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Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions
Zipp 858 NSW wheels

Zipp 858 NSW wheels launched with disc and rim brake versions

Zipp expands humpback whale inspired rim tech with new 858 NSW
by David Arthur @davearthur
Wed, Oct 11, 2017 10:21
11

Zipp has rolled out its radical new rim design, inspired by the pectoral fins of humpback whales, to its 808 range, creating the new 858 NSW Carbon Clincher. It’s available in a choice of disc or rim brake versions.

The previous 808 NSW was the first wheelset in Zipp’s range to harness the company’s latest technology developed in what it calls its “nest” and included a new ABLC Sawtooth dimple design intended to offer up to a 10 percent improvement in crosswind stability.

The latest technology to come out of this nest its most radical and controversial yet. First released with the 454 NSW, the new 858 NSW uses a SawTooth rim design (not to be confused with the Sawtooth dimple tech) that comprises patented “fin-shaped HyperFoil nodes along the inner diameter of the rim” intended to improve airflow. The rim depth undulates from 82 to 77mm.

009_WH_858_NSW_CC_DB_V1_700SR_11S_detail_identifier.jpg

- Your complete guide to Zipp wheels

The dimples have also been revamped, with an angular shape and arranged in fin-shaped clusters that Zipp says increases how long the airflow is attached to the rim to reduce drag and improve stability in strong winds.

The 808 and the newer 858 isn’t a wheel you’ll see many road cyclists opting for over the lighter and all-round performance of the 458, 404 and 303 wheels, but for fast road races, triathlons and IronMan competitions such a deep section wheel is an obvious choice.

010_WH_858_NSW_CC_DB_V1_700SR_11S_detail_cognition.jpg

However, Zipp does say in its blurb that the new 858 NSW “ushers in a new era where aerodynamically efficient deep-section wheels are no longer reserved only for ideal racing conditions—the 858 NSW is an every-condition race wheelset.”

- Zipp introduces 454 NSW, its ‘highest performing wheelset ever’

The new 858 NSW is available in rim and disc brake versions. The former uses the new Showstopper brake track with a silicon carbide finish and moulded grooves that aims to improve braking performance in a range of conditions. The disc brake wheels use the new Cognition hubs with Shimano’s CentreLock rotor mounting system.

The 858 NSW Carbon Clincher Disc Brake wheelset weighs a claimed 1,834g. The rim brake wheelset is lighter at 1,750g. Each wheelset costs £3,730 and will be available in November 2017.

Did you know, it takes Zipp 12.5 hours to create every 858 NSW rim at its Indianapolis manufacturing facility.

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David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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11 comments

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BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
0 likes

so keeping the air around the wheel for longer as opposed to the air flowing over the wheel faster is better, interesting. 

I get the bit about reducing turbulence and creating a smoother flow of the air around the object, but faster air movement causes lower pressure so they're saying that slower movement of the air over the wheel surface which causes higher pressure causes less drag overall. (Pressure drag)

I need to do some more reading as to why higher pressure drag is better than lower pressure drag

Avatar
ChrisB200SX replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
0 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

so keeping the air around the wheel for longer as opposed to the air flowing over the wheel faster is better, interesting. 

I get the bit about reducing turbulence and creating a smoother flow of the air around the object, but faster air movement causes lower pressure so they're saying that slower movement of the air over the wheel surface which causes higher pressure causes less drag overall. (Pressure drag)

I need to do some more reading as to why higher pressure drag is better than lower pressure drag

No, it's all about keeping the air flowing over the (smooth) surface rather than detaching from it, which causes tubulence (swirling in the areas of pressure differential as the air tries to move back to the surface it has detached from).

Smoother flow is faster, therefore less negative pressure areas that cause drag.

Avatar
Scoob_84 | 6 years ago
0 likes

Im waiting for the day we see aero rotors

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drosco | 6 years ago
0 likes

What bike would they not look absolutely daft on?

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BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
0 likes

"airflow is attached to the rim to reduce drag"

Er, surely if the air is attached to the rim longer this creates more drag n'est-ce pas? 

Avatar
Roadie_john replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
2 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

"airflow is attached to the rim to reduce drag"

Er, surely if the air is attached to the rim longer this creates more drag n'est-ce pas? 

there is a big difference between 'airflow' and 'air'. And that is about the extent of my understanding of physics, so I'll leave it there...

Avatar
David Arthur @d... replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 6 years ago
3 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

"airflow is attached to the rim to reduce drag"

Er, surely if the air is attached to the rim longer this creates more drag n'est-ce pas? 

It's  about keeping the boundary layer of air attached to the surface, when it separates you get a pressure difference and it's this that causes drag. Zipp use dimples to trip the boundary layer into turbulent air so it actually stays attached for longer, that's the theory anyway, and that's much more explanation from aero experts available on the internet.

Avatar
Grahamd | 6 years ago
0 likes

"12.5 hours to create every rim" and they say British productivity is low.

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CXR94Di2 | 6 years ago
0 likes

Each wheelset costs £3,730

I can 12 pairs of unbranded aero wheels for one set of Zipps

 

 

 

Avatar
Scoob_84 | 6 years ago
0 likes

This all looks a bit over engineered to me. 

Avatar
beezus fufoon replied to Scoob_84 | 6 years ago
0 likes

Scoob_84 wrote:

This all looks a bit over engineered to me. 

you could almost claim they were trying to reinvent the wheel!

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