Flashpoint wheels

deez2nuts said:

I was wondering if anybody here is using Flashpoint http://www.flash-pointracing.com/ wheels or knows someone who has. I am considering buying a new set of wheels this year and I am torn between Mavic SL and Zipp 404's. I was told by my LBS that Flashpoint is made by Zipp and is a cheaper version (no dimples, lesser quality hub and clincher only at 900+ per set) of their flagship model. I am leaning towards the SL's but would like to build a more aero (currently using a Mavic CXP 33 ) rim around my Power Tap Pro. I am a 200lb rider getting lighter by the second 🙂 Thanks in advance for any info.

I almost forked out dough for a pair when I read chris boardman's impression of flashpoint wheelsets he tested on an Argon Gallium18... verdict: not positive. Although I have never tested them I tend to agree with CB just by looking at them. It seems that there is a lot of material/mass on the rim making them slow to accelerate [read: unresponsive]. The positive is that they are drop dead gorgeous. They are also only in clincher version with a regular AL braking surface.

I have scratch them off my list and now considering Cole carbon/Al deep section wheelsets, Topolino C12s or Mavic Ksyrium SLs. I also saw in probikekit that they have slashed the price of Ksyrium ES by 30%, very tempting.

Any more people using these wheels yet? I'm interested in hearing more reviews.

friedmikey said:

Any more people using these wheels yet? I'm interested in hearing more reviews.

I have had a set of Flash Point 40s for a year now and find them excellent. I am 205lbs and 6'2", and the wheels are still true, so that has to be good. I use them mostly for training, fitted to a Kuota Kharma, and on race days I usually switch to Campag Zonda's, which would be about the best wheels I have ever owned. The Flashy's are not as responsive - what aero wheel is? And they are not for weight weenies either, but overall I rate them very highly, plus I like the fact that they still retain the alloy brake surface, so there is no need to change to carbon friendly brake pads every time you change wheels. They are beautifully made and I guess, being from the Zip family helps.

Cheers
Greg

Ferntree said:

The Flashy's are not as responsive - what aero wheel is?

Let's see.....Reynolds Stratus DVs, Zipp 303s and 404s, LEWs, Campy Boras, Lightweights......do you need more examples?

Ferntree said:

I have had a set of Flash Point 40s for a year now and find them excellent. I am 205lbs and 6'2", and the wheels are still true, so that has to be good. I use them mostly for training, fitted to a Kuota Kharma, and on race days I usually switch to Campag Zonda's, which would be about the best wheels I have ever owned. The Flashy's are not as responsive - what aero wheel is? And they are not for weight weenies either, but overall I rate them very highly, plus I like the fact that they still retain the alloy brake surface, so there is no need to change to carbon friendly brake pads every time you change wheels. They are beautifully made and I guess, being from the Zip family helps.

Cheers
Greg

UPDATE!!!!
Just found cracks on both wheels where the spokes go thru the carbon - really shocked and suprised as they have not done many miles, in fact 90% of my riding lately is with the Campag Zondas as I did not want to dirty the Flashys!

Ferntree said:

UPDATE!!!!
Just found cracks on both wheels where the spokes go thru the carbon - really shocked and suprised as they have not done many miles, in fact 90% of my riding lately is with the Campag Zondas as I did not want to dirty the Flashys!

You get what you pay for. That's why I stay away from Zipps and their wheel products.

I got the Reynolds DVs instead.

hd reynolds said:

You get what you pay for. That's why I stay away from Zipps and their wheel products.

I got the Reynolds DVs instead.

Really hard to find out what's best here - at the moment I am looking at the Reynolds DVs, HED Jet50s with heavy duty spoke count and maybe Zipp Clydesdales, but the more I trawl the forums, the more confused I get. Might just get another set of Campags instead!

Just to follow-up - Long story short, Zipp agreeded to replace my damaged set of Flash Point 40s with a new set of Flash Point 60s - only charged me the wheel build fee.

Awesome outcome, and has renewed my faith in how some companies conduct business. New wheels are awesome, and will be riding them hard over the next few months to make sure they are up to the job.

Thanks Zipp!