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Zipp’s Impress Technology, Graphically Enhanced Coolness-To-Weight Ratio

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Zipp_Super-9_Carbon_Clincher_Impress_Technology

If you race at the top end you need top end stuff. Now the top end stuff just got that much better. Zipp calls it an improvement of the “coolness-to-weight ratio.” That’s “coolness” as in awesomeness not temperature, just in case you were wondering. Zipp past the break for closeups of the awesome ratio…

Sebastian_Kienle_Zipp_Impress_Technology_Rear_Wheel

It’s named Impress Technology – direct printing onto carbon-fiber instead of decals. The claimed results are a decrease in weight and an increase in durability, not to mention an unfathomable array of graphics possibilities. Reynolds recently moved to printing logos on the wheels instead of decals, but Zipp appears to have taken it to the next level with fully customizable graphics – though no mention if customers will have the option for custom graphics at this time.

Sebastian_Kienle_Zipp_Impress_Technology_Front_Wheel

Those at the top end already using the new tech are Sebastian Kienle who took first at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship this year and last, Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team and Team Saxo-Tinkoff.

Sebastian_Kienle_Zipp_Impress_Technology_Bike_Profile

Now this technology is finally available (late November) to us mere mortals. It will initially be available only on the limited edition 1155g Zipp Super-9 Carbon Clincher Disc (assuming $2,500 is in your budget). But seeing as the pros are using the Impress Technology on other models it’s highly likely we’ll see it disperse throughout Zipp’s line-up.

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eric@505
eric@505
10 years ago

‘Coolness’ is clearly in the eye of the beholder.

(…but I love the phrase “coolness to weight ratio”!) : )

Ben
Ben
10 years ago

wonder what the UCI thinks of some tri-geek using their precious rainbow stripes?

Nicholas
Nicholas
10 years ago

“The claimed results are a decrease in weight” How does it decrease weight? Is this just in comparison to using stickers? If you are the type who removes the stickers, which is possible with non-printed logos, wouldn’t it increase weight?

Lou
Lou
10 years ago

ITU Long and Short course champions have been using the rainbow stripes for a while now, but here, Sebastian Kienle is NOT the long course champion. I believe he won the 70.3 (short) course championship.

So not only is it “unofficial” to use the rainbow stripes, it is improper to use them at a long course triathlon. TT World Champions don’t sport the rainbow stripes in a road race and vice versa.

SLCbrandon
SLCbrandon
10 years ago

I wager those UCI chaps are pacing the room all night tonight. Why, how dare that [deleted]?!?! I SAY, HOW DARE HEEEEE!!!!

He’ll never get away with this. At least not as long as Ben and I have an internet connection. In fact, I’m gonna let this get to me. Hell, I might let it ruin my day even. *wanders off, muttering…..*

salle
salle
10 years ago

Looks super !! Yet for disc brakes, tubular, and it bought 100%.
But scar I no longer buy wheels without Brakes !

Bronson
Bronson
10 years ago

Give me a break!

Ham-planet
Ham-planet
10 years ago

@SLCbrandon
Pacing a room is not how copyright notices are typically served.

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