, although you may want to grease the inside of these before use to prevent a loud clicking when climbing – that sound took me a few rides to track down. Along with the seals and dust caps, the ZR1 hubs borrow the bearing sizes from the premium Cognition freehub used on the NSW wheelset, although here the bearings are steel rather than ceramic.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - front hub.jpg

In real life, that's going to make the most marginal of differences, but is one of the reasons the 404s are so much cheaper than the 454s. Of course, if this is something that bothers you they can be upgraded: Ceramicspeed, for example, make the 6903/61903 bearings that both the front and rear require.

2021 Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset - rear hub 2.jpg

It's not uncommon for me to receive a wheelset with bearings not turning as quite as freely as I would like, and they sometimes require a few rides to 'bed in'. However, with the 404s this resistance turned in to a loud squeaking at speed, and I opened them up to find the front wheel bearings completely dry.

> road.cc’s Best Cycling Wheels of the Year 2020/21

This could well just be a one off and something I'm sure Zipp would be only too happy to rectify, but it isn't the quality control you expect from even a £300 wheelset – let alone a £1,600 one. Still, a dosing of lubricant got the wheels spinning as they should, and the squeaking stopped.

Value

At £1,600 the new 404s are hardly cheap, but having dropped a massive £800 over the previous generation it's now £250 cheaper than the Roval Rapide CLX (£1,850) wheelset which, although it's lighter, isn't tubeless ready. The 404s are also lighter than the similarly deep, 1,680g Swiss Side Hadron2 Ultimate 625s. They also handle excellently in the wind, though cost more at £1,920.

There are still cheaper options out there (other than building your own), such as the Hunt 60 Limitless Aero Disc wheelset – it's a relative bargain at £1,189 but is once again heavier at 1,669g.

Overall

The 404s are seriously impressive. They've gone a long way to convince me of the benefits of hookless design, and the weight savings and price drop are undeniable. While limited now, tyre choice should continue to improve as more and more tyre manufacturers get on board, too.

But the quality control of this particular wheelset is disappointing, although easily remedied. Zipp claims the new 404s save 4 watts at 40kph over the previous generation, and although we are unable to test this, the 404s do feel fast no matter the terrain.

They're stiff and light enough for me to knock out some PR climbing performances, aero enough for a TT, and handle surprisingly well considering their 58mm depth.

Verdict

Lighter, faster and cheaper, the new 404s are excellent allrounders – so long as you're prepared to go hookless

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc Brake wheelset

Size tested: 700C, 58mm rim depth

Tell us what the wheel is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Zipp says the "404 Firecrest Tubeless Disc brake is a pro-proven Speed Weapon for any situation. The 404's heritage as Zipp's icon of speed extends back decades, and its future is even brighter. At 58mm deep, the 404 Firecrest Tubeless is ideal for road races, time trial and triathlon, gran fondos, and riding over varied terrain. The wheelset's 23mm internal width is perfect for running wider tubeless tires at reduced air pressure."

I agree they feel quick for multiple disciplines and it's nice to see such a big drop in weight and price! The hookless tech certainly has some big pros, but it still won't be for everyone.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the wheel?

From Zipp:

Versatile aero wheelset for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile

Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation

Wide 23mm rim profile creates a better tire interface to be fast on or off the road

New ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement

Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps

Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels

XDR™ or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies

Campagnolo driver body sold separately

Lifetime warranty

Spoke length - drive side 248mm, 254mm

Spoke length - non drive side 252mm

Weight - 1450g

Rate the wheel for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the wheel for performance:
 
9/10

Feel very stiff with no discernible flexing. Aero performance is very hard to judge... but they feel good and the times are good!

Rate the wheel for durability:
 
8/10

No issues at all, and no signs of early wear. New ZR1 DB hubs claim to be more durable than previous Zipp hubs, and steel freehub will add durability over aluminium alternatives.

Rate the wheel for weight
 
8/10

A big drop over the previous 404s and now very competitive for this depth of wheel.

Rate the wheel for value:
 
7/10

Lifetime warranty is a big plus.

Did the wheels stay true? Any issues with spoke tension?

No issues after a few thousand kilometres.

How easy did you find it to fit tyres?

Tubeless-ready road tyres fitted easily, and inflated with a track pump. A single tyre lever was needed for a new tubeless tyre.

How did the wheel extras (eg skewers and rim tape) perform?

No issues with pre-installed rim tape, the tubeless valves work well and are a good length, and brake rotor lockrings are a nice addition.

Tell us how the wheel performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Excellent in all conditions and on all road surfaces. Even on windier days the performance in sudden crosswinds is excellent.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the wheel

They perform well on the flats and hills... that equals PBs.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the wheel

The squeaking and clicking from the front wheel before I lubricated the bearings and greased the end caps.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

They're now about middle ground for a wheel of this depth.

Did you enjoy using the wheel? Yes

Would you consider buying the wheel? Yes

Would you recommend the wheel to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

The 404's are a classic for a reason – they do everything well, from aero slipperiness to handling in crosswinds and now climbing too, thanks to dropping a substantial amount of weight whilst retaining stiffness. They're also now very competitively priced, while the new graphics are subtle and in my opinion look great. The only real downside is that the hookless rim limits tyre choice. They're very good.

I'd hope that our quality control issue – the front bearings came completely dry and the end caps were squeaking – was a one off.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 23  Height: 6ft  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride: Specialized venge pro 2019  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

Jamie has been riding bikes since a tender age but really caught the bug for racing and reviewing whilst studying towards a master's in Mechanical engineering at Swansea University. Having graduated, he decided he really quite liked working with bikes and is now a full-time addition to the road.cc team. When not writing about tech news or working on the Youtube channel, you can still find him racing local crits trying to cling on to his cat 2 licence...and missing every break going...

Add new comment

7 comments

Avatar
cdamian | 2 years ago
0 likes

Could someone poke Continental about tires for hook-less rims?

Though I'm really not sure if I want to go tubeless.

Avatar
Mathemagician | 2 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

The new Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless Disc Brake wheels have been on a serious diet. Not only have they dropped to a competitive weight for a 58mm deep wheelset, they've also dropped £800 over to the previous iteration.

Overpriced wheelset reduced in price to become slightly less overpriced wheelset. 

Avatar
Adammax | 2 years ago
0 likes

Hi. How does the new zipp 404 compares with the Roval Rapid/ Roval CLX50?

Avatar
Sriracha | 2 years ago
0 likes

Maybe it's just me, but 404 gives me bad vibes:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_404

Avatar
hawkinspeter replied to Sriracha | 2 years ago
0 likes
Sriracha wrote:

Maybe it's just me, but 404 gives me bad vibes: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_404

 

Avatar
Prosper0 | 2 years ago
0 likes

Very hard for brands like Zipp to charge such a premium for carbon wheels these days when you can buy better and cheaper straight from the factories they're made in. 

Avatar
Glov Zaroff replied to Prosper0 | 2 years ago
2 likes

You're buying straight from the factory in Indianapolis when you purchase Zipp wheels. 

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