Zipp's new Firecrest 303 wheel is not only an evolution of existing priorities, but also a whole new step forward in the Indianapolis-based company's consideration of how to make riders of all types go faster. If you follow Zipp's radical tire pressure advice, this new technology will also improve comfort, survivability, and road efficiency.

Zipp has always been on the cutting edge of aero performance, even when that edge has become wider and duller, but with the new Firecrest 303 they have fully embraced the trend toward fatter and faster.

Although only 1mm wider on the outside (30mm), the rim features a hookless sidewall design with a 25mm bed and a fuller tire profile. This reduces the "waist" between the tire and rim, which tends to impede airflow, and the new wheels are 5mm shallower than the older 303s, with a depth of 40mm, yet have been tested faster in wind tunnels and in real-world driving.

What Zipp acknowledged in this announcement is that aero has always been more important than weight. Now it's different. In addition to adopting a new logo first introduced on the new 3Zero Moto MTB wheels, Zipp took many construction and layout cues from the intentionally flexible and shock-absorbing MTB wheels (details not divulged). 380g rims keep the overall weight down to 1355g, while the new 3Zero Moto MTB wheels are more aero-friendly than their predecessors, a significant weight reduction of 300g compared to the previous Firecrest. Also, at 1600 pounds ($1900/€1800) for the pair, the burden on the household budget is considerably lighter.

Despite being lighter, the new 303 is also significantly more impact resistant, thanks to the shock absorption and vertical bending capabilities learned in MTB development. We haven't tried the wheels yet, but the video clip of the presentation is certainly impressive, with Zipp claiming 28% more impact resistance than its equally heavy top-end competitors. The wider tubeless rim bed is designed to accommodate tires up to 50mm wider, allowing for wider support of iner tubeless tires. The wheels are also covered by a lifetime warranty against impact and other damage while driving.

Ultralight aero road/gravel wheels that are wider than most XC MTB wheels are already a bandwagon that is winding down, but Zipp has really started pulling the horse forward with tire pressure recommendations. Real-world driving tests at various tire pressures and rolling road tests in the lab yielded very interesting data on the effects of tire sag, tire vertical movement, and contact patch geometry. The results showed that with Zipp's proprietary 28mm tubeless tires, a 70kg rider rolled fastest on rough/gravel/cobblestone surfaces at 55psi front and 60psi rear; with 30mm, it drops to 50-55psi, and the thicker the tire, the more it The thicker the rider, the faster it should roll. Even on smoother surfaces, Zipp's data shows that you only need a few more psi to gain 10W over narrower rims and tires at higher pressures. They dare to set the maximum rim pressure at 72 psi, not because more is safer, but to encourage people to try lower pressures.

They also point to the fact that lower air pressure with larger tires that absorb and shed impacts and rough sections rather than kick the bike up dramatically reduces rider fatigue and makes it easier to maintain a smooth cadence. Cyclocross riders have been running minimal air pressure for decades. But this is the first time a major manufacturer has pushed this point so hard. Zipp also offers a faired version of its Bluetooth-connected "TireWiz" air pressure monitoring valve to keep track of accurate air pressure. These also communicate with the new AXS Web Ride app, allowing you to ride higher and hotter (or vice versa) and get a complete picture of pressure changes.

It is worth pointing out that the new 303 wheels are only compatible with tires 28 mm or wider and with tires that are safe on hookless rims (unfortunately Continental is not included for now).

The new wheels also have improved hubs. The new ZR1 DB hubs were developed in Germany in response to feedback from stores in the UK who had reliability and sealing issues with the previous Zipp wheels. The new freehub can be picked up almost instantly with 66 points of engagement and a "great new noise". It uses the same large bearings as the durable Zipp Wheel Cognition hubs and has improved sealing. The center-lock disc version now comes with a lock ring that can be easily pulled apart without tools if repairs are needed. All Zipp wheels, including the Super 9 disc, are now tubeless as well.

Given that it is faster, lighter, tougher, smoother, and has better mechanics and is touted to come with a great warranty at a lower price, the new Firecrest looks like a killer package for a wide range of riders. As soon as it arrives, we plan to give it a serious test run on the road and gravel.