Zipp are global giants in the wheel business and have once again pushed the boundaries with the all-round rider in mind. Here, we look at the all-new NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc wheels.
Their prominence in the consumer market far precedes their dominance in the usual sponsorship marketplace of the men’s WorldTour, affiliated with only one team, Katyusha Apelcin, in 2017. Cast a gaze farther and it’s evident to see why they continue to uphold their reputation with a who’s who of successful and marketable teams, including Axeon Hagens Berman, Team Wiggins, Boels-Dolmans, Canyon//SRAM and Wout Van Aert in cyclocross.
These riders are essential to Zipp’s evolution, continuing to test boundaries, and with the UCI’s final decision on discs looking more positive, Zipp has released their NSW carbon clincher range. From the 202 to 808’s, there is now a model suitable for disc brakes and are also tubeless ready. The emergence of gravel riding hasn’t gone unnoticed either with the inclusion of tubeless across the whole range and launch of disc 650b sized 303 Firecrests too – perfect for rough dirt (like that found at Gravel Grit) and for all smaller riders regardless of road surface. The addition of a disc rotor has required improvements to wheel stability and allowed for a rim design without having to accommodate a calliper braking surface.
The tubeless compatibility marks a shift in style too. The benefits have long been evident in the mountain bike scene while there is still some debate on the road. More evidence is building however, and tubeless may be in fact faster than both clinchers and tubulars. Unlike tubulars or regular tyre and tube setups, a the tubeless tyre only experiences rolling resistance from the bead and a small amount of sealant – which additionally allows for a thinner and lighter tyre carcass. Zipp are clearly big believes in the tubeless world and are helping to push this technology with through the benefits of arguably increased speed, improved puncture resistance and ease of installation. With newer tyre and rim designs improving their ride quality, it may even offer Tony Martin, famously renowned for forgoing tubulars and winning world championships on clinchers, another option.
Zipp were never one to do something by halves, the full range is wide and varied, the main details are listed below, for full specifications and pricing visit zipp.com.
202 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc brake
1,475g, 32mm rim depth, 28.9mm max width, 21mm internal width, recommended: 28mm tyre.
303 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc brake
1,530g, 45mm rim depth, 28.9mm max width, 21mm internal width, recommended: 28mm tyre.
404 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc brake
1,600g, 58mm rim depth, 26.4mm max width, 19mm internal width, recommended: 25mm tyre.
808 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc brake
1,860g, 58mm rim depth, 26.4mm max width, 19mm internal width, recommended: 25mm tyre.
303 Firecrest 650b Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc brake
1,595g, 45mm rim depth, 28.9mm max width, 21mm internal width.
