Aero, tough, and QR or thru-axle but still no tubeless compatibility
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Zipp has officially released disc brake-compatible versions of its 303 Firecrest road wheels. Claimed weight for the carbon clincher version is 1,645g per pair; the tubulars come in at 1,400g(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
nterchangeable end caps mean that the new Zipp disc brake-compatible wheels will fit on nearly any quick-release or thru-axle road bike(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
The 36-tooth ratchet ring yields a reasonably quick 10-degree engagement speed(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
The freehub uses a conventional three-pawl ratchet system. Basic hub disassembly can be done without tools(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
Freehub bodies to fit all the major cassette spline patterns will be available. Interestingly, Zipp will also offer SRAM XD driver bodies to use on 'frankenbikes'(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
The spoke flanges' star-like shape is certainly visually striking(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
Although the rims are still made in Indianapolis, Indiana, the hubs are made in Taiwan and shipped over(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
The new hubs feature straight-pull spoke flanges and interchangeable axle end caps for use with quick-release and thru-axle frame fitments(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
Claimed weight on the shallower Zipp 202 Firecrest Disc wheelset is just 1,530g(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
The new disc-specific wheels use the same rim shapes as the rim brake versions but supposedly with slightly different construction under the hood. Sapim CX-Ray bladed stainless steel spokes are used throughout but while the 303 Firecrest gets alloy nipples, the 202 will use brass ones(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
Even the quick-release skewers get an overhaul with broader levers and reshaped cams(Image credit: James Huang/BikeRadar)
Zipp today has officially announced the release of its new disc brake-specific 303 Firecrest Disc and 202 Firecrest Disc road wheelsets. Both use the same stability-focused aero rim shapes as their rim brake cousins but with all-new hubsets that can be used on both quick-release and thru-axle road frames.
Claimed weight for the new 45mm-deep 303 Firecrest Disc Carbon Clincher is 1,645g, or 1,400g for the tubular version. For the shallower 32mm-deep 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher it's 1,530g.
All three wheelsets spin on Zipp’s new 77-177D hubs, which mark a major departure for the company in terms of aesthetics and internal design. Instead of the smooth profile of other Zipp hubs, the 77-177D spoke flanges’ dramatic-looking star shape effectively increases their diameter to better transfer drive and brake torque. Inside, the design is decidedly conventional with two radial cartridge bearings up front and four out back, oversized aluminium axles, and tool-free interchangeable end caps to accommodate both quick-release and the majority of thru-axle frames.
Claimed weight on the new Zipp 202 Firecrest Disc carbon clinchers is 1,530g per set
Gone is the threaded bearing preload system used on Zipp’s rim brake wheels in favour of a fixed adjustment.
Naturally, freehub bodies are interchangeable for compatibility with all Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo road drivetrains. Interestingly, Zipp will also offer an optional XD driver body for riders that want to use SRAM’s ultra-wide range 11-speed mountain bike cassettes. All operate on a standard three-pawl, 36-tooth ratchet system for a reasonably quick 10-degree engagement speed.
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Claimed weight for the new 77-177D hubs is 140g for the front and 260g for the rear; tack on another 5g each for the thru-axle end caps.
Rim shapes are carried over wholesale from the rim brake versions with no modifications aside from minor (mostly hidden) changes to the brake track area and 24-hole front and rear drilling – and as before, all of the carbon rims are still wholly manufactured in Zipp’s facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Aside from whatever additional drag is generated by the new hubset, this means all of the new disc-compatible wheels should offer similarly impressive crosswind stability, aero performance and durability.
Sorry, kids, no tubeless compatibility for you
On the upside, prices have decreased slightly in comparison with previous disc-compatible Zipp wheelsets. Retail price for the 303 Firecrest Disc and 202 Firecrest Disc carbon clinchers is US$2400; the 303 Firecrest Disc tubulars are a bit less expensive at US$2300 per set. International pricing is still to be confirmed. All three will be available in shops beginning in March.
