Zipp Updates 454 NSW and 404 Firecrest Wheelsets

Zipp has updated its 454 NSW and 404 Firecrest wheelsets, relying on the brand’s Total System Efficiency technology to make them lighter, wider and faster than ever-before.

“We know there are four barriers to speed,” said Zipp’s Michael Zellmann. “Wind resistance, gravity, rolling resistance, and vibration. With TSE we are considering the whole package and not just aerodynamic efficiency.”

In the case of the 454 NSW, Zipp claims they reduced its rolling resistance to save 10 watts at 40kph, while shedding a staggering 420 grams of weight. In addition, the wheelset also gets the new Cognition DB V2 hub, which features a wave spring instead of magnets to engage the ratchet, while a new two-part design disengages the hub when coasting, thus reducing friction. There are also 54 points of engagement now instead of 36.

• Cognition hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting with Axial Clutch V2™ technology
• The 454 NSW Tubeless Disc brake is roughly a pound (more than 400 grams) lighter than its predecessor.
• TSE™ for greater efficiency and reduced rolling resistance
• Sawtooth™ rim with Hyperfoil™ nodes and HexFin™ ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stability performance with an undulating 53/58mm rim depth
• Zipp graphics applied using Zipp’s ImPress™ direct-print technology
• XDR™ or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies
• Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps
• Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels
• Campagnolo driver body sold separately
• Lifetime warranty 
• 1,463 grams
• $4000

The 404 Firecrest wheelset also drops a whopping 420 grams to tip the scales at 1,450 grams, along with a wider internal width of 23mm that’s optimized for 25mm tires. Zipp also claims the updated wheels now only require 286 watts to maintain 40kph, compared to the outgoing model that required 290 watts to maintain the same speed.

• Versatile aero wheelset for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile
• Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation
• Wide 23mm rim profile creates a better tire interface to be fast on or off the road
• New ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement
• Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps
• Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels
• XDR™ or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies
• Campagnolo driver body sold separately
• Lifetime warranty
• $1,900

Additionally, Zipp also updated its deepest section 858 NSW wheelset with a wider 18mm internal rim, along with the new Cognition DB V2 hubs with the Axial Clutch V2. Weight is also slightly down on the wheelset, coming in at 1,773 grams.

• A cosmetic identity that screams speed, Zipp graphics applied using Zipp’s ImPress™ direct-print technology
• Cognition DB V2 hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. Its Axial ClutchV2™ technology reduces drag and lowers friction
• 18mm internal width and tubeless compatibility for optimization of wider tires with lower tire pressure
• Sawtooth™ rim with Hyperfoil™ nodes and HexFin™ ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stability performance with an undulating 77/82mm rim depth
• Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included
• XDR™ or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies
• Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps
• Campagnolo driver body sold separately
• Lifetime Warranty
• $4,000

Zipp