Considering a new set of wheels. Debating if the 353 NSW is worth double the cost of the 303 Firecrest. the NSW are double the cost of the Firecrest’s. The NSW are about 100g lighter, I can’t find any info on how much added aero benefit the NSW’s have though. Anyone with input?

Maybe I worded my question wrong. I just need some kind of proof of a performance increase :laughing:

Is there any new aero gear you could buy instead with the difference? Even a pair of aero socks would save a few watts at fairly normal speeds for £20/$30. I’d also look into top performing wax-based lubes (or actually waxing your chain). These would give you way more benefit than NSW over Firecres…

Main difference is probably the hubs, rather than any aerodynamic difference which is likely pretty small and impossible to prove for your individual case with your choice of tyres etc etc. The NSW wheels seem to not have the reliability issues of previous gen hubs, and they claim that freewheeling …

$2k for better hubs?!? LOL. Think I’m leaning towards the firecrests. Mostly because I’d be able to get them for some use yet this season(NSW back ordered until spring 2022)

I have a buddy who has a pair of 404 NSW for sale if you’re interested. He’s got them on consignment with a shop here. I can vouch for the fact he has way too much disposable income and buys and sells stuff like new frequently. Redirecting...

The comparison between 404 and 454 NSW where the NSW performed markedly worse in terms of aerodynamics would lead me to say “No” unless you want them for the look. Granted the 404 is 3mm deeper but that doesn’t explain a 6W difference at 30kph or 12W at 50kph. NSW, IMO, is cycling industry marketin…

No, $2k for slightly better hubs, maybe better aero, but for sure more bling :joy: Not sure what you’re hoping for, because I don’t think anyone here will be able to justify a performance/cost benefit there. It’s an emotional call to go for the NSWs.

No. The FC 303s are amazing. No sense in spending 2k more.

I’ve used both and the difference is marginal. The free hub has less drag on the NSW’s but not enough to make a huge difference in the real world. The braking surface has been improved and whilst it’s been a long time since I ran the firecrest wheels, I can’t remember the difference being that notic…

Zipp NSW worth the cost?

Equipment

Cory.Rood June 20, 2021, 4:17pm 11

The 404’s are too deep for my riding

1 Like

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Zipp NSW worth the cost?

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