Zipp 404 Firestrike wheels review

We put Zipp's high end 58mm wheels to the test

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Zipp 404 Firestrike carbon clinchers are a good choice as a best day wheelset for use in races, special events, and rides at the heigh of summer. The only thing we'd advise avoiding is too much riding in the rain, as the braking isn't great in the wet.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Very stable in crosswinds

  • +

    Stiff

  • +

    Sharp acceleration

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Poor braking in wet

  • -

    A little heavy

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Zipp 404 Firestrikes may have been superseded by the deep section wheels from the company's new NSW range, but that doesn't mean they've stopped being an exceptionally fast pair of wheels.

For wheels that will set you back more than £2,000 for the pair, you would expect the Zipp 404 Firestrikes to be fast, and that's exactly what they are. Get these wheels up to speed and the 58mm rims slice through the air with exceptional ease, especially when riding at more than 25mph.

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.