Zipp Goes Ultra-wide with the 303 XPLR SW Gravel Wheels and Integrated Goodyear XPLR Tires

As stated in the press materials for Zipp’s latest wheel release, most gravel wheels are nothing but slightly modified versions of existing road wheels with a focus on stiffness and weight. To buck the trend, Zipp focused their new approach entirely on speed. In the context of gravel riding, rolling resistance, vibration from rough surfaces, and wind are all significant inhibitors of speed. To address these barriers, Zipp applied what they call a “Total System Efficiency” design philosophy to their latest release. With this, they launched two new wheelsets and two new tires in collaboration with Goodyear.

Zipp states they started with “the perfect gravel tire” and designed a wheel around it for the new 303 XPLR SW wheels. To develop this wheelset, Zipp engineers studied how gravel racing has changed in recent years, coming to several conclusions:

1. The progression of gravel speeds increases the importance of aerodynamic efficiency.
2. Current generation gravel wheels exhibit poor aerodynamic efficiency with gravel tires.
3. Low tire pressures are the key for unlocking speed on gravel, but current gravel rim design provides insufficient tire stance to support lateral cornering loads at lower tire pressures.
4. Current gravel rim designs do not help prevent pinch flats while using lower tire pressures.

Zipp 303 XPLR SW Gravel Wheels

The most interesting and significant feature of the 303 XPLR SW is their 32mm inner rim width, which is wider than most gravel wheels. Typical tire widths for gravel racing range from 38-50mm with varying tread patterns. Most current gravel wheels have an external rim width of 28-30mm, which, according to Zipp, creates an aerodynamic mismatch when you use a 40mm+ gravel tire. With that narrower rim and wider tire, the tire-wheel interface looks more like the profile of a lightbulb instead of being a seamless airfoil. According to Zipp testing, the efficient pairing of wheel and gravel tire using the 303 XPLR SW design provides a 5-watt aerodynamic advantage over a leading competitor. Find the full specs from Zipp below.

• Tubeless and hookless rim profile
• Ultra-wide internal profile for decreased rolling resistance
• Ability to run pressures under 30psi (2.1 bars)
• Wide and deep profile integrates seamlessly with gravel tires to increase aerodynamic efficiency
• Max tire pressure 50 psi/3.45 bar
• ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement
• Center locking rotor interface; lockring is included with the wheels
• XDR or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies
• Campagnolo N3W Driver body sold separately
• Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps
• Lifetime Warranty

The Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheelset weighs 1,496 grams and sells for $2,100. You can also get the 303 XPLR S wheelset for $1,400, which weighs 1,610 grams with a slightly beefier carbon construction and a smooth finish. Learn more over at SRAM.com/Zipp.

Goodyear XPLR Inter Gravel Tires

The Zipp 303 XPLR SW is optimized for use with the Goodyear XPLR Slick and Goodyear XPLR Inter, both tires were designed in partnership with Zipp. The Goodyear XPLR Inter is the more interesting of the two, offering the most dirt-centric and versatile tread: a tight tread pattern in the center and bulkier side knobs for cornering grip. Goodyear claims it has a light and supple construction with “M:Wall” reinforcements in the sidewalls to shore up puncture protection against cuts and pinch flats. Lastly, the dimension of tire bead is designed to ensure secure retention on Zipp TSS rims. Only approved tires can be used on the XPLR wheels, according to their press release. Features from Goodyear below.

• Lightweight casing provides a supple ride quality
• M:Wall protection helps prevent cuts and reduces the chance of getting pinch flats
• Optimized construction and geometry for Zipp’s 303 XPLR. Tread pattern designed for versatility, suitable for most gravel situations in any conditions
• Dynamic:UHP compound improves grip, lowers rolling resistance
• Tubeless Complete, and Dual Angle Beads ensure secure retention on XPLR rims
• Designed to measure 45mm on a Zipp 32mm TSS rim

The Goodyear XPLR Inter weighs 525 grams and sells for $80. Learn more over at SRAM.com/Zipp.

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