ZIPP WHEELS


2012 Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubular Wheelset

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Sure, the clinchers are nice and convenient, but we've always thought that the Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubular Wheelset was the better choice when pure performance was the issue. The elemental difference between the two versions is the significant weight difference. These tubular wheels are 300 grams lighter, and you'll benefit from their feathery lightness on flat ground as well as on relentlessly hilly rides. Now that they offer Zipp's Firecrest rim shape, the 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubular Wheelset is better than ever. They're 80 grams lighter than the 404 Firecrest tubular wheels and more aerodynamic than the older toroidal 404 wheels.

The 45mm rim depth on the 303 wheels is better for lighter riders or those who feel concerned about being buffeted by crosswinds. And as they did on the 404 Firecrest rim shape, Zipp's engineers developed a new 303 Firecrest rim profile that moves the center of pressure in towards the hub, away from the outside edge of the rim. The tangible benefit is a marked decrease in the leveraging effect of stiff crosswinds on the steering axis -- you'll be able to ride more confidently and faster in blustery conditions. Their dimpled 45mm rims are still deep enough to offer serious aerodynamic advantages; it's 8% faster than the last generation 303. Even with this marked increase in performance, the 303 Carbon Tubular Wheelset comes without an increase on the scales.

The development of their carbon clinchers led Zipp to improvements that you'll find here as well. The sidewalls of composite clincher rims have heat-dissipation issues. Their years of testing led to the development of a heat-resistant resin system to solve the issues, and it's applicable for tubulars too. Increased heat dissipation = increased safety. Their carbon rims are setting an unprecedented standard for heat dissipation. As you bomb down long, high-speed descents with heavy braking sending rim temperatures soaring, there's less risk of a burst sidewall or melted glue with Zipp wheels. The braking performance is exactly the same as their other carbon rims, and the silica-ceramic composite used in the braking track gives even, fade-free performance in any weather conditions as long as you use Zipp's Tangente Cork pads.

Zipp uses unidirectional carbon throughout, but the braking track and outer rim wall use woven carbon as it adds the toughness of the rims. The wheels roll on Zipp's 88 front and 188 rear hubs. They both use 17mm aluminum axles for strength and supreme stiffness, and they have a preload adjustment so that you can dial them in to that bearing nirvana, just between a bit of play and slightly too tight. Speaking of bearings, Zipp's Swiss-made bearings enjoy a reputation for exceptional smoothness.

The 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubulars get 18 radial spokes in the front and 24 spokes in the rear wheel, split between both sides -- crossed on the left and radial on the right. The Sapim CX-Ray stainless steel ovalized spokes are far and away the best in the industry. They're lighter than most round butted spokes, and the coining process used to produce their aerodynamic shape makes them stronger and very durable. They are anchored to the full-carbon rims with Sapim alloy nipples.

One more design aspect of note is the width of the 303 Carbon Tubular wheels. Their aero properties are best exploited when paired with like-sized tires. The use of 23 - 25mm tires will ensure a better fit with the rims for optimum aerodynamics.

The Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Tubular Wheelset is perfect for hard riding in hard terrain. Uphill or into the wind, they're snappy and fast. And since they have a few extra spokes compared to the 404 wheels, they're a great choice if you have to train on your race wheels. You can get them in two colors -- Black or Falcon Grey. Both colors use the same naked carbon rim, finished in matte clear. They come with either Campagnolo or Shimano/SRAM compatible freehubs. A set of Zipp steel skewers are included as well as two Zipp alloy valve extenders, Zipp rim strips, and Zipp Tangente cork brake pads.

Please Note: Zipp's Tangente Platinum Pro and cork brake pads are designed specifically for use with their carbon tubulars. Use of brake pads other than these is highly recommended against and will void the wheel warranty.