Comparisons404 Firecrest vs 454 NSW

ROAD DISC WHEELSETS · SIDE BY SIDE

Zipp 404 Firecrest vs Zipp 454 NSW

The Zipp 454 NSW is 159 g lighter (1,400 g vs 1,559 g claimed per pair); the Zipp 404 Firecrest costs €1,308 less (€1,379 vs €2,687) at our October 2026 price check. Both share the rim depth (58 mm), the internal width (23 mm) and the listed tyre range (28–35 mm).

SEE THE DIFFERENCE

Both on the same bike.

Drag the handle to switch between the 404 Firecrest (left) and the 454 NSW (right) on a Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 AXS. Black tyres shown for context.

404 Firecrest 454 NSW

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SIDE BY SIDE

Specifications.

Rows with different values are highlighted. Weights are manufacturer claims per pair.

Zipp 404 Firecrest and Zipp 454 NSW specifications
SpecificationZipp 404 FirecrestZipp 454 NSW
Claimed pair weight1,559 g1,400 g
Price per pair€1,379€2,687
Price checkedOctober 2026October 2026
MSRP€1,899€3,800
Rim depth · front58 mm58 mm
Rim depth · rear58 mm58 mm
Internal width · front23 mm23 mm
Internal width · rear23 mm23 mm
External width · front28 mm28 mm
External width · rear28 mm28 mm
Listed tyre range28–35 mm28–35 mm
Rim typeHooklessHookless
Spokes · front / rear24 / 24 · Steel24 / 24 · Steel
BearingsSteelCeramic
WarrantyLifetime; conditions applyLifetime; conditions apply
Crash replacementFree replacement Conditions ↗Free replacement Conditions ↗
BEYOND THE NUMBERS

What the differences mean.

General context for the specifications where these two differ. Numbers in superscript link to the sources below each topic. How much each point matters depends on your riding, tyres and bike.

Weight: what the grams mean

The 454 NSW is 159 g lighter per pair (1,400 g vs 1,559 g, manufacturer claims).

On a steady climb only total weight counts: a gram in the wheels costs the same as a gram in the frame or a bottle.1 A common rule of thumb is about 2 seconds per 100 metres of climbing for every kilogram, so 150 g works out at roughly 3 seconds on a 1,000 m climb.2

Rim weight matters somewhat more when you accelerate, because the rim spins as well as moves forward; physically that effect is at most about twice that of frame weight, and only while speeding up.1 Claimed weights are measured differently from brand to brand: some include rim tape and valves, others do not, and tolerances of around ±30 g are common.3 Independent weighing usually lands close to the claim once tape and valves are accounted for.4

  1. University of Illinois physics Q&A: rotating weight
  2. Cycling Uphill: time saved per kilogram
  3. Elitewheels: what claimed weights include
  4. BikeRadar: claimed vs weighed (Shimano RS710 review)

Ceramic or steel bearings

The 454 NSW uses ceramic hub bearings, the 404 Firecrest steel bearings.

Ceramic hub bearings are a common premium option. CeramicSpeed quotes watt savings for upgrading hubs, bottom bracket and pulleys together.1 In independent Friction Facts tests of bottom brackets, the best steel and the best ceramic units were only hundredths of a watt apart, and seals and grease mattered more than the ball material.2

The lowest-friction setups tend to use lighter seals and grease, which protect less against rain and grit and need more frequent servicing.3 How long any bearing lasts depends mainly on seals, grease, hub design and maintenance.4

  1. CeramicSpeed: how to save watts
  2. BikeRadar: Friction Facts bottom bracket tests
  3. BikeRadar: ceramic bearings
  4. Zero Friction Cycling: hybrid ceramic vs steel
WHICH ONE FITS

Choose by what matters to you.

Derived from the specifications above. This is not a performance rating.

Choose the Zipp 404 Firecrest if…

  • You want to spend less: €1,379, €1,308 below the 454 NSW
  • You prefer its look: compare both on the same bike above
Full 404 Firecrest profile →

Choose the Zipp 454 NSW if…

  • Low weight matters to you: 1,400 g, 159 g less than the 404 Firecrest
  • You want ceramic bearings (the 404 Firecrest uses steel bearings)
Full 454 NSW profile →

Common questions.

How much lighter is the Zipp 454 NSW than the Zipp 404 Firecrest?

159 g. The Zipp 454 NSW has a claimed pair weight of 1,400 g, the Zipp 404 Firecrest 1,559 g. Both figures are manufacturer claims.

Do both take the same tyre widths?

Yes, the range is 28–35 mm for both. Zipp approves tyres from 28 mm to 35 mm for both wheelsets. Check the manufacturer's guidance for your exact tyre and pressure.

What is the price difference between the Zipp 404 Firecrest and the Zipp 454 NSW?

€1,308 at our October 2026 price check: the Zipp 404 Firecrest cost €1,379 and the Zipp 454 NSW €2,687 per pair. Prices change; check the current offer with the retailer or manufacturer.

Which of the two has hookless rims?

Both. Use tyres the manufacturer approves for hookless rims and respect the pressure limits.

Your next step.

Zipp 404 Firecrest Check my Fit → Product profile Zipp product page ↗
Zipp 454 NSW Check my Fit → Product profile Zipp product page ↗

Sources & data notes.

All values come from the Show My Bike catalogue, the same records used on the product pages. Prices checked October 2026. Some model-specific details were reviewed against the manufacturer pages. Manufacturer claims are identified as such. No independent product test is claimed, and no winner is declared.