The Zipp 303 XPLR S is a radical departure from traditional gravel wheel design. Launched in late 2024, it is the first wheelset built from the ground up specifically for high-volume gravel racing tyres, rather than being an adapted road rim.
With an unprecedented 32mm internal width, it is actually wider than most modern mountain bike rims, designed to optimize the aerodynamic profile of 40mm-45mm gravel tyre.
The 303 XPLR S is designed around Zipp's "Total System Efficiency" (TSE) philosophy. By making the rim nearly as wide as the tyre, Zipp has eliminated the typical "lightbulb" shape of gravel tyres. This creates a continuous, airfoil-like surface that significantly reduces wind drag at racing speeds.
32mm Internal Width: This massive width provides a more stable "stance" for the tyre. It allows you to run pressures as low as 25psi-30psi without the tyre squirming or folding during hard cornering.
Impact Protection: The rim walls are 3.9mm thick—roughly 77% thicker than previous Zipp gravel wheels—to significantly reduce the risk of pinch flats and rim damage when bottoming out on rocks.
76 / 176 Hubset: This build uses Zipp’s reliable 76/176 hubset with a 3-pawl leaf spring driver. While not as high-engagement as the ZR1 hubs found on the SW model, they are durable, easy to service, and keep the price point accessible.
Deep Section Speed: At 54mm deep, these provide a massive aerodynamic advantage on fast fire roads and tarmac transition sectors, where gravel races are often won or lost.
Hookless Only: These rims are strictly Tubeless Only. You must use approved tubeless-ready tyres (e.g., Zipp/Goodyear XPLR, Schwalbe G-One, Specialized Pathfinder).
Vibration Damping: The extra air volume provided by the wider rim profile acts as a secondary suspension system, noticeably reducing rider fatigue over long distances.
Lifetime Warranty: Zipp offers a full lifetime warranty for the original owner against impact damage during intended use.
| Specification | Detail | Notes |
| Rim Material | Carbon Fibre (Hookless) | Smooth finish (non-dimpled). |
| Internal Width | 32mm | Note: Minimum 40mm tyre recommended. |
| External Width | 40mm | Widest gravel aero profile on the market. |
| Rim Depth | 54mm | High-speed gravel racing profile. |
| Wheelset Weight | 1,642g | Includes rim tape and tubeless valves. |
| Hubset | Zipp 76 / 176 DB | Stainless steel cartridge bearings. |
| Engagement | 10? (36 Points) | Reliable 3-pawl mechanism. |
| Max Pressure | 50psi�/�3.45bar | Low pressure is essential for this design. |
| Max System Weight | 130kg | Suitable for bikepacking and heavy riders. |
| Specification | Detail |
| Rim Material | Carbon Fibre (Hookless) |
| Internal Width | 32mm |
| External Width | 40mm |
| Rim Depth | 54mm |
| Wheelset Weight | 1,642g |
| Hubset | Zipp 76 / 176 DB |
| Engagement | 10? (36 Points) |
| Max Pressure | 50psi�/�3.45bar |
| Max System Weight | 130kg |
| Specification | Notes |
| Rim Material | Smooth finish (non-dimpled). |
| Internal Width | Note: Minimum 40mm tyre recommended. |
| External Width | Widest gravel aero profile on the market. |
| Rim Depth | High-speed gravel racing profile. |
| Wheelset Weight | Includes rim tape and tubeless valves. |
| Hubset | Stainless steel cartridge bearings. |
| Engagement | Reliable 3-pawl mechanism. |
| Max Pressure | Low pressure is essential for this design. |
| Max System Weight | Suitable for bikepacking and heavy riders. |