Zipp 404 S Review: Aero Carbon Wheels for €1,100

With the 404 S, Zipp is launching a new pair of aerodynamic carbon wheels at a price that competes with certain artisan brands and Chinese manufacturers. Key features include a 50 mm rim height, 23 mm internal width, a verified weight of 1,587 g per pair, a lifetime warranty, and a price of €1,100. We tested these wheels over several hundred kilometers to evaluate their performance in the field.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr

The new Zipp 404 S incorporates some of the expertise developed for the brand’s top-of-the-line wheels, but with a much more accessible design and price point. They enter a market where 45- to 50-mm carbon wheels are plentiful, including from manufacturers capable of offering very low weights at reasonable prices. Within the lineup, they replace the 303 S, which had a rim height of 45 mm and were compatible with gravel riding, unlike the 404.

404: A Name That Means Something at Zipp

At Zipp, the name 404 isn’t just about rim height. It refers to a long history of wheels designed for speed. The American brand was founded in 1988 by Leigh Sargent, an engineer with a background in auto racing, particularly IndyCar. His first product was a carbon lenticular wheel, after which Zipp quickly developed three-spoke wheels and then spoked wheels. The Zipp 400, introduced in 1991, marked one of the first steps in this evolution.

The 404 series subsequently became one of the brand’s iconic models, alongside the 303 and 808. Zipp gradually built its reputation on high-profile wheels, as well as on a highly sophisticated approach to aerodynamics. In 2010, the introduction of the Firecrest profile marked a particularly significant milestone. The rim’s shape was engineered not only to reduce drag in the wind tunnel but also to better control airflow when the wind blows from the side. The 404 Firecrest clincher models featured a 58-mm-high rim and a profile that was particularly wide for its time.

This partly explains the unique position held by the 404 S. They do not replace the 404 Firecrest, which is still in the catalog, but incorporate certain principles developed for the more sophisticated models, resulting in wheels designed for a much broader audience. The difference is also evident in the finishes: no “golf ball”-style coating here, nor logos printed into the rim’s structure—just simple stickers. With a 50 mm profile, Zipp maintains a reasonable height for versatile use, while prioritizing aerodynamics more than the 303 S models. The manufacturer claims a gain of approximately 2 watts under its own comparison conditions.

Facing the Competition

The carbon wheel market has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly since the near-universal adoption of disc brakes. Not long ago, a pair of 50- to 60-mm wheels from a well-known brand represented a substantial investment. Today, wheels with this profile are available from many manufacturers, with prices sometimes under €1,000 and advertised weights close to—or even significantly lower than—that of the 404 S.

Zipp is thus entering a market where its brand image and experience in aerodynamics alone are no longer enough. The 404 S is priced at €1,100, weighing 1,587 g with rim tape and valves included in the standard configuration. They thus find themselves competing not only with Chinese brands that are now well-established, but also with models from better-known manufacturers such as Hunt, Makadamm, Van Rysel, and Newmen—not to mention the serious offerings from custom-build specialists.

But Zipp is aiming even higher, claiming to have compared the 404 S to higher-end models. The brand says it combined wind tunnel measurements, CFD, and data collected in the field, with the goal of weighting different wind angles based on their actual frequency, rather than simply using the best result obtained in a given situation. On paper, the 404 S wheels thus appear to be aero wheels designed for everyday use, not just for chasing performance under ideal conditions. Zipp’s lifetime warranty is also a factor to consider when comparing the various options on the market. Of course, it remains to be seen whether, at this price point and weight, the Zipp DNA is still intact.

A Deliberately Simplified Design

The answer lies first and foremost in the construction. The 404 S features a full-carbon rim that’s 50 mm high, with an internal width of 23 mm and a hookless design, like several recent generations of Zipp wheels. They are therefore intended exclusively for tubeless tires designed for this type of rim. The compatibility range is 28 to 39 mm, although Zipp primarily intends them for 28- to 30-mm tires, with a maximum pressure of 5 bar. The rim measures just over 29 mm at its widest point on the outside and has a very slightly domed shape, with the area near the rims being about 1 mm narrower.

The hubs are Zipp 76 in the front and 176 in the rear. The freehub body uses three pawls and offers 36 engagement points. The bearings are made of stainless steel but are surprisingly smooth. The rear wheel is available with a Shimano/SRAM or XDR freehub body. The braking system is designed for Center Lock disc brakes.

The build features 20 spokes in the front and 24 in the rear, using Sapim CX-Sprint steel spokes. They are J-bend and laced in pairs. Here, the choice is clearly geared toward durability, ease of replacement, and cost control.

Finally, note that the maximum recommended weight for the combined bike, rider, and equipment is 115 kg. Zipp includes its accidental damage replacement program with these wheels, in addition to the lifetime warranty mentioned above.

Wheels that cut through the wind

Just by looking at the scale, the 404 S stands in stark contrast to the 202 we tested last spring. Weighing 500 g more but costing less than a third as much, Zipp demonstrates its ability to offer a range of wheels designed for very different uses and audiences. Of course, the 404 S’s handling stands in stark contrast to that of the 202 from the very first few hundred meters—in the city, amid traffic, and on slightly hilly terrain. They’re slower to respond, less sharp and less responsive, and a bit more demanding when your legs are tired. But these impressions should obviously be viewed in light of the difference in profile and price between the two models.

Furthermore, I don’t find the 404 S to be exceptionally stiff. This is particularly noticeable during the first few pedal strokes when accelerating up small hills, especially when climbing with force and out of the saddle. Fortunately, this slightly mushy feel under these conditions is more than compensated for by the excellent tire setup on the test wheels, featuring Goodyear Vector Z30 NSW tires specifically designed for Zipp hookless rims. Not only do these tires offer excellent performance thanks to their low rolling resistance, but their sidewalls align perfectly with those of the rims. As a result, even at a pressure of 4.5 bar, steering remains direct, with no sensation of excessive tire flex.

But of course, it was on the flat, open stretches that I expected the most from the 404 S. And I wasn’t disappointed. I was a little worried that the initial sensations at low speeds would carry over to the exposed sections on the flat, where the wheels might struggle against the headwind. But not at all. Once up to speed, the 404 S wheels cut through the wind and never seem to lose their shape, even in strong gusts coming from three-quarters of the front. They allow you to reach and maintain a nice cruising speed with complete ease, and even in these conditions, they feel lighter to handle than their weight would suggest.

With a tailwind, I quickly appreciated not only their aerodynamics—which, once again, provide a pleasant sense of speed—but also their inertia. This inertia allows you to maintain a steady pace without being thrown off by very slight changes in direction or even the slightest slight incline. But it was their behavior in crosswind gusts that surprised me the most. The wheels demonstrate excellent stability, with consistently predictable trajectories and never giving the sensation of losing control.

My ultimate test usually takes place on a long, fast, wind-exposed descent, which I often tackle at over 70 km/h toward the end of a ride. Weighing 60 kg, I’m regularly buffeted by the tall wheels beyond a certain speed, and I have to be especially careful to keep the bike on track. The Zipp 404 S wheels are clearly among the very best of all the 50 mm and taller wheels I’ve tested under these conditions. Their handling in gusty winds is particularly reassuring, offering stability without compromising steering precision. For wheels of this height and at this price point, that’s a very pleasant surprise.

Performance worthy of the Zipp name

At €1,100, the Zipp 404 S combines the performance expected from a model in this category with the credibility of a major brand, plus a lifetime warranty that will reassure riders looking for a long-term investment. Their 50-mm profile remains versatile enough that these wheels aren’t limited to overly specialized uses.

They’re therefore suitable for both triathletes and recreational cyclists looking for a fast, reliable set of wheels for rolling routes, without having to settle for wheels that are too specialized. This is likely their main appeal: they can suit a very wide range of riders without sacrificing the benefits of aerodynamic wheels. The 404 S thus has everything it takes to become a very popular model, following in the footsteps of the 303 S they replace.

Pros

• Aerodynamics
• Stability
• Versatility
• Lifetime warranty
• Value for the money

Cons

• Slightly heavier than some competing wheels
• Stiffness is not exceptional

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

FAQ – Zipp 404 S How much do the Zipp 404 S wheels weigh? We measured the weight at 1,587 g per pair, including rim tape and valves. Zipp markets this 50-mm-high wheel set as designed to prioritize aerodynamics without being too specialized. Are the Zipp 404 S wheels suitable for mountain riding? The 404 S wheels can be used for mountain riding, but their 50 mm profile and weight of nearly 1.6 kg make them better suited for rolling and hilly terrain. For primarily mountain use, lighter and lower-profile wheels will generally be more suitable. What tires can be mounted on the Zipp 404 S? The 404 S are tubeless wheels with hookless rims. They are designed for compatible tubeless tires ranging from 28 to 39 mm, with a maximum pressure of 5 bar. It’s important to verify the tire’s compatibility with a hookless rim before installation. Are the Zipp 404 S a good choice for triathlons? Yes. Their 50-mm rim provides a significant aerodynamic advantage on fast courses, while their stable handling in the wind ensures predictable handling. They are therefore a versatile option for triathletes who do not want to use a very tall, more specialized wheel. How much do the Zipp 404 S wheels cost, and do they come with a warranty? The Zipp 404 S is available at a retail price of €1,100 per pair. They come with a lifetime warranty from Zipp, as well as the manufacturer’s replacement program in the event of accidental damage, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

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