In reconsidering the rim properties and capabilities of the NSW carbon clincher line-up, the disc brake wheels were optimized for the balance of aerodynamics, tubeless use, larger volume tire sizes, and the changing nature of what is "road" riding. With the 303 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Disc Wheels, a new, wider, stronger disc brake-only rim was built to suit the new realities for road users from gravel to road race and everything in between. The rim has been optimized for wide tires, to meet the performance needs of modern riders in search of low rolling resistance and high comfort. Additionally, the engineers carefully considered the rim-to-tire interface and how specific tire and rim widths affect aerodynamic performance. With an internal width of 21mm, the wheels tested fastest with a 28mm tire in the majority of wind angles. Designed to be tubeless compatible, the 303 NSW Tubeless Disc brake wheels feature a rim bed made with internal ridges to lock the tire’s bead in place. A tubeless setup allows you to run lower tire pressure for more comfort while reducing the risk of pinch flats. Sounds pretty contemporary to us.

The 45mm deep 303 NSW Carbon Clincher Tubeless Front Disc Wheel was developed to be raced, but it is strong and resilient, with a smooth ride that makes this a great every day wheel. Training and racing on the same wheels equals incredible confidence and familiarity. With it's lower profile, incredible stability and 720 gram weight, the 303 NSW Disc can adeptly handle corners at high speed, and spins up immediately as you power out and onward with superior stability on rough surfaces and in crosswinds. Complementing the 21mm internal width is a 28.9mm external width so riding tires from 25-30mm wide means you can maximize the tire/wheel aerodynamic relationship carried through the ABLC Sawtooth™ rim dimple patterning. This advanced NSW dimple design consists of 12 nodes that are precisely clocked to start aerodynamic shearing at a rate of 50hz at a rider speed of 20mph. Sawtooth induces small sheet vortices that shed at a low magnitude, but at a higher natural frequency, thus decreasing the laminar bubble effect on the aerodynamically shielded side of the rim’s profile to further reduce high yaw drag and improve crosswind stability while providing aerodynamic speed.

The stout, lightweight Cognition Disc alloy front hub has been built with a star-flanged j-bend type hubshell that distributes the load placed on the hub flange away from the bearings in order to keep the Swiss steel bearings precisely in line with each other and the oversized alloy axle. This reduces friction and maintains pure rolling speed. Every watt of energy conserved or gained through design saves valuable seconds in performance terms. The real magic of the Cognition Disc hubset is in the Axial drive system of the rear but the front hub, though far simpler has been designed to carry the loads and requirements of disc brake forces. The disc brake interface is Center Lock (does not include lockring, which comes with most rotors). End cap changes allow from QR, 12mm and 15mm thru-axle 100mm wide dropouts.

Zipp laces 24 Sapim® CX-Ray lightly bladed,j-bend steel spokes in a 2x pattern via Sapim's SecureLock external nipples. With the spokes mounting cleanly into the hub flanges, the overall effect is visually and aerodynamically very clean. The carbon clincher rim can easily handle the high tension required, and the wheel can easily be trued in the traditional fashion. Zipp's clincher technology is well proven and has made clincher use for events not only feasible, but common with today's top clincher tires like the Zipp Tangente series. Zipp has engineered their own Tangente Speed RT25 and Tangente Speed RT28 tubeless tires to deliver the lowest rolling resistance, best dry and best overall cornering grip among major brands.

Zipp has truly maximized the opportunity that comes with a disc-only carbon rim. In making it both clincher and tubeless compatible, it gives the rider more tire options depending on use. The extra width over the rim brake versions allowed the engineers to create a strong, yet light rim structure that could truly maintain Aero Balance with it's exceptional stability. It could very well become the favorite wheelset for cyclists who put in high miles with serious climbs, and sphincter-clenching descents. By opting for j-bend spokes and Zipp's typical external nipples, the availability of a local emergency repair is far more likely. In other words, if you are looking for a premium low-mid aero disc brake wheelset, what are you waiting for?!