Zipp today unveiled a new addition to its 303 wheel family. The 353 NSW model, which claims the title of the lightest set of leather wheels ever produced by the brand, weighing 1,255 g in the lightest configuration.
Replacing the 303 NSW, the new wheels will be positioned at the top of the 303 hierarchy and this is reflected in the prices, retailing at GBP 3,200.00 / USD 4,000.00 / € 3,600.00.
Zipp says that despite their light weight, they meet the same strength requirements for gravel riding as the popular 303 Firecrest wheels, but reiterates that they are lightweight wheels designed and marketed for endurance riding.
They are offered the iconic profile of the Zipp sawtooth rim, at a maximum depth of 45 mm, which decreases by about three millimeters to the lowest depth. Zipp says that this shape offers an aerodynamic advantage over a traditional round rim – although it does not mention any figures – but the biggest gain comes in the form of a low weight, while maintaining strength.
Another weight reduction comes from the brand’s transition to the use of hookless beads, which Zipp claims allows the rim to be lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic, while being easier to manufacture and therefore cheaper to use. product.
Between the beads, the width of the inner rim has increased to 25 mm progressively and, as a result, there is a minimum tire width of 28 mm. With that, the radically reduced tire pressure recommendations that Zipp introduced with 303 Firecrests continue here, suggesting that a 70kg rider will run the fastest with 55 psi in front and 60 psi in the back when using his own tires. Zipp’s 28 mm road on a typical road.
The 353 NSW wheels are dedicated to tubeless technology, and Zipp goes so far as to limit their use to tubeless tires only. According to the brand, there is no harm in running an inner tube, but it must be in a tubeless-ready tire for the increased stiffness of the heel it offers. A full list of tire compatibility is available, but as with the 303 S and 303 Firecrest, they remain incompatible with Continental tires.
Wheel brake cleaners will be disappointed to find that the 353 NSW wheels are dedicated exclusively to disc brakes and all wheels will be compatible with 12 mm axles.
Another major update comes in the hub, where Zipp has revised the Cognition Axial Clutch mechanism that disengages the freehub driver to provide reduced free rotation resistance. This system, which worked using a configuration of 12 magnets and springs was replaced with Axial V2, which takes advantage of the properties of a material called Sylomer.
The retail price of GBP 3,200.00 / USD 4,000.00 / EUR 3,600.00 places the 353 NSW at the top of the price range of the best light wheels and at the same time reminds consumers of Zipp’s position as a premium wheel brand. However, those consumers will find some consolation in Zipp’s lifetime warranty and lifetime protection against damage “during intended use”.
Technical specifications: Zipp 353 NSW wheels
- Weight: 580g (F) / 675g (R) / 1255g in total
- Price: GBP 3200.00 / USD 4000.00 / EUR 3600.00
- Depth: 45mm corrugated
- Guarantee: Lifetime with accidental replacement