Choosing 2009 Dura Ace C50, Token T50 and Zipp 404?

[rrm]

Hi Forum!
I'm doing 1/2 and 1/1 IM and would like to buy a race wheel. Have some good offers all 2009/2010 - Dura Ace C50, Token T50 and Zipp 404 at almost equal prices.
I'm a pretty heavy rider - about 80 kilogram, and the wheel should go nicely to Cannondale Slice, HM, with Sram Red on it...if that matters?!?!
Races is not steep climbs, mostly on flat terrain with few bumps on the ride.

1. Which one would you consider as best buy if the wheels are in almost same conditions?
2. Do I get a lot of improvements buying 2012/2013 models?
I would appreciate some advice - thanks!
Rasmus

[53x12]

What year are the Zipps? Zipp brought out the Firecrest 404 in 2011. I would go with the Zipp 404 personally. It is most aero wheel out of that group and for its depth, decently lightweight. If you are doing an IM, the 404 is the way to go.

Next time you might want to start this thread in the wheel forum.

[rrm]

Thanks for your reply...just heard that the 404's is a bit fragile?!? I'll move the thread to the wheel forum.

[53x12]

404s fragile? What kind of roads do you ride, how much do you weight and how well do you care for your equipment/toys?

[Dammit]

I've ridden my 404 tubs all year, 1,968 miles including one Duathlon in Norway that was partially on un-tarmaced mountain road, they've been absolutely fine.

I've averaged around 78kg most of the year.

[rrm]

okay, sounds as if the 404's are not particular fragile. Thanks a lot.

[dominikk]

I ride Dura Ace C50 WH 7850 more than one year now, ca. 10.000 km and i'm very very satisfied.
Not a single problem and I'm at 84 kg average.
So, go for it!

[53x12]

I wouldn't be worried about the 404s. They are a great wheel. Now if you were a really large guy, then maybe they wouldn't be the best option. Or if you ride over roads with a lot of potholes or just ebay the stink out of your equipment and don't care for it. But those wheels are amazingly fast and comfortable with thr right rubber.

[mrlobber]

Zipps can have issues, but this might depend on your personal luck a bit

I have both tubular 2011 404 FC's and 808 FC's... 808's developed front cracked rim (search, these are not the only ones from the brand with such a problem) while 404's have been excellent from the rim perspective, but eventually the rear bearings are toast and need replacement... approx 3k km's done on them on various not-so-good-quality roads, I reckon. 404's weigh 1345g which is approx 60g over the stated weight. Dura Ace certainly have better bearings if that does mean anything to you (I use WH7850 SL (24mm) as my training wheels, they are bombproof, being 6+ years old...)