Zipp303 Firecrest Tubeless Rim Brake Wheelset(Return to Product Page)

SO...long-time customer of BikeTiresDirect. I did not buy these wheels from them, but from my LBS at the start of COVID. I have to say they are a let down. That is on Zipp, not BikeTiresDirect. The best feature is they are tubeless and the second best feature is they support reasonably wide rubber. Other than those two features...they are lacking for any real performance. My point of comparison: cheap, clincher carbon wheels of similar depth from a no-name Chinese brand (possibly Taiwan), from 2014-2015! Those 50mm rims handle better than the Zipp's in the wind (I live in a very windy, mountainous area of the US). Those cheap Chinese wheels accelerate better, and hold their speed better. I have raced the Zipps, and feel faster on the cheap Chinese wheels. The Zipps have been back to the factory twice due to broken spokes with the nipples deposited in the internal realm of the rims. The cheap 2014-2015 Chinese wheels have never needed a repair. They have never been serviced. They just keep turning and burning. I think the Zipp 303 rim brake wheels make nothing more good training wheels. And hey, they are tubeless, so more comfort and fewer flats. But they cost me 2.5 times the $ than the cheap Chinese wheels. One can do way better than these Firecrest 303s. Sorry to have offered you a downer of a review, but it is honest.

Have these on my gravel bike with Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass (44mm) tires set up tubeless. My first ride with them I nabbed a bunch of PRs. They are light, responsive, I guess a little aero, and just pretty much awesome. The hubs engage instantaneously, the sound is nice (not too loud, not too soft), and did I say they are light? My bike flies up hills with these wheels. Can't comment on durability as I've only got 500 miles on them, but so far so good.

Nice look and perfect for every ride..

Fast delivery and handled with care.

i love the new design 303.. very responsive

I'm using zipp 202 for a while n switch to 303 and it felt great and responsiveness is excellent

Bought these as a wider gravel wheel and an aero road wheel for 28mm plus tires. Have carbon wheel experience with several versions of Reynolds Assault and Attacks. I liked them... but the Zipps are SOOOO easy to set up, the hookless rim with Panaracer gravel or Pirelli road tubeless tires. After struggling so much with the Reynolds over the years, these are pure pleasure. Hookless has changed my mind about the hassel of tubeless. Now I have no problem going back and forth from gravel tires to road. The 303 Firecrests are light and climb well, responsive, and comfortable. In hilly New England gravel rides they are an asset. 500 + miles so far, no issues and trust it will stay that way. Make sure you check your front thruaxle size to insure the hub inserts shipped with wheels (15mm?) are the right size for your bike. I needed 12mm and had to order them after the wheels arrived. Cheers!