Zipp 303 (650B) Firecrest Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc Brake Wheel

The definition of "road cycling" now includes gravel and dirt as well as pavement. At the same time, bikes are evolving to meet the fit requirements of smaller riders.

Meeting these two distinct needs was the driving force behind the Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b Tubeless Disc-brake wheelset,The smaller rim size provides room within frames and forks for larger tyres, 28mm or wider, that deliver increased comfort, compliance, and cornering performance. With more tyre between the rim and the ground, the overall wheel diameter including the tyre is similar to a standard 700c wheel and road tyre combination. Back on the pavement, the 650b is a better fitting wheel for smaller athletes riding compatible frames.

For too long, many smaller cyclists have trained and raced on standard 700c wheels, losing out on the advantages of a proper fitting wheel such as improved handling and the elimination of front wheel-toe overlap. At the center of the 303 650b Firecrest Tubeless is a versatile and durable hubset, the German-engineered ZR1 DB.

Technologies

Firecrest -Through the pioneering use of software to analyse numerical fluid mechanics and the power of a super computer, Zipp is able to understand exactly what makes wheels go fast. Zipp then tests the most promising rim shapes in the wind tunnel and on the road. This process led to the Firecrest rim technology, which allows the airflow and centre of gravity of the wheel to be controlled more effectively, resulting in better aerodynamics, better handling in crosswinds and a better riding experience.

ABLC Sawtooth - Zipp's sawtooth dimple design consists of 12 nodes that are specifically clocked to start aerodynamic shearing at a rate of 50hz at rider speed of 20mph.Sawtooth accomplishes this by inducing small sheet vortices the shed at low magnitude , but at higher natural frequency , thus decreasing the laminar bubble effect on the aerodynamically sheilded side of the rim's profile to further reduce high yaw drag and improve crosswind stability.

Aerobalance - Zipp's sole mission is to help you go faster. For years Zipp has used a combination of testing methods - windtunnel ,CFD computer simulations, pro athlete evaluations, on road testing, and the RollingRoad ride simulator-to refine aero performance to new levels of excellence. Over the decades of innovation, Zipp engineers have learned to look beyond just focusing on simply reducing aero drag while minimising the effects of crosswinds on handling. This optimising of aero efficiency and crosswind stability became known internally at Zipp as AeroBalance. The approach began with Firecrest technology and has been advanced with the introduction of the NSW lineup, especially with sawtooth technology found in the 454 and 858 NSW. Sawtooth accomplishes this with a series of patented fin-shaped Hyperfoil nodes along the inner diameter of the rim that work together with our new HexFin ABLC dimples for improved airflow.

Features

Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that scream speed.

Versatile 45mm rim profile for increased speed and better cornering, control and comfort.

Tubeless design provides secure performance when ridden at lower tyre pressures.

ZR1 DB hubset is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement.

Built with Sapim CX Sprint J-bend spokes.

Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included.

Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps.

XDRor SRAM/Shimano driver bodies.

Campagnolo driver body sold separately.

Specifications