Zipp 303 Firecrest Clincher Rear Road Wheel

Its speed, light weight, and utter reliability have been proven in pro cycling’s most demanding races.

In 2010, the 303 made history by becoming the first carbon wheelset to win cycling’s two most famous Cobbled Classics, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.

Its wider rim provided extra durability, and improved aerodynamics. That wider rim also led to the development of our revolutionary Firecrest® platform, and now the revolution has come full circle. The 303 has been completely redesigned with Firecrest® shaping.

The Carbon Clincher preserves the aerodynamic advantages of its tubular brother, while adding the convenience of a clincher tire. And at just 1,475g, it’s light enough to climb up the steepest gradients with ease. All of the hallmark characteristics of the 303 have improved with the Firecrest Carbon Clincher.

The Firecrest shaping optimizes the aerodynamic profile of both the front half and the back half of the wheel. In addition, Firecrest moves the center of pressure of the wheel backwards, giving the 45mm-deep rim the crosswind stability a box-section rim. At the same time, the 26.4mm-wide brake track (at center) allows the clincher tire to take on a wider, more stable shape without compromising rolling resistance.

It’s faster, simpler, and more stable. Or as Zipp technical director Josh Poertner puts it, Firecrest is “lightning in a bottle.” The new wheels retain all the small details that make Zipp wheels what they are. Exposed spoke nipples sit in the aerodynamic shadow of the rims, keeping serviceability simple without compromising speed.

And our signature ABLC™ rim dimples squeeze every last second of performance possible. To complete the package, Zipp has refined its venerable 88/188 hubset, reshaping the hub body and pushing the non-drive-side flange and bearing out by 7.5mm on the rear hub to increase overall stiffness and strength. The wheelsets come with two decal options, the stealthy Beyond Black or the distinctive Classic White decals.

Both decal options feature black anodized hubs, black spokes and black nipples.

Zipp 303 Firecrest Clincher Road Rear Wheel Specifications: Weight: 800g Hub Used: 188 Rim Depth: 45mm Brake Track Width (center): 26.40mm Max Width: 28.50mm Clincher Bead Width: 17.25mm Spoke Count: 24 Spoke Pattern Non-Drive: Cross Spoke Length Non-Drive: 258mm Spoke Pattern Drive: Radial Spoke Length Drive: 246mm Max Tire Pressure: 125psi Max Tire Pressure: 8.62 bars Track Adaptable: No Dimpled Surface: Yes Ceramic Bearing: Aftermarket External Nipples: Yes.