Before the ‘cross racers out there run to their nearest dealer, they should know Zipp refers to this wheel set as their revolutionized road classic. Note the emphasis on “road.” Zipp is only releasing the 202 Firecrest Disc-Brake as a clincher wheelset (not tubeless ready), and they won’t initially offer a tubular disc version. Zipp notes that the demand for a high-performance road wheel set utilizing disc-brake is on the rise. Those who demand the uncompromising feel of Zipp wheels and disc-brakes on the cyclocross course with tubulars will still have the Zipp 303 Disc-brake tubular wheel set as the go-to option.
This clincher model is a lighter, lower-profile rim compared to the Firecrest 303 rim. © Cyclocross Magazine
We briefly tested the 202 Firecrest Disc Brake wheels at Press Camp, and certainly noticed the lower rotating weight due to the lighter rim (after hopping off of a 404 Firestrike-equipped test bike). The wheels felt plenty stiff under power, cornering and sprinting, and secure under hard braking (with Rival22 hydraulic disc brakes).
Althought the 202 Firecrest rim is narrower than the new Firestrike 404 rim and the Firecrest 303 rim, the generous 16.25mm internal width still offers decent tire volume and cornering support, even with the wide 28c Panaracer Ruffy Tuffy tires on our test bike.
The Zipp 202 Firecrest Disc-Brake wheelset will be in stores next month with an MSRP of $1,272 for the front and $1,553 for the rear. That’s $2850 for a pair—more than many bikes, but for the racer who rides disc brakes on the road, it could be a dual duty, year ’round wheelset. Or simply another nice wheelset for the guy or gal who has everything. We’re hoping Zipp will make a tubular version for disc brakes.
Zipp 202 Firecrest Disc Brake Specs:
Depth: 58mm
Width: 25.4mm max, 24.6mm internal, 16.25mm external
Max Weight: 250 pounds
Spokes: Sapim CX Ray, 24 2x
Bearings: Stainless Steel
Weight: 705g front, 825g rear, 1530g per pair
MSRP: $1272 front, $1573 rear, $2850 per pair
More info: www.zipp.com
Checkout the other newly-released products we found at Press Camp 2014, and stay tuned for more to come!
