ZIPP Upgrades Its Wheels…

303 SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

Think of this as the new 303 Firecrest. ZIPP has dubbed this as the new standalone, bullet-proof, work horse. It’s the only wheel in this new release that ZIPP approves to ride anywhere. It now comes with an integrated AXS Wheel Sensor. Before you roll, you do a quick check and, if the light’s green, you’re good to go. If it’s red, get the old pump out, ’cause you’re going to need it.

The design of the new 303 SW pulls cues from the gravel-focused 303 XPLR. The new 303 SW features a 40 mm-deep rim, with an inner rim width of 25 mm and outside width of 34 mm. The wider rim profile smooths out airflow and reduces drag, making it more aero with bigger tires. Which is good considering the recommended tire width is 30-35 mm, although I can’t wait to put some 45’s on this wheel. The width also cuts down tire squirm, which means less rolling resistance and a more efficient ride.

Zipp’s updated carbon layup adds about 10% more impact strength, while also adding an extra 5 grams on the opposite side of the internal AXS wheel sensor for load balancing.

Finishing off the 303 SW is the ZR1 hubset with stainless steel bearings. The maximum tire pressure rating is 73PSI / 5.0 BAR.

353 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE 

If the 303 SW has a road-only daddy. It’s lighter and faster than the 303 SW, which means only one thing – this is 100% designed to be on the road only. (Although some nice champagne gravel probably will be OK from time to time.)

New to the 353 line up, of course, is the internal integrated AXS Wheel Sensor, along with the upgraded ZR1 SL hub that includes ceramic bearings instead of stainless steel. The undulating 35/40mm deep rim shape not only helps cut weight, but also decreases all-around rolling resistance, while improving crosswind stability and aerodynamics. The weight cuts also come from the hub as the ZR1 SL is 30 grams lighter than the Cognition V2 hub this version is replacing. And, I’m not joking when I say that according to ZIPP the 353 NSW is not approved for gravel riding. 

DEEP AND FAST WHEELS

Pretty much the only change with the 454 NSW and 858 NSW wheels is the ZR1 SL hub.

The ZR1 SL hub makes up the entire weight reduction of the new wheel sets. It weighs only 304 g while providing 66 points of engagement for responsive power transfer, along with six pawls arranged in two offset groups of three. This is the only new “magic sauce” when it comes to the newest line up of deeper wheels.

So, yes, for the most part, the all new 454 NSW and 858 NSW are more or less the same as the old.

There are some small and important differences and improvements. They are lighter and sport the updated ZR1 SL hub (which, in all reality, is the biggest improvement to these two new wheels). And, depending on the free wheel hub you need, the price has come down a little.

Things that I think everyone was hoping for was maybe a 25 mm inner rim, and I would have thought that at least the 454 NSW would have come with the integrated AXS Wheel Sensor. Those are only things I can see these wheels are missing.

My Take Aways

I mean, a newer, lighter and faster hub is nice. But, in the end, nothing really changed with the deeper wheels. Within the 300 series the coolest thing is the integrated AXS Wheel Sensor.

For you to be able to connect to the SRAM AXS app and program your tire limits, then see the “Green” or “Red” lights along with the digital pressure readings on your Hammer, Wahoo and Garmin is pretty legit. I feel like so many people that want to switch to hookless are afraid. This tool really does give riders peace of mind that, while it may feel different at first, things are where they are supposed to be.

What happens if I want to use a tube? That’s fine. ZIPP ships two tubes with each set of wheels now. Why? Cause some of the people just aren’t ready for the slime 🙂

You can see a good shot of the value stem that is purpose built for the integrated AXS Wheel Sensor.

Next up… Tires. Once we get them at least 🙂

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