Review of the Zipp 404 Firecrest Tubeless Disc Wheels

The Zipp 404 has been around for over 30 years as the quintessential versatile aerodynamic model—with its 58-mm profile—in the American brand’s lineup. They have, of course, evolved over time, and today’s 404 Firecrest models are more affordable than ever, with hookless rims that bring the weight down to under 1,500 g, and a price that’s nearly half that of the previous version. Here’s our review of a wheelset that is fast, dynamic and comfortable. By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

Zipp has been offering high-performance wheels for over 30 years, whether for triathlon, time trials, road racing, and even cyclocross (and now gravel). The 404 model has long been a benchmark, with a 58-mm rim height that provides aerodynamics and inertia at high speeds, while remaining more versatile than ultra-specialized models like the 808 Firecrest.

Wider, lighter hookless rims

Over the past two years or so, the new 404 Firecrest models have evolved significantly, following in the footsteps of the 303 Firecrest, which are highly acclaimed for their comfort, lightness, and versatility on all terrains. They, in turn, feature a hookless rim design, with a substantial internal width (though narrower than the 303s at 23 mm versus 25 mm) while retaining the model’s iconic 58 mm rim height and the famous honeycomb surface designed to promote airflow and wheel stability. This design is complemented by a construction technology called TSE (Total System Efficiency), which involves a new method of compacting carbon fibers and results in significant weight savings. The 404 Firecrest wheelset now tips the scales at under 1,500 g per pair, and only a bit more with tubeless valves and rim tapes—pretty impressive for this profile. These new 404 Firecrest wheels are nearly 300 g lighter than the previous version. According to Zipp, this increase in rim width and weight reduction do not affect the 404’s aerodynamic performance. On the contrary, thanks to a new design of the dimpled surface on the rim, the new 404 Firecrest wheels are said to save 4 watts at high speeds compared to the previous-generation 404s.

Hookless rims require the use of tubeless tires only, with a minimum width of 25 mm. Not all tires on the market are compatible, so it’s necessary to consult the compatibility chart provided by Zipp to select the appropriate model. The hookless design also prohibits inflation pressures above 5 bar to minimize the risk of the tire coming off the rim. SRAM, Zipp’s parent company, offers an inflation pressure guide that may prove useful for those who are still unsure about the benefits of such low pressures, even on tubeless tires. Smooth and Durable Hubs

Just like the Zipp 303 Firecrest, the 404 Firecrest features German-made ZR1 hubs, with new seals for greater durability and 66 engagement points on the freehub body for better responsiveness during accelerations. And just as in our test of the 303s, these hubs feel particularly smooth and show no signs of weakness after a few hundred kilometers, with no play or unpleasant grinding sensation.

There are 24 spokes on both the front and rear wheels—fairly thin but aerodynamically shaped—which ensure good wheel stiffness. The spoke heads are exposed, making maintenance easier.

Lower Price and Lifetime Warranty Compared to the previous version, these new-generation 404 Firecrest wheels are also significantly less expensive, with an official price of €1,947, though they can also be found for around €1,700 per pair. This price reduction is due to a simpler and less expensive manufacturing process than that used for hook-rim wheels. => SEE ALSO: Buy Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels on sale

It’s worth noting that Zipp also offers a lifetime warranty on all its wheels, covering damage caused by impacts (such as potholes) under normal use. This is yet another advantage over certain competing products.

On the Road with the Zipp 404 Firecrest

Contrary to popular belief, riding with relatively low tire pressure on tubeless tires does not increase rolling resistance or slow you down. It simply offers (significantly) more comfort and better traction, especially on wet roads. But this shouldn’t be taken as a universal rule, because riding aggressively with relatively low tire pressure (between 4 and 5 bar in our case) requires several conditions, all of which are met here with the Zipp 404 Firecrest:

• A tubeless tire with relatively stiff sidewalls that don’t collapse during weight shifts, thereby maintaining the wheel’s responsiveness
• A rim that’s wide enough to let the tyre sit fully open and avoid a balloon shape
• A tire cross-section that perfectly matches the rim size, with sidewalls that extend in line with the rim’s sidewalls, so as not to create an aerodynamic drag or form a balloon-like bulge

When these conditions are met, it’s surprising just how comfortable riding a stiff carbon bike with 58-mm-high rims can be. It really feels like riding on a soft carpet, which has the advantage of improving traction (and thus efficiency) on the one hand, and reducing fatigue over long distances on the other, so you can stay fresh for the end of the ride.

That said, taking this approach too far can also be counterproductive when you consider the weight of the wheel/tire set. In fact, 30-mm tubeless tyres, for example (as on the test wheels), are relatively heavy at 330 g, to which the weight of the sealant must be added. With a total weight of 360 to 370 g, compared to a 700×25 clincher with a lightweight tube (about 280 g), some of the weight savings of hookless rims are lost.

The Zipp 404 Firecrest wheelset isn’t exactly light on its feet on steep climbs, even though its stiffness and the responsiveness of the freehub body make it quite lively during accelerations and on rolling climbs.

Aside from the comfort provided by the build, the wheels stand out for their stability, which is particularly impressive for rims of this size. Even with a noticeable crosswind, the wheels remain controllable. Unlike some other high-profile wheels, the 404s provide a consistent, easy-to-manage pressure under these conditions, which makes them reassuring. Of course, they can be a bit demanding on stormy days for a rider lacking power, especially with a three-quarter headwind. However, they make up for it with a tailwind, or even on days when the weather is relatively calm. Thanks to their 58-mm profile, the Zipp 404s are particularly fast on flat terrain and offer excellent momentum, which boosts your average speed on any bike.

Our take on the Zipp 404 Firecrest: slightly less lightweight than the 303 Firecrest, but also much less demanding and more manoeuvrable than the 808 Firecrest, the Zipp 404 Firecrest is designed for trained cyclists seeking both the aerodynamics and speed of a pair of high-profile wheels, and the responsiveness of a stiff, versatile model that makes tackling hilly routes a breeze.

Even though the overall weight isn’t as low as expected due to the bulk of the large tubeless tires, we appreciate the smoothness and ride quality of this setup, as well as the comfort it provides over long distances. And the price has the added merit of remaining relatively reasonable.

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