I'm looking to put a nice aero wheelset on my bike for flat courses, time
trials, etc...
My two top choices are the Hed Alps (clincher) or the Zipp 404s (clincher
version). Could anyone help me with these concerns:
Could either model be used regularly for training and racing if I should
desire?
Published weights: It seems you can find different specs for these wheels
depending on where one looks. Does anyone know if the weights published by
Hed and Zipp are accurate? Hed says 1590 grams for the set and Zipp says
1712 for the set.
Which of the two should I expect to perform better? Which has smoother hubs?
Which has a "stiffer" feel for cornering and accelerating?
Am I just hearing things, or are the Zipp 404s loud? I've already been
riding next to someone with the Zipps and I swear I can hear a loud swoosh
emanating from their wheels.
I assume the Zipps are a little more aerodynamic, but has anyone found them
to be too deep to use in even mild crosswinds? Hed claims their Alps are
"rideable in almost any wind condition."
Thanks for any and all input!
PS If anyone knows where to get a good deal on any of these wheels, let me
know!