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The Sram Group has further signalled its intention to take road going disc wheelsets (and 11-speed) seriously with the launch of the Zipp Firecrest – to be available as a carbon clincher or tubeless wheelset.
Though the press imagery suggests the wheelset is aimed at the cyclocross rider, there’s nothing to explicitly state as much in the branding. SRAM hydraulic disc prototypes have already been spotted on sponsored rider’s bikes in cyclocross races in the US and you have to wonder how long it will be before we’ll see a stronger hint at a SRAM developed 11-speed than this new wheelset.
Compatible with Shimano and Campagnolo’s 11-speed offerings, the hub will roll on larger Swiss stainless steel bearings than previous versions of the popular wheelset, upping the longevity. It’s laced in a 24 spoke three cross pattern, optimized for stiffness and acceleration. The Firecrest’s race-proven, braking surface free, 45mm rim depth is both stable and aerodynamic and features the dimpled surface of previous models.
The wheelset will land with worldwide distributors from July. The carbon clincher will cost around €2,600 a pair, while the tubulars are to retail for €2,300. Weights are 1,680g and 1,435g, respectively.
