Zipp 303 Wheelsets For Sale
Shop new and used Zipp 303 wheels for sale at TPC - The Pro's Closet. Browse popular models like the affordable 303 S, 303 Firecrest, and more. Find specs, prices, comparisons and reviews at TPC. Read our Zipp 303 Quick-Take Review below.
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The Zipp 303s are on the shallower side of mid-depth, currently 45mm, making it light enough for lots of climbing while deep enough to make a noticeable difference on the flats. They’re also tough enough for pavé and cyclocross. The Zipp 303 Firecrest wheelset is the basic, with the 303 NSW (Nest Speed Weaponry) an upgrade, and 353 NSW adding a wavy hyperfoil shape, which is faster and more stable than the 303.
Zipp 303 - Weight, Specs, Features
2023 Models | Internal Width | Rim Depth | Wheelset Weight |
303 S | 23mm | 45mm | 1530g |
303 Firecrest | 25mm | 40mm | 1352g |
353 NSW | 25mm | 45mm | 1255g |
Zipp Wheels Comparison Chart - 302, 303, 303 S, 404 Firecrest, 808 Firecrest, Super-9
*slide right to view all table contents Zipp 302 Zipp 303 Firecrest Zipp 303 S Zipp 404 Firecrest Zipp 808 Firecrest Zipp Super-9 Model 302 303 Firecrest 303S 404 Firecrest 808 Firecrest Super-9 Size 700C 700C 700C 700C 700C 700C Wheel Orientation Wheelset Wheelset Wheelset Wheelset Wheelset Rear Wheel Material Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Type Road Wheels Road Wheels Road Wheels Road Wheels Road Wheels Road Wheels Rim Type Clincher Tubeless Tubeless Tubeless Clincher Tubeless Front Axle Spacing 9x100mm (Quick Release) 9x100mm (Quick Release) Yes (rim strips and valve stem included) Yes (rim strips and valve stem included) 9x100mm (Quick Release) Yes (rim strips and valve stem included) Rear Axle Spacing 10x130mm 10x135mm 12x100mm (Thru-Axle) - 10x130mm 12x142mm Rim Inner Width 16.5 mm 21 mm 12x142mm - 16 mm 18 mm Rim Outer Width 26 mm 28 mm 23 mm Yes (rim strips and valve stem included) 26 mm - Rim Depth 45 mm 46 mm 27.3 mm 12x100mm (Thru-Axle) 82 mm - Freehub Body Shimano SRAM XDR SRAM XDr 11/12 23 mm Shimano Shimano/SRAM 10/11 Speed 10-12 11/12 11/12 58 mm 10-12 10-12 Hubs Zipp Zipp Cognition Zipp 176D ZR1 Zipp 88/18 177D Spoke Count 20/24 24/24 24/24 24 16/20 - Brake Type Rim Disc 6 Bolt Disc Centerlock Disc Centerlock Rim Disc Centerlock Valve Type Presta Presta Presta Presta Presta Presta Skewers Skewers Not Included Skewers Not Included Skewers Not Included Skewer Not Included Skewers Not Included Skewer Not Included Intended Use Road Road Road Road Road Road Weight 1630 grams 1650 grams 1520 grams 705 grams 1730 grams 1132 grams
2023 Zipp 303 Firecrest Review - A TPC Quick-Take
Intro
The Zipp 303 Firecrest wheelset is a top choice in road and gravel cycling, known for its versatility and performance. This wheelset has been a staple for riders who demand quality and efficiency, whether on road or gravel.
Pros:
- Aerodynamics and versatility: The 303 Firecrest is designed to be aerodynamic yet versatile, suitable for different terrains including road and gravel. This makes it a good option for riders who switch between disciplines.
- Weight and build quality: The wheelset is notable for its weight reduction compared to its predecessors, shedding about 300g. It now weighs around 1,352g, which is significant for riders looking for lightweight options. The build includes a ZR1 disc hub with Center Lock rotor attachments and 12mm axle compatibility, laced with CX-Sprint spokes.
- Tubeless ready: The 303 Firecrest is tubeless-ready, a feature increasingly sought after for its puncture resistance and ride quality. It features a hookless rim profile and a wide center channel, facilitating easy tubeless tire installation.
Cons:
- Limited tire compatibility: Due to the hookless rim design, the 303 Firecrest limits tire choice to tubeless tires, even with an inner tube. This could be a drawback for riders who prefer or require specific tire types.
- Minimum tire width: The rim design necessitates a minimum tire width of 28mm. This might not be ideal for road cyclists who prefer narrower tires.
- Cost: As a flagship product, the 303 Firecrest is on the higher end of the price spectrum. This could be a deterrent for budget-conscious riders.
Bottom Line:
The Zipp 303 Firecrest wheelset is a top-tier choice for cyclists who value a blend of aerodynamics, versatility, and lightweight performance. It's particularly suitable for those who engage in various cycling disciplines and favor tubeless tire setups. However, its higher cost and specific tire requirements might not appeal to every rider. If you're willing to invest in a high-quality, versatile wheelset and the limitations regarding tire compatibility aren't an issue, the 303 Firecrest could be an excellent choice.
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