No company has driven the aerodynamic development of bicycle race wheels more than Zipp. That takes nothing from HED or Corima, among others, but Zipp's engineering and design has set the standards by which every other wheel designs are judge against. Speed Weaponry is what Zipp creates and offers to the cycling and triathlon industry. No company has more composite rim development experience, or CFD and wind tunnel testing. No company has delivered more race results over the last 20 years. The release of the 454 NSW Carbon Clincher raises the bar higher, with an increased understanding of practical, effective aerodynamics and overall performance. The new rim design, combined with the NSW Sawtooth concept, HexFin ABLC dimple system, the Cognition hubset, Showstopper brake track, and ImPress graphics all integrate to deliver Zipp’s highest performing wheelset ever realized, with wind tunnel proven aero-drag reduction and reduced side force at all wind yaw angles, making the wheels not only incredibly fast, but inherently stable as higher wind yaw angles are where bike handling is most affected by the wind. Performance personified, which is also a window into the inspiration and realization of the 454 NSW Carbon Clincher Rear Wheel.

In Zipp's own words: "Utilizing the principles of the emerging science of biomimicry, Zipp engineers studied the environment around them for instances of how nature solved similar problems of speed, control, and efficiency for the next generation of Zipp wheels." The examples given refer the leading edges of a humpback whale's pectoral fins, and the micro-texture of the surface of sharkskin, which allows it to glide smoothly through the water. The systemic application of biomimicry to the challenges of improving aerodynamic drag and side force in wheel technology for the first time led the engineers to the development of the Sawtooth rim architecture. This patented, biomimetic 53/58mm-deep rim shape, finished with a series of patented fin-shaped Hyperfoil nodes along the inner diameter of the rim, and the new HexFin ABLC dimples all served to improve aerodynamic performance. With the combined reduction is side force, Zipp attained a state of the rim in action they refer to as AeroBalance. Any cyclist who has fought their aero wheels into a corner, or in strong crosswinds, while losing speed will intuitively understand the concept.

The overall shape and structure of the carbon clincher 454 rim has also been informed from years of Firecrest production and testing, as well as the NSW development process. The internal rim width is 17mm, while the max external width is 27.8mm, and width at the brake track at 26.4mm, giving you a visual reference of the rim shape. Capable of carrying tires from 23mm-28mm, the 454 NSW Carbon Clincher will meet the needs of all of today's cyclists and triathletes. This rear wheel is laced 2x/2x, with Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Secure Lock alloy nipples. The Cognition rear hub has quickly become a favorite with Zipp NSW wheel riders with its incredibly fast engagement, aero design, and Axial Clutch technology that allows the freehub’s ratcheting mechanism to deliver half the mechanical drag of conventional three pawl hubs for incredibly low drag friction from the internals. Precision-made Swiss bearings carry the overized alloy axle system, with the widest bearing placement possible from the 130mm spacing.

Much has been written about the Showstopper silicon carbide molded texture brake track and Tangente Platinum Pro Evo brake pads, but the combination continues to demonstrate that extreme braking with carbon rims in wet or dry conditions can be superb. The power is clear from the first race test, and stopping control is tactile, never mushy or inconsistent. Racing wheels require the best of all features, and the 454 NSW delivers more control than any other Zipp wheel we have tested. Don't forget that this rear wheel, mid-section speed weapon weighs only 835 grams. The handcrafted rims and the ImPress direct printed graphics share more attention to detail, as all the fantastic dimple and finning engineering won't deliver aerodynamics with a decal covering them up.

Our take on the 454 NSW Carbon Clincher is that Zipp has taken aerodynamic wheel design further than ever before, and the Indianapolis-based company may just be at the first stage of this new direction. Years of development and testing, starting with fairly traditional aerodynamic forms derived from the airplane and car racing worlds pushed Zipp's engineers to see the limitations of those shapes for cycling and the familiar NACA shapes evolved. Biomimicry opens a new world of thought to these scientists and athletes. The 454 NSW Carbon Clincher wheel is distinctive looking design that is sure to draw attention to itself, but the effect is purposeful to aerodynamics and stability, that AeroBalance that Zipp is seeking not only delivers straight on speed, but increased stability, speed through corners and crosswinds, as well as the effect on rider confidence all improve the overall performance one is capable of while competing or pushing their physical limits. The 454 NSW is the crest of wave that will deliver equipment inspired by science, engineering, and organic forms. We say "bring it on!"