The Zipp 303 XPLR S Disc C.L. Front Wheel 12X100, brought to you by Escapa, offers a significant speed boost for Gravel riders at a reasonable price. It incorporates key innovations from wide Gravel wheels, is reasonably priced, and is highly durable for even the most demanding Gravel riders. This wheelset is the fastest on gravel, thanks to its super-wide rim that integrates seamlessly with race-approved Gravel tires*.
Today’s Gravel wheels are slightly modified versions of current road wheels—very stiff and lightweight. Zipp takes a different approach, focusing solely on speed. On gravel, rolling resistance and vibration from rough surfaces—as well as wind—are major obstacles to speed. To combat this, Zipp applied its Total System Efficiency design philosophy specifically to the challenges of gravel riding.
The Zipp 303 XPLR S Disc C.L. Front 12X100 wheel is a speed-focused gravel wheel designed with a new approach: starting with the ideal gravel tire and designing a wheel around it. To develop this wheel—the first of its kind—Zipp engineers studied how Gravel racing has changed cycling in recent years, arriving at several key conclusions:
1. The increase in speed on gravel highlights the importance of aerodynamic efficiency.
2. The current generation of Gravel wheels offers poor aerodynamic efficiency with Gravel tires.
3. The key to increasing speed on gravel lies in lower tire pressure, but the current design of Gravel rims provides insufficient tire support to withstand lateral loads when cornering at lower tire pressures.
4. The design of current Gravel rims does not help prevent punctures when tire pressures are lower.
The typical width of tires for gravel racing ranges from 38 to 50 mm, with different tread patterns. Current gravel wheels have an outer rim width of 28–30 mm, which creates an aerodynamic mismatch when using gravel tires wider than 40 mm. Because the rim is narrower and the tire is wider, the interface between the tire and the wheel resembles the bulge of a light bulb rather than the ideal cross-section of an aerodynamic profile. According to Zipp’s testing, the wheel-and-tire combination of our 303 XPLR S design provides a 5-watt aerodynamic advantage over the competition. This wheel is optimized for use with tires and , both designed in collaboration with Zipp.
Lower tire pressure significantly increases speed on gravel. The problem with current Gravel wheels is that, with a narrow Talon and low tire pressure, the tire sags in corners. The wide Talon of the 303 XPLR S tires increases tire stability, allowing for lower tire pressure without the tires deforming in corners. This results in reduced vibration while maintaining predictable cornering control and uninterrupted traction on climbs. The 303 XPLR S also helps reduce punctures, as the rim flange is 77% wider than on previous models, which lowers the risk of damage when the tires bottom out against the rim flange upon Impact.
What about rim depth? Conventional wisdom suggests that shallow rims are best suited for Gravel. As Gravel racing has evolved, many Gravel courses are ridden at speeds exceeding 35 km/h (~22 MPH), with top speeds of over 60 km/h (~37 MPH). The 303 XPLR S rim has a 54mm profile to create an aerodynamically efficient complement to large gravel tires when riding at high speeds. Our studies have shown that a 54mm-profile rim creates an ideal balance between aerodynamic efficiency and 40mm gravel tires when riding at race speeds.
FEATURES
The fastest wheel on gravel, with a profiled, Tubeless, and hookless design.
Ultra-wide internal profile to reduce rolling resistance, with the ability to run at pressures below 30 psi (2.1 bar).
The wide, deep profile integrates seamlessly with Gravel tires to increase aerodynamic efficiency.
Features Zipp’s Total System Efficiency for high-performance Gravel riding.
76/176 DB hubs with Center Lock interface
Ships with 12mm front and rear caps.
Maximum tire pressure: 50 psi / 3.45 bar.
* THE 303 XPLR S IS COMPATIBLE ONLY WITH APPROVED TIRES. THE Goodyear XPLR SLICK AND Goodyear XPLR INTER ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AND OPTIMIZED FOR THE 303 XPLR S.
