Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless
The Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless is a benchmark deep-section carbon tubeless rim prized for race-proven aerodynamic shaping and confident handling in fast conditions; its mature tubeless interface and refined Firecrest profile make it a go-to for riders chasing low drag and race day reliability. Compared with the ENVE and DT Swiss offerings that emphasize all-road versatility or Swiss hub integration, Zipp balances peak aero performance and weight efficiency while typically commanding a premium over more value-oriented competitors like Reynolds and HED.
Aero rocket speed
Crosswind calm
Aero rocket speed
Crosswind calm
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for excellent aerodynamic performance, predictable handling in crosswinds, and reliable tubeless setup; criticisms focus on high price and repair costs after crashes."
Tubeless traction
Tubeless-ready deep-section carbon rim designed for high-speed aerodynamics.
Tubeless traction
Tubeless-ready deep-section carbon rim designed for high-speed aerodynamics.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Zipp 404 Firecrest Carbon Tubeless is a benchmark deep-section carbon tubeless rim prized for race-proven aerodynamic shaping and confident handling in fast conditions; its mature tubeless interface and refined Firecrest profile make it a go-to for riders chasing low drag and race day reliability. Compared with the ENVE and DT Swiss offerings that emphasize all-road versatility or Swiss hub integration, Zipp balances peak aero performance and weight efficiency while typically commanding a premium over more value-oriented competitors like Reynolds and HED.
Aero rocket speed
Crosswind calm
Tubeless traction
Tubeless-ready deep-section carbon rim designed for high-speed aerodynamics.
Firecrest rim shaping for predictable handling and crosswind stability.
Aero rocket speed
Crosswind calm
Tubeless traction
Tubeless-ready deep-section carbon rim designed for high-speed aerodynamics.
Firecrest rim shaping for predictable handling and crosswind stability.
$3,000-4,000 CAD
The ENVE SES 3.4 stands out for its highly tuned carbon layup that prioritizes a refined ride, controlled compliance, and balanced aero performance tailored to mid-profile all-around use. It holds a premium position thanks to meticulous manufacturing and small-variance performance that riders notice in long efforts and mixed terrain, though it typically comes at a higher price than direct-to-consumer competitors like Hunt or Reserve. Relative to the Zipp and DT Swiss entries, the SES 3.4 emphasizes composite engineering and ride quality over the lowest possible weight or hub-service convenience.
Aero-efficient glide
Silky compliance
Aero-efficient glide
Silky compliance
Review Summary
"The ENVE SES 3.4 is widely regarded as a best-in-class all-rounder—excellent blend of aero efficiency, low weight and predictable handling in varied conditions; buyers note a high price and occasional long lead times as drawbacks."
Point-and-go handling
Around 38mm SES 3.4 depth engineered for low drag and stable crosswind behavior.
Point-and-go handling
Around 38mm SES 3.4 depth engineered for low drag and stable crosswind behavior.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The ENVE SES 3.4 stands out for its highly tuned carbon layup that prioritizes a refined ride, controlled compliance, and balanced aero performance tailored to mid-profile all-around use. It holds a premium position thanks to meticulous manufacturing and small-variance performance that riders notice in long efforts and mixed terrain, though it typically comes at a higher price than direct-to-consumer competitors like Hunt or Reserve. Relative to the Zipp and DT Swiss entries, the SES 3.4 emphasizes composite engineering and ride quality over the lowest possible weight or hub-service convenience.
Aero-efficient glide
Silky compliance
Point-and-go handling
Around 38mm SES 3.4 depth engineered for low drag and stable crosswind behavior.
Precision carbon layup and tubeless-ready bead seat for optimized tyre–rim interaction.
Aero-efficient glide
Silky compliance
Point-and-go handling
Around 38mm SES 3.4 depth engineered for low drag and stable crosswind behavior.
Precision carbon layup and tubeless-ready bead seat for optimized tyre–rim interaction.
$2,300-2,800 CAD
The Reserve 34/37 package delivers shallow-section lightweight carbon tubeless rims engineered for real-world durability and serviceability, pairing modern rim shapes with Reserve's high-engagement hubs. Financially and technically it positions itself as a market leader in value—often undercutting boutique prices while matching or exceeding practical durability and hub performance found in pricier offerings from ENVE and Zipp.
Sculpted stability
Snappy handling
Sculpted stability
Snappy handling
Review Summary
"Reserve 34/37 wheels earn praise for delivering a light, stiff and confidence‑inspiring ride with reliable tubeless beds and strong value compared with legacy premium brands; riders highlight responsive acceleration and stable handling. A minority mention minor finish blemishes or the need for careful tire choice, but long‑term feedback is overwhelmingly positive."
Carbon grin
Lightweight shallow-section design that prioritizes compliance and real-world comfort
Carbon grin
Lightweight shallow-section design that prioritizes compliance and real-world comfort
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Reserve 34/37 package delivers shallow-section lightweight carbon tubeless rims engineered for real-world durability and serviceability, pairing modern rim shapes with Reserve's high-engagement hubs. Financially and technically it positions itself as a market leader in value—often undercutting boutique prices while matching or exceeding practical durability and hub performance found in pricier offerings from ENVE and Zipp.
Sculpted stability
Snappy handling
Carbon grin
Lightweight shallow-section design that prioritizes compliance and real-world comfort
Wide internal rim for modern tire support and improved cornering grip when run tubeless
Sculpted stability
Snappy handling
Carbon grin
Lightweight shallow-section design that prioritizes compliance and real-world comfort
Wide internal rim for modern tire support and improved cornering grip when run tubeless
$2,000-2,800 CAD
We Are One Convergence rims focus on a lightweight, purpose-built hookless bead carbon tubeless design that delivers a lively ride feel at a more accessible cost. Versus Enve and Zipp, Convergence typically represents better price-to-weight value while adopting modern rim widths and layups, making it an attractive choice for riders who want high-performance characteristics without the highest-end sticker.
All-terrain grit
Burly reliability
All-terrain grit
Burly reliability
Review Summary
"We Are One Convergence rims are valued for their light weight, compliant ride and strong value proposition, though some buyers report occasional quality-control and finish inconsistencies after extended use."
Playful handling
Wider internal rim profile and hookless tubeless bead that improve tyre support and ride comfort.
Playful handling
Wider internal rim profile and hookless tubeless bead that improve tyre support and ride comfort.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
We Are One Convergence rims focus on a lightweight, purpose-built hookless bead carbon tubeless design that delivers a lively ride feel at a more accessible cost. Versus Enve and Zipp, Convergence typically represents better price-to-weight value while adopting modern rim widths and layups, making it an attractive choice for riders who want high-performance characteristics without the highest-end sticker.
All-terrain grit
Burly reliability
Playful handling
Wider internal rim profile and hookless tubeless bead that improve tyre support and ride comfort.
Lightweight carbon construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides and rough roads.
All-terrain grit
Burly reliability
Playful handling
Wider internal rim profile and hookless tubeless bead that improve tyre support and ride comfort.
Lightweight carbon construction tuned for compliance on long gravel rides and rough roads.
$1,200-1,800 CAD
The ENVE SES 3.4 AR Disc is included here as a performance benchmark because its rim shape and tubeless integration set a high technical bar for ride refinement and aero efficiency; however, the model name indicates a disc-specific build so it is not rim-brake compatible and therefore less suitable for the targeted use case. Compared with the other rims on this list it commands a premium price but delivers class-leading compliance and aerodynamic tuning that rim-brake models can reference when prioritizing weight, stiffness and tubeless sealing performance.
Aero whisperer
Climb snap
Aero whisperer
Climb snap
Review Summary
"Long-term users praise the ENVE SES 3.4 AR Disc for its exceptional stiffness, confident handling and comfortable, fast tubeless ride; it's widely regarded as premium but comes with a high price and occasional costly repairs."
Comfy carbon hug
Carbon rim engineered for low weight and high aero efficiency with a shallow-to-mid 34mm profile.
Comfy carbon hug
Carbon rim engineered for low weight and high aero efficiency with a shallow-to-mid 34mm profile.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The ENVE SES 3.4 AR Disc is included here as a performance benchmark because its rim shape and tubeless integration set a high technical bar for ride refinement and aero efficiency; however, the model name indicates a disc-specific build so it is not rim-brake compatible and therefore less suitable for the targeted use case. Compared with the other rims on this list it commands a premium price but delivers class-leading compliance and aerodynamic tuning that rim-brake models can reference when prioritizing weight, stiffness and tubeless sealing performance.
Aero whisperer
Climb snap
Comfy carbon hug
Carbon rim engineered for low weight and high aero efficiency with a shallow-to-mid 34mm profile.
Tubeless-ready bead seat and modern internal shaping to support wider road tyres.
Aero whisperer
Climb snap
Comfy carbon hug
Carbon rim engineered for low weight and high aero efficiency with a shallow-to-mid 34mm profile.
Tubeless-ready bead seat and modern internal shaping to support wider road tyres.
$2,500-3,500 CAD