Zipp Introduces New 303 Firecrest Tubeless Wheels

Zipp introduces its new 303 Firecrest Tubeless wheels for disc brakes. Featuring a 40 mm rim depth profile that is more rounded than the previous version, and lighter (-290 g per pair), they are announced as more aerodynamic and aim to provide better performance on multiple surfaces.

Source: Press Release / Photo credits: Zipp – Jered Gruber

The new Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels weigh 1,355g per pair, an announced saving of 290 grams compared to the previous version.

For Zipp, the new 303 Firecrest® Tubeless disc brake wheels are designed “for real-world situations… situations where conditions, road surface, and elements are imperfect, and the goal is simple: more efficiency means more speed.” The new 303 Firecrest are presented as more aero, lighter (-290 grams compared to the previous model), and more efficient on a wide variety of terrains, whether it’s asphalt in varying conditions or gravel roads.

The new Zipp 303 Firecrest aim to provide performance on paved roads as well as on gravel paths.

Deeply rooted in Zipp’s desire to dominate the early-season Classics, the new 303 Firecrest wheels have been redesigned to meet the demands of modern road bikes. This is the first pair of Zipp wheels to feature the brand’s proprietary TSE™ (Total System Efficiency) technology. The precise layering of the 303 Firecrest’s carbon allows Zipp to offer a pair that provides “greater overall efficiency, generating more speed.” To achieve this, Zipp focused on reducing the impact of the following parameters to shape its new model: aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, gravity, and losses due to road vibrations.

More aerodynamic, the new Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubeless feature a new, more rounded rim profile for better rim/tire transition.

The 303 Firecrest Tubeless disc brake wheels were designed using direct measurements in real-world conditions (not just in a wind tunnel or based on computer simulations). Zipp relied on its new Zipp RollingRoad™ technology, claiming “impressive results.” The rim has a slightly more rounded shape than the previous version, with an external width of 30 mm, an internal width of 25 mm, and a rim depth of 40 mm. The new profile allows for a better transition between the rim and the tire, improving aerodynamic efficiency on the road.

40mm rim depth, 25mm internal width for the new Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubeless disc brake wheels.

The rim width also helps reduce tire deformation, thereby decreasing rolling resistance. The combination of a wider tire, larger air volume, and lower pressure reduces rider fatigue by mitigating road imperfections: the tire and wheel work together to absorb shocks, rather than the rider. At the heart of the 303 Firecrest Tubeless is a new, versatile, and durable ZR1 DB hub, designed in Germany. The hub features 66 points of engagement for increased responsiveness.

The 303 Firecrest Tubeless feature a new ZR1 DB hub. 24 CX Sprint spokes, laced 2-cross.

Announced at 1,355 g per pair, the new Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels are 290 grams lighter than the previous version. More responsive and faster, they feature new Zipp graphics and visual identity, embodying speed. They are sold at €1,800 per pair (€875 front / €925 rear).

Technical specifications:
Wheel size: 700c
Rim material: Carbon
Tire compatibility: Tubeless tire
Brake compatibility: Disc (Center Lock)
Wheelset weight: 1,355 g
Rim – internal width: 25mm
Rim profile: Symmetrical
Rim finish: Unidirectional fibers, decals
Spoke nipple material: Aluminum
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 – Stainless steel
Driver Mechanism: 6 pawls with leaf spring
Comes with 12mm axle end caps for front and rear
Center Lock disc interface. Wheels delivered with lockring.
XDR™ or SRAM/Shimano freehub body
Campagnolo freehub body sold separately
Lifetime warranty
Price: €1,800 per pair (€875 front / €925 rear)