Tarmac: Wheelset and Cassette

In the original build the Mavic Kysrium SLRs were the product of choice – light, high end and with the Exalith Finish outstanding. But it was always planed to go with deep section wheels… But which one?

Some DT SWISS? No… but maybe ROVAL because of the Specialized-Family? No… You said high-end right? Then Lightweight?! No…

My choice goes to the ZIPP 404 NSW. In combination with tubeless tires from Specialized the correct choice… never regretted!

These tools are needed:

  • Bike Stand
  • FR-5.2G
  • 1-Inch Nut
  • Torque Wrench
  • Grease

Official Service Manual:

Service/Spare Part:

  • ZIPP 404 NSW Wheelset (RIM, Shimano 11s)
    • 00.1918.387.000
    • 00.1918.388.000
  • Shimano Ultegra R8000 Cassette (11-28)
    • CSR800011128

Related Post:

Post as guidance? No warranty in ANY case of damage!

This post is only for the cassette installation and wheel mounting.The mounting of the tires will come separately later because the handling of tubeless tires. This is something special.

So these are the ZIPP 404 NSW.

These steps are quite easy. First is to grease up the freehub so you can “fiddle” on the cassette afterwards. New “standard” 11-28.

Reason for Ultegra cassette
The main reason I ride Ultegra cassettes is durability, in second place comes the cost. The Dura Ace cassettes are excellent and light but it is the last feature that is the biggest disadvantage. Dura Ace cassettes are partly made of titanium, which wears out faster. The more robust Ultegra cassettes are more durable. As I wear out about 3 cassettes per year this is, as I said, also a price aspect.

Last step is to secure the cassette with a torque of 40NM clock-wise.

In the end the placement on the bike. Next step will be the brake adjustment.