Zipp 404 S Carbon Road Wheelset

The Zipp 404 S is designed for road cyclists looking for a serious aerodynamic upgrade without moving directly to Zipp’s higher-priced Firecrest or NSW wheelsets.

Its 50 mm rim depth provides a clear aerodynamic advantage at higher speeds while remaining manageable in crosswinds. Zipp developed the rim profile with inspiration from its WorldTour-proven Firecrest technology, making the 404 S a strong all-round option for flat roads, rolling terrain, racing and fast group rides.

The carbon rims feature a 23 mm internal width and are designed around modern wider road tyres. Zipp recommends tyres between approximately 28 and 39 mm, with the wheel aerodynamically optimised around approved 28–29 mm tyres. The wider rim allows tyres to take on a more stable shape and makes it possible to ride at lower pressures for improved comfort, grip and rolling efficiency.

The 404 S uses Zipp’s hookless Tubeless Straight Side construction. Only hookless-compatible tubeless tyres may be used. A tube can still be fitted inside a compatible tubeless tyre, but the tyre itself must remain approved for hookless use.

The wheelset is built around Zipp’s proven 76/176 disc brake hubs. The rear hub uses a three-pawl mechanism with 36 points of engagement, providing quick power transfer when accelerating out of corners or sprinting.

With an official listed wheelset weight of approximately 1,585 grams, including tubeless tape and valves, the 404 S offers an attractive balance between aerodynamics, durability and weight.

KEY FEATURES

• High-performance carbon road wheelset
• 50 mm rim depth
• 23 mm internal rim width
• Approx. 29 mm external rim width
• Hookless Tubeless Straight Side construction
• Tubeless tyres only
• Optimised for modern wider road tyres
• Recommended tyre width: approx. 28–39 mm
• Aerodynamically optimised around approved 28–29 mm tyres
• Maximum tyre pressure: 5.0 bar / 73 psi
• Disc brake compatible
• Center Lock rotor mounting
• Zipp 76 front hub
• Zipp 176 rear hub
• 36 points of engagement
• SRAM XDR or SRAM/Shimano Road freehub options
• 12x100 mm front thru axle
• 12x142 mm rear thru axle
• Tubeless rim tape included
• Tubeless valves included
• Maximum recommended system weight: 115 kg
• Approx. 1,585 g wheelset weight

50 MM AERODYNAMIC RIM PROFILE

The 50 mm rim depth gives the Zipp 404 S a strong aerodynamic advantage without making the wheel excessively deep.

This makes the wheelset especially suitable for:

• Road racing
• Fast training rides
• Gran fondos
• Flat and rolling terrain
• High-speed group rides
• Aero road bikes
• Riders looking for one fast all-round wheelset

The rim depth helps reduce aerodynamic drag and maintain speed, while remaining shallow enough to offer predictable handling in changing wind conditions.

23 MM INTERNAL RIM WIDTH

The 404 S uses a modern 23 mm internal rim width.

Compared with older narrow road rims, this allows wider tyres to sit more naturally on the rim and can provide:

• Better tyre support
• Improved cornering stability
• More comfort
• Lower usable tyre pressures
• Improved grip
• Reduced vibration on rough roads

Zipp recommends tyre widths between approximately 28 and 39 mm, depending on tyre compatibility and frame clearance.

HOOKLESS TUBELESS STRAIGHT SIDE

The Zipp 404 S uses a hookless rim design, which Zipp calls Tubeless Straight Side (TSS).

This means there is no traditional bead hook inside the rim.

Important:

• Use only hookless-compatible tubeless tyres
• Check tyre compatibility before installation
• Do not exceed 5.0 bar / 73 psi
• Always use correctly installed tubeless rim tape
• Always use compatible tubeless valves

A tube can be used inside a compatible tubeless tyre if required, but a traditional non-tubeless clincher tyre must not be used.

DESIGNED FOR MODERN ROAD TYRES

The 404 S has been developed specifically around wider modern road tyres.

Zipp recommends approximately:

28–39 mm tyre width

The wheelset is aerodynamically optimised around approved tyres in the 28–29 mm range.

A wider tyre at the correct pressure can offer:

• More comfort
• Improved grip
• Better handling
• Reduced vibration
• Lower rolling losses on real-world road surfaces

ZIPP 76/176 HUBSET

The Zipp 404 S uses the proven Zipp 76 front hub and 176 rear hub.

Key features:

• Disc brake specific
• Center Lock
• Cartridge bearings
• 12 mm thru axle compatibility
• 36 rear hub engagement points
• SRAM XDR or SRAM/Shimano Road freehub options

The 176 rear hub uses three pawls and 36 engagement points, giving quick response when power is applied after coasting.

FREEHUB OPTIONS

Depending on the selected version, the wheelset is available with:

• SRAM XDR
• SRAM/Shimano Road

Choose the freehub body that matches your cassette.

CENTER LOCK DISC BRAKES

The Zipp 404 S is designed exclusively for disc brake road bikes and uses Center Lock rotor mounting.

This offers a clean and widely used interface for modern road disc brake systems.

Brake rotors are not included unless explicitly stated otherwise.

WEIGHT

Official listed wheelset weight:

Approx. 1,585 grams

This includes tubeless rim tape and valves.

Actual weight may vary slightly depending on production tolerances and freehub configuration.

MAXIMUM SYSTEM WEIGHT

Maximum recommended system weight:

115 kg

This includes:

• Rider
• Bicycle
• Clothing
• Luggage
• Accessories

WHO IS THE ZIPP 404 S FOR?

The Zipp 404 S is ideal for:

• Performance-focused road cyclists
• Competitive riders
• Fast club riders
• Gran fondo riders
• Riders upgrading from aluminium wheels
• Cyclists looking for aerodynamic carbon wheels
• Riders wanting one versatile 50 mm wheelset
• Cyclists using modern 28 mm and wider tyres

Zipp positions the 404 S specifically as an all-round road wheelset and not as a dedicated gravel wheelset.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Zipp
Model: 404 S
Model ID: WH-404-S-A1
Use: Road
Wheel size: 700C / 28 inch
Rim material: Carbon
Rim depth: 50 mm
Internal rim width: 23 mm
External rim width: Approx. 29 mm
Rim profile: Symmetrical
Rim construction: Hookless / Tubeless Straight Side
Tyre compatibility: Hookless-compatible tubeless tyres
Recommended tyre width: Approx. 28–39 mm
Aero-optimised tyre width: Approx. 28–29 mm
Maximum tyre pressure: 5.0 bar / 73 psi
Brake type: Disc brake
Rotor mounting: Center Lock
Front hub: Zipp 76
Rear hub: Zipp 176
Rear engagement: 36 points
Bearings: Cartridge
Front axle: 12x100 mm
Rear axle: 12x142 mm
Freehub: SRAM XDR / SRAM-Shimano Road
Wheelset weight: Approx. 1,585 g
Maximum recommended system weight: 115 kg
Tubeless rim tape: Included
Tubeless valves: Included

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Zipp 404 S front wheel
• Zipp 404 S rear wheel
• Tubeless rim tape
• Tubeless valves

Cassette, tyres, brake rotors and thru axles are not included unless otherwise stated with the selected version.

CHECK BEFORE ORDERING

Before ordering, check:

• Which freehub body you need
• Whether your bike uses 12x100 / 12x142 mm thru axles
• Whether your brake rotors use Center Lock
• Whether your chosen tyre is approved for hookless use
• Whether the tyre width fits your frame and fork
• Whether your total system weight remains below 115 kg

FAQ

Are the Zipp 404 S wheels Tubeless Ready?
Yes. The wheels are designed for tubeless use and include tubeless rim tape and valves.

Are the rims hookless?
Yes. Zipp uses a hookless Tubeless Straight Side rim construction.

Can I use normal clincher tyres?
No. Only hookless-compatible tubeless tyres may be used.

Can I use inner tubes?
Yes, but only inside a tyre that is itself approved for hookless use.

Which tyre width is recommended?
Zipp recommends approximately 28–39 mm, with aerodynamic optimisation around approved 28–29 mm tyres.

What is the maximum tyre pressure?
5.0 bar / 73 psi.

How deep are the rims?
50 mm.

Which hubs are used?
Zipp 76 front and 176 rear hubs.

How many engagement points does the rear hub have?
36.

Which freehub bodies are available?
SRAM XDR and SRAM/Shimano Road.

How much does the Zipp 404 S wheelset weigh?
The official model specification lists approximately 1,585 grams including rim tape and valves.

Is the 404 S suitable for gravel?
Zipp positions the 404 S as an all-round road wheelset and does not designate it for gravel use.