Zipp 303 XPLR SW Disc Brake Carbon Wheels

Description

Deep & Wide (& Fast!)

The Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheelset is their fastest gravel wheel ever, thanks to its mega-wide and deep rim that integrates seamlessly with approved gravel tires.

Current gravel wheels are slightly modified versions of existing road wheels, focusing on high stiffness and low weight. Zipp takes a different approach, solely with speed in mind. In gravel, rolling resistance and vibration loss from rough surfaces, and wind are significant barriers to speed. To combat this, Zipp applied its Total System Efficiency design philosophy specifically to the challenges of gravel.

The 303 XPLR SW is a speed-focused gravel wheel designed with a new approach: Start with the perfect gravel tire and design a wheel around it. To develop this first-of-its-kind wheelset, Zipp engineers learned from studying how gravel racing has changed cycling in recent years, coming to several vital conclusions:

• The progression of gravel speeds increases the importance of aerodynamic efficiency.
• Current generation gravel wheels exhibit poor aerodynamic efficiency with gravel tires.
• Low tire pressures are the key for unlocking speed on gravel, but current gravel rim design provides insufficient tire stance to support lateral cornering loads at lower tire pressures.
• Current gravel rim designs do not help prevent pinch flats while using lower tire pressures.

Reinventing the (Gravel) Wheel

Low tire pressures significantly increases speeds on gravel. The problem with current gravel wheelsets is that a narrow tire bed with low tire pressures will cause the tire to collapse while cornering. The 303 XPLR SW's wide tire bed increases tire stance, allowing for lower tire pressures without tire squirm under corner loads. That means decreased vibration loss while maintaining predictable control in corners and unbroken traction while climbing. The 303 XPLR SW also helps reduce pinch flats thanks to a rim edge that is 77 percent thicker, decreasing the chance for damage when the tire bottoms-out on the rim edge upon impact.

As gravel racing has progressed, many gravel courses are raced at 35kph+ (~22MPH) with top speeds over 60kph (~37MPH). The 303 XPLR SW rim is 54mm deep to create an effective aerodynamic complement for large gravel tires at high speed.

Typical tire widths for gravel racing range from 38-50mm. Current gravel wheels have an external rim width of 28-30mm, which creates an aerodynamic mismatch when you use a 40mm+ gravel tire. With that narrower rim and wider tire, the tire-wheel interface looks more like the bulge of a lightbulb than the ideal seamless airfoil cross-section. This wheel is thus optimized for use with the Goodyear XPLR Slick and Goodyear XPLR Inter, both tires designed in partnership with Zipp.

Features:

• Fastest 700c race wheel on gravel, featuring tubeless and hookless rim profile
• Ultra-wide (32mm) internal profile for decreased rolling resistance, ability to run pressures under 30psi
• Wide and deep profile integrates seamlessly with gravel tires to increase aerodynamic efficiency
• Applies Zipp's Total System Efficiency to high-performance gravel
• ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement
• Center locking rotor interface. Lockring included.
• SRAM XDR or Shimano HG driver bodies
• Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps
• Max tire pressure 50 psi/3.45 bar
• Weighs 1,496g
• Lifetime Warranty
• Compatibile only with approved tires (Zipp tubeless tire compatibility chart)

FREE Cassette Installation - Order a cassette along with a wheelset and we can install the cassette for free. Cassette installation requires special tools that not all our customers have. The cassette will be professionally installed and torqued to spec. Just add "Please install cassette" to your order notes at checkout and we'll take care of you.

Returns: This product is overweight and/or oversize and does not qualify for our fixed rate return shipping label. If you need to return this item, we can offer a return shipping label at our discounted shipping rates, or you can arrange for your own return shipping.

B-Stock - This product has one or more B-Stock units available. These units can be purchased at a discount (see option select). B-Stock units were returned from other customers and may have missing or damaged packaging materials. These units are otherwise as new. The full manufacturer warranty applies. Click Here for more information.