Boras VS Zipp 303s?

[KJMUNC]

Originally Posted by OtayBW

Only problem I have with the Boras is that if you happen to run Vittorias and get a flat out in the field, you may be walking home unless your tires are pre-stretched pretty well....

Which Boras are you running that you have this issue? My Bora Ultra 35's take Vittoria super easily and once I lever them on one time, I can get them on/off by hand. I am running tubeless on my Bora WTO 60's so luckily haven't had to deal with that yet (knock wood).

As for comparison to Zipp I can't say as I haven't had any since the 2005ish era wheels. That said, my Bora Ultra 35's spin forever....like, put it in the stand, spin a wheel, then walk away and come back and it's still moving.....they are shockingly smooth wheels unlike anything I've ridden. I maintain them myself, which is not difficult. They're also super durable and brake exceptionally well. I just can't see any scenario why you'd actually choose Zipp over a Bora wheelset, especially on any bike with Campy. Maybe if you're seeking some fractional second gain in a wind-tunnel environment Zipp has some edge, but that's not me.

[m_sasso]

Aero dimples, haha! Remnants of pre Silca marketing hype.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by m_sasso

Aero dimples, haha! Remnants of pre Silca marketing hype.

But, but.... it works on golf balls...

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by KJMUNC

Which Boras are you running that you have this issue? My Bora Ultra 35's take Vittoria super easily and once I lever them on one time, I can get them on/off by hand. I am running tubeless on my Bora WTO 60's so luckily haven't had to deal with that yet (knock wood).

I have the WTO 45s and am running beaded clinchers and they are, hands down, the hardest tire/rim combination that I have ever messed with. The well in the center of the rim is not very deep, so you can't really pinch and push the bead down much. I recently went with a nice pair of VeloFlexes which are still quite difficult, but manageable. I can mount the same Vittorias on other wheelsets (HED, Campy Neutrons, etc.) with zero problems, so, go figure....

[Nomadmax]

Originally Posted by ridethecliche

You carry one on rides?

I do, albeit trimmed down but still works; won't leave home without it. I'm not calling the team car or walking BTW, fits in my small seat bag with the rest of my stuff.

[happycampyer]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

See you in 6 months with Boras.

My thoughts exactly.

My favorite version of the Boras was/is the Ultra 35 (tubulars, for caliper brakes):



I’ve had 303s before, too, but have moved them on.



If you’re talking clincher/disc, I’d go for the Boras on looks alone, especially with a Campy-equipped bike.

[Gummee]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

unless they have recently gotten better Zipp hubs are pretty junky.

Zipp hubs have been 'less than excellent' since their first hubs. ...which is why I'll typically rehub them.

I've had several pair of 303s and 404s with DT Swiss rear hubs over the years.

I've also trashed at least 2 of them on roots poking thru CX courses. Grrrr Those were spendy races

M

[Xrslug]

FYI, great deal currently at bike24.com on Bora WTOs (both rim brake and disk). Some 45s and 60s are ~840 Euros, which works out to about $1,040 shipped to your door. Seems to be at least $500 cheaper than I’ve seen elsewhere.