The new Zipp 303 S wheels

The new Zipp 303 S Tubeless Disc Brake wheels aim to offer today’s cyclists the versatility they demand and the speed they seek, whatever the surface.

Source: Press Release / Photo credit: Zipp

Stemming from their legacy of victories in the great Spring Classics, the 303 range of wheels retains an ideal 45 mm rim depth for all surfaces, while seeing their internal width increase to offer superior performance and ride quality in all situations. Road bikes are more versatile than ever, regardless of the road surface, but remain just as fast. With a completely redesigned rim profile and design, the 303 S optimizes rider performance on this new generation of bikes.

Tubeless and designed for disc brake bikes, these wheels allow wider tires to be mounted at lower pressures for riding on roads or gravel paths. The 303 S are lightweight, optimized for cutting-edge aerodynamic performance with a 28 mm tire but capable of accommodating Gravel tires up to 50 mm wide.

The main innovation lies in the rim design of the 303 S. The 45 mm rim depth is the same as the previous version, the 302 for disc brakes. But the rim width has increased by 2 mm to 27 mm and the profile width has increased by 7 mm, now measuring 23 mm! This rim is designed for optimal speed when fitted with a 28 mm tire. The wider rim optimizes the tire profile, allowing it to be inflated to a lower pressure. This reduces rolling resistance and ensures greater riding comfort. According to Zipp’s internal tests and compared to a similar high-end wheel, all these parameters translate into a saving of 10 watts in terms of total power required to ride at 40 km/h on the flat with a 28 mm tire.

This revolutionary wheelset, offered at a more affordable price (€1,100 per pair), also features a brand new aesthetic that allows the cyclist to stand out from the crowd.

Features:
– New Zipp graphics and visual identity that represent speed.
– Aerodynamic optimization with a 28 mm tire. Also accepts wider gravel tires.
– Wide rims optimize the tire profile, allowing lower tire pressure, especially with tubeless tires. This results in a larger contact patch for better grip in corners, descents, and wet conditions.
– Lower pressure and higher volume ensure greater riding comfort and less vibration.
– Significant watt savings with wider tires and lower pressure.
– Wide hookless rims ensure a seamless transition between rim and tire, reducing aerodynamic drag.
– 76/176 DB hubs with center lock brake interface.
– XDR freehub body optional.
– Center lock ring included
– Lifetime warranty
– Price: €525 front / €575 rear
– Contact: Zipp

Technical specifications:
– Size (wheels): 700c
– Rim material: Carbon
– Tire compatibility: Tubeless tire
– Brake compatibility: Disc (Center Lock)
– Wheelset weight: 1,540g
– Rim – internal width: 23mm
– Rim profile: Symmetrical
– Rim finish: Unidirectional fibers / Graphic transfer / Matte varnish
– Spoke nipple material: Brass
– Spoke type: CX-Sprint
– Number of spokes: 24
– Spoke pattern: Laced 2-cross
– Freehub body type: SRAM XDR, SRAM/Shimano Road
– Axle type (wheels): 12×100 thru-axle (front), 12×142 thru-axle (rear)
– Bearings: Cartridge – Steel
– Driver Mechanism: 3 pawls with leaf spring