used zipp wheels

[leftherk]

I am trying out a demo version of Zipp 404 clinchers for potential purchase. The front wheel has been rebuit and the back wheel has clearly been worn. Is it worth purchasing this set for half price or is it better to purchase a new set. My ride performance is clearly better but I am concerned about longevity.

[RussSeaton]

Zipp 404 clincher wheels are not for touring.  This is a touring forum.  So any question about Zipp wheels is misplaced.  You would be better off asking somewhere else.  But I'll provide an answer anyway.  At half price you are not really stealing them.  Its not an awful deal.  But its not a great deal either.  Like lots of things, used bike wheels don't hold their value too well.  The rebuilt front wheel is good that it is rebuilt.  But front wheels are pretty simple so rebuilding is not difficult.  And the fact its rebuilt makes me wonder how much wear and tear this wheel had to require a rebuild.  And what else is wrong that did not get rebuilt.  The worn rear wheel as you describe it is not good.  It would seem to need rebuilding.  New bearings are not too difficult to install.  But is the freewheel also in need of replacement.  Lot more expense for that fix.  Based on your description of the wheels and the price, I would not be interested.

[DaveB]

  Based on your description of the wheels and the price, I would not be interested.

+1 Pass.

[csykes]

A good forum for this type of question is the triathlon site slowtwitch.com
Zipp wheels command good prices on the used market, but you have to know what you are looking at.  Check ebay etc to get a feel for current pricing of similar wheels.

[patrickstoneking]

I am trying out a demo version of Zipp 404 clinchers for potential purchase. The front wheel has been rebuit and the back wheel has clearly been worn. Is it worth purchasing this set for half price or is it better to purchase a new set. My ride performance is clearly better but I am concerned about longevity.

I ride these wheels every day on my road bike.  After 4000+ miles, my experience has been that they are very durable, standing up to the potholes, debris, gravel, etc that we have on the roads here in Cleveland.  That being said, I would never use them on a self supported tour as they do have specific weight limits.  If you really wanted to use them like that I would look to buy the Clydesdale version, which I have no experience with.

These wheels do not sound like a good price for the condition.  Demo wheels?  They sound like they have been abused.  You can buy new wheels from discount online bike dealers for 1/2 retail any day of the week.  That's where I bought mine and haven't regretted it.