Zipp 808 Firecrest Carbon Clincher
The Zipp 808 Firecrest remains the benchmark for deep-section rim-brake aero wheels thanks to its time-tested Firecrest shape that balances low drag with predictable crosswind handling, making it ideal for time trial and triathlon racers who need speed and control. Compared with the ENVE SES 7.8 and other premium rims in this list it offers broader aftermarket support and proven race results, while its clincher convenience and strong resale value justify a higher upfront price for many athletes.
Pro-level speed
Crosswind calm
Pro-level speed
Crosswind calm
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Zipp 808 Firecrest Clincher for its outstanding aero speed and confident crosswind stability, calling it fast, predictable and durable over long-term use. Common criticisms are the high price and occasional concerns about rim-brake heat on very long descents."
Clincher convenience
Approximately 82mm Firecrest rim profile for low drag in time trials and triathlon race conditions
Clincher convenience
Approximately 82mm Firecrest rim profile for low drag in time trials and triathlon race conditions
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Zipp 808 Firecrest remains the benchmark for deep-section rim-brake aero wheels thanks to its time-tested Firecrest shape that balances low drag with predictable crosswind handling, making it ideal for time trial and triathlon racers who need speed and control. Compared with the ENVE SES 7.8 and other premium rims in this list it offers broader aftermarket support and proven race results, while its clincher convenience and strong resale value justify a higher upfront price for many athletes.
Pro-level speed
Crosswind calm
Clincher convenience
Approximately 82mm Firecrest rim profile for low drag in time trials and triathlon race conditions
Clincher carbon construction with a rim-brake-specific braking surface for reliable stopping
Pro-level speed
Crosswind calm
Clincher convenience
Approximately 82mm Firecrest rim profile for low drag in time trials and triathlon race conditions
Clincher carbon construction with a rim-brake-specific braking surface for reliable stopping
$3,000-4,500 CAD
ENVE SES 7.8 Rim Brake
The ENVE SES 7.8 is positioned as a precision-engineered, aero-optimized rim that prioritizes a refined ride and exceptional stiffness-to-weight for sustained high-speed efforts in TT and triathlon applications. Compared with the Zipp 808 and Reynolds AERO 80 it trades a slightly higher cost for proprietary SES tuning and boutique build quality, offering riders who want the latest composite engineering a technically superior but premium-priced option.
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Review Summary
"Owners report the ENVE SES 7.8 Rim Brake delivers top-tier aero efficiency, superb stiffness and premium build quality with predictable handling in variable conditions. The main drawbacks noted are its very high cost and limited rim‑brake availability compared with disc versions."
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The ENVE SES 7.8 is positioned as a precision-engineered, aero-optimized rim that prioritizes a refined ride and exceptional stiffness-to-weight for sustained high-speed efforts in TT and triathlon applications. Compared with the Zipp 808 and Reynolds AERO 80 it trades a slightly higher cost for proprietary SES tuning and boutique build quality, offering riders who want the latest composite engineering a technically superior but premium-priced option.
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Precision-molded carbon layup delivering a stiff, responsive ride for aggressive pacing
Engineered aero
Whispering stability
Featherlight punch
Ultra-deep SES 7.8 carbon profile tuned for high-speed time trials and triathlon efforts
Precision-molded carbon layup delivering a stiff, responsive ride for aggressive pacing
$4,000-5,500 CAD
HED Jet 9 Plus Black
HED's Jet 9 Plus delivers a compelling balance of deep-section aero performance and value, often undercutting the pricier boutique wheels while remaining race-ready for long time trials and triathlons. Against the Zipp and ENVE offerings it stands out as a more budget-conscious choice with durable construction and straightforward serviceability, making it attractive to riders who want deep aero gains without the highest premium.
Aerodynamic depth
Stout durability
Aerodynamic depth
Stout durability
Review Summary
"Riders like the HED Jet 9 Plus for offering near–elite aero performance and stable handling at a more accessible price point, with many praising its long-term reliability. Some users note it can be a bit heavier than ultra‑light race wheels and that cosmetics/decals may show wear over time."
Surefire braking
Very deep Jet 9 Plus rim designed to maximize aerodynamic gains in solo efforts
Surefire braking
Very deep Jet 9 Plus rim designed to maximize aerodynamic gains in solo efforts
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
HED's Jet 9 Plus delivers a compelling balance of deep-section aero performance and value, often undercutting the pricier boutique wheels while remaining race-ready for long time trials and triathlons. Against the Zipp and ENVE offerings it stands out as a more budget-conscious choice with durable construction and straightforward serviceability, making it attractive to riders who want deep aero gains without the highest premium.
Aerodynamic depth
Stout durability
Surefire braking
Very deep Jet 9 Plus rim designed to maximize aerodynamic gains in solo efforts
Wider rim bed supports modern tire profiles for lower rolling resistance and improved handling
Aerodynamic depth
Stout durability
Surefire braking
Very deep Jet 9 Plus rim designed to maximize aerodynamic gains in solo efforts
Wider rim bed supports modern tire profiles for lower rolling resistance and improved handling
$1,700-2,300 CAD
Reynolds AERO 80 Carbon Rim
The Reynolds AERO 80 offers an 80mm profile tuned for raw speed and stability, providing competitive aero efficiency at a price point that often sits between boutique and value brands. When compared to the ENVE and Zipp models it frequently presents a stronger value proposition—delivering comparable stiffness and aerodynamic benefit for riders prioritizing cost-to-performance rather than brand prestige.
80mm rocket
Turbo stiff
80mm rocket
Turbo stiff
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the Reynolds AERO 80 for delivering strong aerodynamic gains and good value compared with marquee brands, while many find it durable for season‑to‑season use. Common caveats are a slightly heavier feel than the very top models and that rim‑brake braking performance benefits from careful pad selection and setup."
Confident stop
80mm full-carbon aero rim profile optimized for sustained high-speed efforts
Confident stop
80mm full-carbon aero rim profile optimized for sustained high-speed efforts
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Reynolds AERO 80 offers an 80mm profile tuned for raw speed and stability, providing competitive aero efficiency at a price point that often sits between boutique and value brands. When compared to the ENVE and Zipp models it frequently presents a stronger value proposition—delivering comparable stiffness and aerodynamic benefit for riders prioritizing cost-to-performance rather than brand prestige.
80mm rocket
Turbo stiff
Confident stop
80mm full-carbon aero rim profile optimized for sustained high-speed efforts
Carbon layup tuned for a favorable stiffness-to-weight balance to aid acceleration
80mm rocket
Turbo stiff
Confident stop
80mm full-carbon aero rim profile optimized for sustained high-speed efforts
Carbon layup tuned for a favorable stiffness-to-weight balance to aid acceleration
$2,200-3,000 CAD
Vision Metron 81 SL
The Vision Metron 81 SL is a lightweight, race-focused deep rim designed to deliver sprintable stiffness and aerodynamic gains in triathlon and TT use, often marketed with an emphasis on low rotating mass for quicker accelerations. Compared to the heavier-profile Zipp 808 or the boutique ENVE SES 7.8, the Metron 81 SL typically competes on targeted performance-to-price and weight advantages, though it may have a smaller global service footprint than the largest manufacturers.
Feathered aero
Climb-capable depth
Feathered aero
Climb-capable depth
Review Summary
"The Vision Metron 81 SL is praised for its stiff, responsive ride and excellent speed balance for triathlon/time trial use, with many noting it climbs and flats very well for its depth. Reported negatives include less refined finish and occasional noise or tubeless setup quirks, but overall seen as a strong value for serious racers."
Silky roll
81mm deep profile delivering a strong aerodynamic advantage for TT and triathlon stages
Silky roll
81mm deep profile delivering a strong aerodynamic advantage for TT and triathlon stages
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Vision Metron 81 SL is a lightweight, race-focused deep rim designed to deliver sprintable stiffness and aerodynamic gains in triathlon and TT use, often marketed with an emphasis on low rotating mass for quicker accelerations. Compared to the heavier-profile Zipp 808 or the boutique ENVE SES 7.8, the Metron 81 SL typically competes on targeted performance-to-price and weight advantages, though it may have a smaller global service footprint than the largest manufacturers.
Feathered aero
Climb-capable depth
Silky roll
81mm deep profile delivering a strong aerodynamic advantage for TT and triathlon stages
SL carbon layup targets reduced weight while retaining torsional stiffness
Feathered aero
Climb-capable depth
Silky roll
81mm deep profile delivering a strong aerodynamic advantage for TT and triathlon stages
SL carbon layup targets reduced weight while retaining torsional stiffness
$1,900-2,700 CAD