It’s been a rapid fire start to the week for Zipp, with regard to new product launches.
First, Zipp announced the expansion of its SL range of components, to include their new SL Speed stem and seatpost, followed by the unveiling of new disc brake versions of their popular 404 and 808 Firecrest wheelsets, as well as its new 303 NSW carbon clincher.
Expanding upon their already successful 404 and 808 Firecrest wheelsets, Zipp has simply upgraded its existing 77/177D hubs to accommodate thru-axles and end caps, which can easily be swapped by hand in favor of either 12 x 100mm and 15 x 100mm discs up front and 12 x 135mm and 12 x 142mm on the rear.
Zipp says, the addition of disc brake compatibility, brings the weight of the 404’s to 800g (front) and 915g (rear) for the clinchers and 710g (front) and 835g (rear) for the tubulars, while the more robust 808’s tip the scales at 950g and 1.025g front and rear for the clinchers, with the tubulars coming in at 820g and 940g.
The remaining features of the new disc brake wheelsets, fall in line with Zipp’s current Firecrest wheel technology as found on their rim-brake counterparts.
As far as the 303 NSW carbon clinchers are concerned, they represent a whole new wheelset for Zipp, incorporating all of the brand’s existing Showstopper brake track technology and ABLC Sawtooth dimple profiling for improved aerodynamic efficiency, in a versatile 46mm rim depth.
“Our top engineers… incorporated improved aerodynamics, industry leading braking performance, and reduced rolling friction to produce the lightest, highest performance 303 wheelset Zipp has ever made,” according to Zipp.
“It’s built to take the abuse of everyday training rides. Zipp has achieved this reliability at a lighter weight with a revised carbon fiber layup developed through testing on the famed cobbles of the Arenberg Forest with the world’s fastest riders.”
According to Zipp, the 303’s weigh in at a respectable 640g (front) and 785g (rear), and are complimented by their low friction Cognition hubset and Axial Clutch technology free hub, which disengages while coasting and relies upon magnets to re-engage under power, along with Swiss stainless steel bearing.
Zipp says, all three wheelsets will be available in May, with msrp’s set at the following:
404’s
Front: $1,350, €1,200, £950
Rear: $1,750, €1,600, £1200
808’s
Front: $1,500, €1,300, £1,050
Rear: $1,900, €1,700, £1300
303’s
Front: $1,350, €1,200, £950 Rear: $1,750, €1,600, £1200
Zipp
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