By our count, there are four big trends in wheel technology that are relevant to cyclocross and gravel cyclists: disc brakes; tubeless; wide rims; and thru axles.
Zipp Speed Weaponry has already embraced disc brakes, with the 303 Firecrest clincher and tubular wheels released in 2013, and the 202 Firecrest clincher wheelset we first saw last June.
As of today, the Indianapolis-based SRAM company embraces thru axles, and has updated the disc brake versions of its 202 Firecrest clincher and 303 Firecrest clincher and tubular carbon wheels with new thru axle hubs that it calls the 77 (front) and 177 (rear).
The new Zipp 303 disc wheel comes in black or white graphics, and the new hubset saves 35g and $200 (tubular) or $450 (clincher) over the previous version. © Cyclocross Magazine
Zipp 202 Firecrest Disc Clincher Wheelset Specs:
• 1,530g per wheelset
• 32mm deep
• 25.40mm max width
• 16.25mm inner width
• 24 Rear Spoke Count
• 24 Front Spoke Count
• Sapim® Brass Secure-lock nipples
• Sapim® CX-Ray® Spokes
• Hubs: 77/177D
• Available in 10/11-Speed Cassette Body
• Retail Availability: March 2015
• MSRP, Front Wheel: $1,100, €980, £835
• MSRP, Rear Wheel: $1,300, €1,155, £990
Zipp 303 Firecrest Disc Wheelset Specs:
• 1,645g per wheelset clincher, 1400g tubular
• 45mm wheel depth
• 28.50mm max width
• 17.25mm internal width
• 24 Rear Spoke Count
• 24 Front Spoke Count
• Sapim® Secure-lock nipples
• Sapim® CX-Ray® Spokes
• Hubs: 77/177D
• Available in 10/11-Speed Cassette Body
• Retail Availability: March 2015
• Front Wheel: $1,100, €980, £835 clincher front, $1050 tubular front
• Rear Wheel: $1,300, €1,155, £990 clincher front, $1250 tubular rear
More info: zipp.com
