
Description

The Zipp 808 Firecrest Carbon Clincher is the premier deep section, aerodynamic wheel in the high performance racing world. Whether you are looking to crush Kona, or dominate in the time trial, the 808 Firecrest is the weapon of choice for many top pro's and amateurs. The carbon clincher technology means you can run these super fast wheels without dealing with tubular glue, yet you sacrifice nothing but a few grams of weight overall. Speed is the name of the game, and Zipp's full name is Zipp Speed Weaponry. Designing, engineering and building the fastest, high quality wheels is company's primary goal. Zipp is exacting in rim wheel development and even the tiniest detail that could affect airflow is considered- black rim decals are borderless, thinner and lighter than previous versions.
By controlling airflow around the back half of the wheel with a wider, blunted edge, Zipp made the 81mm deep Firecrest 808 sixteen seconds faster than its predecessor over 40km at a moderate 10-degree wind angle. At higher wind angles, the improvements are even more dramatic in terms of both speed and stability. That's because Firecrest moves the center of pressure closer to the steering axis, so crosswinds exert lower side force on the wheel. A quick peek at Zipp's drag comparison chart confirms no other deep section wheel cuts through crosswinds as effectively as the 808 Firecrest.
Other benefits of the Firecrest rim shape include better lateral stiffness for improved acceleration and a more solid feeling when cornering. The rim's composite structure is designed to absorb impacts by flexing slightly outward - which gives you a comfortable ride and long-term durability.
The 808 Firecrest Carbon Clincher is built with a the latest iteration of the adjustable 88/188 hubset. The rear wheel features the V9 hub update, along with a new spoke-lacing pattern- refinements that result in improved stiffness and durability. The new hub was developed in cooperation of superstar sprinter Mark Cavendish plus other pro athletes and teams. The 188/V9 hub has larger precision Swiss steel bearings for increased durability. The redesigned lacing on both sides, described as a virtual three cross due to overlapping spokes that do not make contact, also helps to increase stiffness and durability. The 188/V9 has 25 percent more torsional stiffness than a leading competitive hub. This measure of stiffness is crucial for the direct power transfer to the rear wheel for out-of-the saddle sprints and climbs. The front wheel slices through the wind, with it's 18 spokes laced in a radial configuration, and the 88 front hub relies on the high spoke tension and oversized alloy axle for exceptional lateral stiffness, with the same Swiss bearings providing a smooth, fast ride.
The practicality and simplicity of the best carbon clincher technology. The fastest aero rim profile. Exceptional overall quality and premium engineering. This is the Zipp 808 Firecrest Carbon Clincher. If you want to maximize your abilities when maintaining speed over time and distance matters, the 808 is the best piece of equipment you can buy.
Return to TopFeatures
- Firecrest carbon clincher wheelset with 81mm profile, full-on speed wheel best suited to long distance triathlon, time trials, flat fast road racing
- VCLC system to reduce road vibration and increase ride quality
- Carbon Bridge technology for rim strength
- Angled brake track for better brake modulation
- 81mm Rim depth and 26.4mm width (at the brake track)
- Rear wheel: 24 Sapim steel X-Ray spokes laced virtual 3x
- Front wheel: 18 Sapim steel X-Ray spokes radial
- Zipp black 88/188-V9 hubset with larger Swiss bearings, oversized alloy axles
- Valve extenders, brake pads and skewers included
- Compatible with cassettes of up to 11-speed to work with Shimano/SRAM cassettes
- Weight: 1795 grams (Front 815g, Rear 980g)
The Zipp 808 Firecrest has a 250 pound rider weight limit and a 125psi tire pressure limit