Hello
Here is my issue I have a chance to get a set of Zipp 404's with Powertap SL wireless for $2500.00 out the door (cost) + shipping. should I pull the trigger or just get the Zipp 404's for $1500.00 out the door shipped and save the rest of the money and get a SRM. I have S-works cranks and I can get it done for $2500.00 Help. pro's and con's

Hello
Here is my issue I have a chance to get a set of Zipp 404's with Powertap SL wireless for $2500.00 out the door (cost) + shipping. should I pull the trigger or just get the Zipp 404's for $1500.00 out the door shipped and save the rest of the money and get a SRM. I have S-works cranks and I can get it done for $2500.00 Help. pro's and con's

What are you going to do with this high zooty pair of wheels? If you're looking for a good training tool, in just my opinion, Zipp 404s I wouldn't ride during training rides. I like box section, 3 cross spokes, sturdy, heavy, dependable (not that the Zipp's aren't, but you don't want to trash a $2500 wheelset out training do you?) with a powertap, or an SRM.

Sounds like you're spending a lot of money here. Are you actually going to use the power meter, or are you just going to use it as a point of conversation?

Thanks for your comment! and yes I will be putting the power meter to good use! I have a coach who currently works with me using heartrate and would rather train by power! we have riders on our team who race, train, ect only on Zipps. Why does everyone think, only race with them never train with them? I have crashed ten times more racing then training! how about you? and seen a ton more busted wheels at races then ever on a training ride? plus they do have crash replacement! $200.00 but you answered nothing! so thanks again.
By the way I am currently on a set of Roval Fuse Star E5 and they suck big time! and they cost $900.00 worst wheel ever! look for them on ebay soon!

I personally think the SRMs are way overpriced. The Quarq unit is supposed to start shipping soon-it is similar to SRM in that it's a crank based unit (fits into existing crank) but is more like powertap price (around 1k) plus computer unit (compatible with other head units).

I've been training with a powertap for a year now and would never go back to training/racing without power. You need the cyclingpeaks software as well, since the poweragent software that ships with powertap is limited. If you're happy with the 404s as a racing/training wheelset then it would be a good way to go. Their rim depth makes them a bit limited in my opinion, but if they suit your needs sounds like a decent price.

Rim dept limited how so? also any info on the Quark it's not proven yet and yes the SRM way overpriced they should lower it there sales would rocket!

just meant that a rim depth of 58mm puts premium on aero-in So Cal where I live early season winds can be high-wouldn't be able to handle that depth in a 40+mph crosswind.

Yes, SRM's patent on the crank design killed competition. Quarq has gotten around this with their design, which might put some pressure on SRM to be more competitive. Agreed Quarq is first-generation and untested, but looks promising although they should also make a bare bones head unit.

The Quarq unit seems promising, but it has very limited crank compatibility and very short head unit battery life (claimed 10 hours). The SRM is a quality unit. I switched to Ergomo about a year ago and have been generally happy with it. Tons of onboard data and functions that I use on just about every ride. Ships with Cycling Peaks Lite (aka Ergoracer) software. I would recommend upgrading and getting the full CP package. The upgrade is cheap. Limiting yourself to one wheel for all of your applications (powertap) seems regrettable.

Thanks for your comment! and yes I will be putting the power meter to good use! I have a coach who currently works with me using heartrate and would rather train by power! we have riders on our team who race, train, ect only on Zipps. Why does everyone think, only race with them never train with them? I have crashed ten times more racing then training! how about you? and seen a ton more busted wheels at races then ever on a training ride? plus they do have crash replacement! $200.00 but you answered nothing! so thanks again.
By the way I am currently on a set of Roval Fuse Star E5 and they suck big time! and they cost $900.00 worst wheel ever! look for them on ebay soon!

Sounds like someone has more money than sense, so hey, get what you want, it's your money anyway.

Why train on a $2500 wheelset? I don't know, maybe it's because I ride and train on crappy roads, and can repair a standard box section set of wheels easier than I can some deep carbon wheels, not to mention gluing tires onto the rims, and so on.

In my opinion, anything less than a cat 2, you don't need a dang powermeter. Ride your bike. Do some intervals, you'll be fine.

I haven't crashed in a race in a long time. If you're crashing a lot in races, I'd say, take a look in the mirror and work on your handling skills, and forget the pricey wheels. Or, better yet, invest in tegaderm.

Justplainfast - You will have more flexibility with the SRM if your budget can swing the extra $. As for riding 404's in a cross wind, it is really not that scary. I have a set and while I haven't ridden them in 40+ mph crosswind, I have in a race with 35 mph crosswinds and rain/sleet. I felt a little tugging on the bars but not that much. I am 6'3" 172 lbs with a good weight distribution on the bike. If you consistently ride in exremely windy conditions like the above poster, you may want to borrow a friend's set to see what you think.

Thanks to all who posted positive opinions! and sorry to all about lighting magna whoever the heck he is? fuse.. wow he must have more time then money!

i would wonder about wheels you currently have.

go with the SRM if you have a ton of money already invested in wheelsets.

In my opinion, anything less than a cat 2, you don't need a dang powermeter. Ride your bike. Do some intervals, you'll be fine.




Everyone can benefit from the data that a powermeter provides, especially a less seasoned rider like a cat 5 or 4. A powermeter can show you how your body to various impulses such as cadence changes and accelerations. One of the most interesting things with a powermeter is to compare race data to training data.

ya the wheels now came on my Tarmac pro!! I have nothing good to say except there Areo! but there heavier then a set of zipps with power tap! they will be on ebay forthe highest bidder then all buil a nice set of back up wheels