Help me buy a Zipp disc wheel
August 7, 2008 9:27 AM Subscribe
Calling all cyclists and triathletes: what do I need to know about purchasing a Zipp disc?
I'd like to purchase a Zipp disc for a loved one. I know exactly what he wants, my question is really about model year and pricing. The pricing seems to be a consistent $1675 everywhere where the wheel is in stock (I'm buying clincher, not tubular, which is a little cheaper). Is there any getting a better price?
Also, does anyone know when the 2009 wheels come out? I only need the wheel in October, so I'd get a new model if I could, or at least attempt to get a better price on the 2008.
Anonymous because this is a very special gift for someone who might see this. Thanks all!
I'd like to purchase a Zipp disc for a loved one. I know exactly what he wants, my question is really about model year and pricing. The pricing seems to be a consistent $1675 everywhere where the wheel is in stock (I'm buying clincher, not tubular, which is a little cheaper). Is there any getting a better price?
Also, does anyone know when the 2009 wheels come out? I only need the wheel in October, so I'd get a new model if I could, or at least attempt to get a better price on the 2008.
Anonymous because this is a very special gift for someone who might see this. Thanks all!
You probably won't get much of a price break. Shops that might have them in stock know they will sell them eventually or at the very least sell to a sponsored athlete eventually so there's really no reason to mark down.
There are other brands at lower price points if you look (Renn Multisport or Blackwell Research.) Also shopping the local Craigslist or Racing Club's email list at the end of road season might turn up some people selling theirs.
posted by asterisk at 11:13 AM on August 7, 2008
There are other brands at lower price points if you look (Renn Multisport or Blackwell Research.) Also shopping the local Craigslist or Racing Club's email list at the end of road season might turn up some people selling theirs.
posted by asterisk at 11:13 AM on August 7, 2008
Pay the $1675 already. I work in the industry and while I won't reveal what the wholesale cost is on that wheel, I can tell you that the markup is much less than you'd expect. So any "deal" you might get is going to be marginal. And, believe me, you want to buy from an authorized dealer because you definitely want a big-ticket item like that covered by warranty.
posted by randomstriker at 3:53 PM on August 7, 2008
posted by randomstriker at 3:53 PM on August 7, 2008
A few more brands that might give you a price break are: HED and Bontrager. Check eBay. It's very active in the road biking world.
Also, make sure to note if he needs a Shimano or Campaganolo cassette when you purchase. They have different carriers that are not compatible.
I would check local shops. You may be able to haggle with them.
posted by luckypozzo at 3:56 PM on August 7, 2008
Also, make sure to note if he needs a Shimano or Campaganolo cassette when you purchase. They have different carriers that are not compatible.
I would check local shops. You may be able to haggle with them.
posted by luckypozzo at 3:56 PM on August 7, 2008
follow up from someone who would prefer to remain anonymous.
The ZIPP Sub Nine is thirteen hundred and a few dollars wholesale. Factor in some shipping and cost associated with dealing with the customer to make sure they are happy, and your talking a tinsy markup compared to other items.posted by jessamyn at 5:04 PM on August 7, 2008
This is what I would do : check out the Williams cycling disc which uses a zipp made rim and sells for $1089.00. Tubular only though.
posted by racingjs at 9:23 AM on August 8, 2008
posted by racingjs at 9:23 AM on August 8, 2008
Forget the Williams disc. So what if Zipp made the rim? It's the body of the disc that makes the difference -- and Zipp does not provide its dimple technology to OEM partners such as Williams. Come on, why would Zipp dilute its brand by reselling its top-end technology through a discount competitor?
Forget eBay. If you're spending over $1500+, you'd better be getting a HUGE discount to justify all the attendant risks involved with online auctions.
And forget haggling with local shops. Like I said, the margins are razor thin and barely enough to pay the rent.
Look -- the bike industry survives on pure passion. It does not make money. The owner of the shop that I work part-time at drives a fucking Dodge Echo, for chrissakes. I make way more money than he does at my regular job.
Pay the $1675 already.
posted by randomstriker at 2:48 PM on August 8, 2008
Forget eBay. If you're spending over $1500+, you'd better be getting a HUGE discount to justify all the attendant risks involved with online auctions.
And forget haggling with local shops. Like I said, the margins are razor thin and barely enough to pay the rent.
Look -- the bike industry survives on pure passion. It does not make money. The owner of the shop that I work part-time at drives a fucking Dodge Echo, for chrissakes. I make way more money than he does at my regular job.
Pay the $1675 already.
posted by randomstriker at 2:48 PM on August 8, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by TDIpod at 10:08 AM on August 7, 2008