INDIANAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Zipp is bringing its NSW (Nest Speed Weaponry) technology to its 404 wheelsets, creating a premium model that retails for $3,100 a pair.
The 404 NSW wheels have some features that Zipp first introduced on its 808 NSW wheels last year, but with a shallower (58mm) rim profile better suited for general road racing duty.
The wheels feature a new dimpling design on the rium that is said to improve handling in crosswinds. The rims have printed graphics so that decals do not interfere with the dimpling feature. The wheels also have an improved rim-braking track and Zipp's Cognition hubsets, which have a magnet in the freehub to reduce freehub drag.
"Zipp NSW is basically the most advanced development technology that Zipp has at that time," said Michael Hall, Zipp's director of advanced development.
The 404 NSW rim shaping and dimplng reduced crosswind sideforces by 34 percent compared to Zipp's 404 Firecrest, the company said.
The Cognition hubset's Axial Clutch technology uses a magnet to disengage the ratchet mechanism when coasting for minimal freebug drag.
The Axial Clutch freehub mechanism is also compatible with SRAM XD drivers, giving the option to select a 10-42 cassette.
The rims' Showstopper brake track uses silicon carbide to improve stopping power and modulation regardless of weather conditions or the length of the descent.
Zipp 404 NSW rims are laid up, molded, drilled, and built in Indianapolis by Zipp. Wheels are built with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Secure-Lock nipples.
The total wheelset weight is 1,555 grams. They have 18 spokes front and 24 rear.
Each wheel includes a Zipp Tangente titanium black skewer, Zipp valve extender by Silca, Zipp individual wheel bag, Zipp Tangente Platinum Pro Evo brake pads, Zipp Tangente tube and Zipp rim tape.
