Australian Triathlete – July-August 2017

AustrAliAn triAthlete | 43

first is quite strange. It gets even more odd
when you read about why Zipp chose this
new shape.
For the 454 NSW Zipp have utilised
biomimicry, an emerging science where
engineers and scientists study nature to
see how it solved problems, through
evolution, that they are trying to solve
now. In the case of Zipp, they are trying to
improve the speed, control and efficiency
of their new generation wheels. So, where
in nature did Zipp look? Well, sea life of
course, and more specifically the
Humpback whale and the leading edge of
its pectoral fin, and the textured skin of a
shark, which helps it glide effortlessly
through the water. So why the need to go
in this new direction? Well, as stated
before Zipp wanted to improve on the
speed, control and efficiency of their
wheels. In simple terms, deeper improves
the aerodynamics but reduces handling
from side winds, while shallower improves
handling from side winds but reduces the
aerodynamics. Zipp realised that if they

were to have any chance of improving

both aerodynamics and handling, they

would have to think outside the box.

Enter biomimicry. From here we end up

with a Sawtooth shaped rim, inspired by

the tubercles (the shaped bumps) on the

pectoral fins of the humpback whale, and

the Hyperfoils and HexFins, which

replaced the usual dimples. The Sawtooth

rim rolls from 53 to 58mm in depth while

the Hyperfoils are fin shaped and the

HexFins are basically the ‘new’ dimple but

in the shape of a hexagon. All of this is

designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and

side forces while improving airflow.

One of the supposed benefits of the foils

and fins is that put simply they wash off

the pressure build up of air on the rims

more frequently, creating a greater

number of smaller, less powerful and

more predictable vortices, which leads to

more stability.

Now, this all makes for a great story,

and Zipp actually has a very slick little

video to market these new features to you

and try to convince you of their virtue.

But are they any better and are they worth

the $6000+ price tag?

Reviewed by: the test lab

craig Mckenzie and Patrick legge are the test lab. Two guys with an obsession for trialling all things

related to swimming, riding and running and telling anyone who will listen what they think. Having 20 years each

in the sport, they’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly, but always loved the innovation triathlon brings to the

world stage. Craig raced as a professional triathlete, winning 4 National Duathlon titles, and has worked as an

exercise physiologist, osteopath and coach, while Pat has built a career running a personal training, massage and

coaching business, working with State, Australian and World Champions, including Australian Olympic and

Commonwealth squads whilst competing himself.

@thetestlab

We would have to say that the

454 NSW’s are a faster wheel than

most wheels out there. — The Test Lab