FLASH-POINT BLOG ARCHIVE: Oct 2006

Adding a set of light weight, aero wheels is the single best improvement you can make to your bike and your performance. Flash-Points give you durability, quality, comfort, speed and great value - all at a price point you would not believe possible.

Consider this: bladed spokes, high quality hubs, hand-crafted carbon rim from the USA and superb craftsmanship. No wonder Flash-point wheels are the choice for tri athletes, road cyclists and high-end recreational riders - get aboard enjoy the value.

I have by now ridden the Flash-Point 60s in most weather- and road-conditions in Norway, and I can tell that you that speed, comfort and value are very suitable and describeable words of these wheels. Having clocked over 6000 km on them, their presentation still looks top notch and the rims are still perfectly true. I'm just getting more and more fond of them. When I once in a while have to use my WH-R550's I'm reminded of how good the FPs actually perform.

The feeling of riding on a very fine set of high-end wheels is just great!
Still hoping to get about a month with outdoor cycling before the winter comes.

There was lots of interest in the Flash-Point wheel range at the Zipp booth at Interbike.

This video points to many of the reasons why FPs are a great choice and deliver superb value.

Inside Triathlon looks at Flash-Points

I have not been on my bike a lot in the last few weeks…been busy with other commitments.  Have just ridden a couple of times a week, generally not more than 60 miles;  but, even so, I’ve noticed a few things worth mentioning.
 
On speed:  On my Saturday club ride I have surprised myself a few times by being able to keep up with the faster riders for short periods of time.  That means I can draft at 23, 24, maybe even 25 mph for a while, then my heart rate pops up, and I know I have to drop off.  Even though I’m ready less this summer than last, I’m clearly faster when riding in front or alone - it is much easier this year to maintain 20-21 mph for awhile.   Is it FP 60’s that have made me faster this year?   I can’t say for sure, but I’m confident they are a factor.   And having confidence in my equipment is a big part of success, I believe.  Any comments from anyone else as to at what speed they think the FP 60’s kick in for increased speed?
 
On hills:  Last weekend, I rode the first day of one of Indiana’s premier rides, the Hilly Hundred.  Didn’t have the mindset the ride both days, given I have only ridden about 2000 miles this summer, and have been on few hills.   For me, the “Hilly” is a tough ride, with big and repeating hills, and unlike many, if not most, of the “Hilly” riders, I have only two chain rings (53/39) in front.  Nonetheless, I rode better this year than last, even though with less miles on my legs.  I crested every hill without needing to stop, and did so with my heart rate was a bit lower at the top than last year.  Again, I’m clear the FP60’s climb better than what I was riding last year.
 
On my first flat on FP60 rim:  I ride Tufo tubular clincher tires, and had my first flat of the year (and first ever flat on tubulars)  two Saturday ago after hitting a rock about the size of dime. I like the dependability and ride of the Tufo tires (on tubed tires I flatted frequently)   I was near the end of the ride, so got picked up instead of fixing the flat on the road, but once home I struggled to make the needed repair.  To get the “Tufo goo” into the tire’s valve to seal any holes, the high profile rim required me to remove the tire entirely, a pain.   I didn’t know the Zipp valve extender screws off with an Allen wrench, so used plyers and scratched up the extender.  Then, getting the clincher tire off an on the rim was a pain.   I messed with it for a long time, and eventually went to a bike shop for help.   Once I figured it all out, the Tufo goo did its job and the hole sealed, and I’m back on the tire.  It will surely be easier next time, but I’ll still have to take the tire off to make the repair.
 
 
 

We approached riders using Flash-Points for their feedback after the race.


Sarah:

The Zipp FlashPoints are my first pair of race wheels, and I couldn't be any happier! I used them during my first Ironman and the feeling and handling of the bike was unbelievable. The wheels spun fast and I could definitely FEEL a difference. There are a number of hills in Madison, WI and my bike felt smooth as I trudged up them! As the wind picked up, the wheels held strong and the gusts were not a problem. I would recommend these wheels to any triathlete looking for race wheels.

Robb:
Never having owned race wheels, I am very impressed with the Zipp Flash Points. I used the wheels during my Ironman training, and then raced in them. The wheels held-up great during both. Once the wheels got up to speed, I felt like they wanted to keep on rolling. With the adverse weather conditions, the wheels held true! I would definitely use these wheels for other triathlons and Ironmans!


Thanks to Dave Ripley for collecting these.

This image shows three differences: The segment join, the ID line and the aluminum carbon bond line. Hopefully you are getting your eye in by now and can easily pick up these features?. Let's now talk about the last major difference between the copies and a true Flash-Point.

With the copies, it seems woven segments are placed on the rim and then molded. Flash-Points are made from a single laminated woven carbon wrap (one join) and do not have segments, the entire wrap is tucked under the aluminum so there is no carbon ridge next to the Al breaking surface. This carbon ridge can be clearly seen in the image (click to enlarge).
Our Flash-Points have resin filling the gap between the tucked carbon and the AL, while the copies have carbon fibers butting against the breaking track. This subtle difference is best seen when you have the breaking surface at 90 degrees.

One final telling feature is the matt surface finish on the copies vs. an even shine on Flash-Points. If you are uncertain if you have the genuine article in your hands - please give customer service a call - they will be glad to help you decide. 1-800-472-3972 or 317-481-1120.