Zipp 303 Firecrest Disc Rear Wheel 27.5" 12x142mm SRAM/Shimano Road TLR Carbon Black

The definition of “road cycling” now includes, not just conventional roads, but gravel and off-road cycling too. At the same time, wheels are evolving to keep up with the needs of shorter riders. The challenge to meet both of these changing demands was the driving force behind the development of the Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b Tubeless Disc-Brake wheelset. Smaller rims provide the space needed in the frame and forks for wider tyres, 28 mm and up, which give more comfort, control, and improved cornering. Thanks to the increased tyre volume between rim and ground, the total diameter (tyre included) is similar to that of the standard 700c-wheel-plus-road-tyre combo. Back on the road, the 650b is a better fitting wheel for shorter athletes riding smaller frames. For far too long, many cyclists with shorter legs have trained and raced atop standard 700c wheels. As a result, they have missed out on the benefits of a properly fitted wheel—like improved handling and freedom from toe overlap. Central to the 303 650b Firecrest Tubeless is its versatile and durable, German-engineered ZR1 DB hub.

ABLC (Aerodynamic Boundary Layer Control)
Advanced Boundary Layer Control (ABLC) describes the patented and instantly recognizable pattern of dimples on all of Zipp’s carbon rims. ABLC streamlines airflow along the rim’s surface and is custom-designed for each model, from the 202 to the Super-9 disc. This is the third generation of ABLC, which boasts up to four times as many dimples as before.

AeroBalance
AeroBalance simultaneously reduces aero drag and crosswind effects.