WHEELS: ZIPP 303 Wheelset

Description:


ZIPP 303 Clincher

If you're one of those folks who just loves to make headway on the uphill climb, this is the wheelset for you. For on and out-of-the saddle climbers and speed demons on varied terrain, 303's advanced carbon rim technology means you get the very best of lightness, durability and comfort.

Includes Zipp's patented dimpling technology, further rim aero shape refinement and a depth of 44mm, Zipp engineers have taken one of the best performing wheel sets in the family and improved on it even more. Nice stiffness and stability, yet surprisingly vibration-free for such a lightweight wheel. Snappy on the incline, brilliant on the decline, and quick on curves, the tried and trusted 303 in tubular and clincher wins hearts and races worldwide.

This wheel set is available in a cyclo-cross version and PowerTap® rear hub. A 303 front and 404 rear is a much favored CSC combination for the steeper hill climbs in the TdF.

Please Note:

These wheel sets (except for the cyclo-cross) are recommended for riders that weigh 200lbs (90Kg) or less.

303 tubular and clincher

Front rim depth = 44mm, 20 spokes, Zipp 82 hub

Rear rim depth = 44mm, 24 spokes, Zipp 182 hub


ZIPP 303 Tubular

The 303 Tubular wheelset weighs about as much as 10 pairs of socks, while offering lateral and vertical stiffness that's more than double that of a traditional rim. This wheelset is the worldwide secret weapon of champions who compete in severe racing conditions dominated by steep climbs, wicked winds, the need for immediate acceleration, and the minimum possible muscular road fatigue.

The legendary 303 tubular wheelsets continue to be a rider favorite! The superior aerodynamic properties of 303 rims have been refined through new shapes and tooling through the years resulting in continuously improved aerodynamics and cross wind stability. These improvements combined with ICT and VcLc technology offer a light weight wheelset whose lateral and vertical stiffness is more than double that of a traditional rim, with dramatically reduced road noise and enhanced rider control and road feel through improved tire contact patch consistency.

Zipp knows that true aerodynamic performance isn't always about going in a straight line, so we designed the 303 to heel over into and out of the corners like no other aerodynamic wheelset in the world. We achieve this by superior lateral rim stiffness and by minimizing the pressure differential from one side of the rim to the other while maximizing head-on aerodynamic performance. The resulting regenerative airfoil makes the rim appear deeper when slicing into headwinds, while improving cornering control by appearing shallower to side winds. Multiple patents and unmatched manufacturing prowess make this aerodynamic technology a Zipp exclusive.

The 303 wheelset is fast, incredibly light and stiff, handles great and accelerates like a rocket. It is ideal for criteriums and excels in steep or technical road racing. Multisport athletes looking for a great wheel for draft-legal or technical courses (especially under exceptionally hilly or windy conditions) will love the performance of the 303, and may consider mixing with a model 404 rear. The 303 makes a great alternative wheel for extreme conditions like those often found at Kona in October or Belgium in March.

The 303 Tubular wheelsets feature our exclusive Silica-Ceramic braking surface for superior dry and wet weather performance. Zipp's thermally conductive brake pads are ideal for the Silica-Ceramic braking surface and ensure great braking performance and rim longevity.

Meticulously hand-crafted using the most advanced production methods available, the 303 wheelset in classic tubular has been a staple "secret weapon" of European professionals for years, and is quickly becoming the weapon of choice for cyclists everywhere.

Weights = 498g front, 608g rear

Product reviews:
trigearreview.com April 2005
pezcyclingnews.com February 2004