In a flurry of new product releases and product re-designs, Zipp Speed Weaponry, part of SRAM, released a new version of the venerable 303 carbon clincher wheelset and new cockpit components, as well as announced changes to its Firecret 404 and 808 wheelsets today.
Zipp’s new 303 NSW. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
The new 303s, dubbed the 303 NSW were announced earlier today. Other wheel models from the Indianpolis-based company have earned the “NSW” badge, named after their internal product development group and representing the current pinnacle of Zipp’s technologies. But this is the first time the 303 has earned the designation with the addition of features that are said to make the 303 NSW perform even better than the Firecrest model.
The internals of Zipp’s Cognition hub. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
The new model is said to be more aerodynamic, more stable and lighter then previous iterations. This is thanks to the use of newer technologies in Zipp’s rim texture to reduce drag but more importantly to increase crosswind stability. The 303 NSW also utilizes Zipp’s textured Sawtooth braking surface, which Zipp claims is on par with top-end alloy braking surfaces, and their new Cognition hub, which uses magnets for the 36-point engagement and is SRAM XDR driver body compatible. Even the 303 NSW’s graphics, which are etched rather than decals, are said to improve aerodynamic performance.
The 303 NSW. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
303 NSW Carbon Clincher Wheelset
Weight, total: 1425 grams
Front: 640 grams
Rear: 785 grams
Wheel depth: 45mm
Max width: 28.50mm
Brake track width: 26.40mm
Internal width: 17.25mm
Spoke count, front: 18
Spoke count, rear: 24
MSRP: $3100 USD
Availability: May 2016
Along with the announcement of the new 303 NSW’s, Zipp is now also offering its Firecrest 404 and 808 wheelsets with a disc hub option in both clincher and tubular designs. The Firecrest 303s were the first wheelset from Zipp to get a disc brake option and now these taller options add the popular braking option as road disc gains traction. Or just in case you’re looking to build the most aero ‘cross or gravel bike out there.
For the very aero all-road crowd. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
404 FIRECREST DISC-BRAKE
Total weight, clincher: 1715 grams (800g front / 915g rear)
Total weight tubular: 1545 grams (710gfront/835grear)
Wheel depth: 58mm
Max width: 26.53mm
Spoke count: 24rear/24 front
Cassette body: Available in 10/11-speed (SRAM XDR driver body available separately)
MSRP Carbon clincher: $2400
MSRP Tubular: $2300 USD
Availability: May 2016
Both the Firecrest 404 and 808 models now offer disc braking as an option. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
808 FIRECREST DISC-BRAKE
Total weight, clincher: 1975 grams (950g front / 1025g rear)
Total weight, tubular: 1760 grams (820g front / 940g rear)
Wheel depth: 82mm
Max Width: 27.5mm
Spoke count: 24rear/24 front
Cassette body: Available in 10/11-speed (SRAM XDR driverbody available separately)
MSRP Carbon clincher: $2700 USD
MSRP Tubular: $2600 USD
Availability: May 2016
As for other components, Zipp also has a new versions of its SL Speed stem and seatpost out too. These are carbon offerings that are said to be both lighter and stronger than competitors’ models and are suggested for road, ‘cross and gravel use.
The carbon Sl Speed stem. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
SL SPEED STEM
Total weight: 123 grams (100mm)
Sizes: 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120mm
Construction: Uni directional carbon
Bolt kit: Titanium with Torx T25 heads
Clamp diameter: 31.8mm
Clamp width: 50mm
Rise: ±6°
Steerer: 1-1/8 in
Stack hight: 41mm
Max torque: 6Nm
Finish: matte black
MSRP: $265 USD
Availability: May 2016
The Sl Speed stem has a 300 lbs weight limit. Photo courtesy: Zipp Speed Weaponry
SL SPEED SEATPOST
Total weight: 172 grams (27.2, 2o offset, 330 length); 170 grams (27.2, 0 offset, 330 length)
Available diameters: 27.2mm, 31.8mm
Hardware: 6061 Aluminum hardware with M5 steel T25bolts
Length: 330mm, 400mm
Offset: 0mm or 20mm
Weight limit: 300 lbs
Max torque: 12 Nm
Minimum insertion length: 100mm
Rails: compatible with round and square rails
Finish: matte black
MSRP: $265 USD
Availability: May 2016
More info: zipp.com
