Zipp

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zipp Speed Weaponry

Type	Private
Founded	1988
Headquarters	Indianapolis, Indiana
Key people	Unknown
Industry	cycling components
Products	Bicycle and Related Components
Revenue	undisclosed
Slogan	Speed Weaponry
Website	www.zipp.com

Founded in 1988, Zipp is best known as a designer, maker and marketer of carbon-composite bicycle wheels, although recently the company has expanded its product range to include handlebars, cranks and stems. Many professional road cyclists and triathletes use Zipp wheels, popular for their good aerodynamics, in the Tour de France and Ironman races.

Zipp sells wheels, discs and other products (including cranks, hubs, stems andhandlebar) through an international list of authorized dealers. They are also known for their high-performance silica-nitride bearings, which have a notable roundness for the entire set of less than one millionth of an inch of imperfection. At one time, Zipp was also the industry leader in the radical "beam" bike, which has subsequently been discontinued. Zipp also produced mountain bike wheels at its inception, but dropped the program later in favor of a more specialized road line. However, Zipp wheels are still tested as 29" mountain bike wheels to prove the durability of a new layup.

The company was first to market with dimpled discs and rims (they also own the patent), to promote laminar airflow and reduce turbulence. Zipp has done pioneering research in aerodynamics, using various high tech wind tunnels, and has published advanced papers in this area.

The most popular wheel made by Zipp is the iconic 404 wheelset (570g / 682g), known for its lightweight dimpled 58 mm rim, which is often seen on all but the hilliest courses possible. The appeal of the 404 stems from its superb aerodynamics and a rim weight (resulting in a low moment of inertia) lower than all common aluminum rims save for the Mavic Reflex -- making it the most affordable all-purpose wheel in the world. Recent developments in aluminum rim technology has allowed for lighter alloys, down to 350 grams per rim, but without the decisive aerodynamic advantage of the 404 wheelset.

In 2005, Zipp debuted the first all aluminum clincher from the company: the Team CSC Clincher. The wheel was intended for use as a training wheelset and a lightweight wheelset for the rigors of Paris-Roubaix. Zipp introduced an extra deep aero wheel the 808 (81mm), lauched the 606 (404F + 808R) and their 999 wheelset (808F + 900 disc).

New for 2006, Zipp has had a hand in the creation of the Flashpoint series of wheels. The goal is to bring the advantage of deep section, lightweight carbon wheels to an afforable price point, with the hopes that cycling will become even more competitive and race wins will not be limited to those with the deepest pockets. Two versions exist: the Flashpoint 40 and Flashpoint 60, with the number indicating depth of the rims.

As of 2005, dealers and consumers alive have noted an increase in the cost of Zipp products, stemming from aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus placing a strain on the carbon fiber market with their most recent designs.

Recently Zipp has launched their new "Vuka" highly adjustable aero bar and a Vuka clip-on bar with 3 extension styles. These products have internal cable routing and most versatile configuration currently on the market.

Zipp has announced a new "customized" ZedTech wheel line for 2007, where users can choose (4) decal and (5) nipple colors, select from 3 laminates layups, upgrade to ceramic bearings and get higher rear spoke counts. An new 808 track wheel was introduced with 20/24 spoke pattern and the 343 wheel set (303F + 404R).