The aero shape of the 30 Course rim borrows design innovations from the Zipp 202 Firecrest® Carbon Clincher resulting in a high performance alloy rim that offers low aerodynamic drag and predictable handling in crosswinds. Available as a tubeless compatible clincher or a tubular.
Zipp has long made use of Sapim spokes for its wheelsets, and so it goes for the 30 Course wheelset. CX-Rays are used front and rear, a spoke that that is well regarded for its low weight and high strength.
The wider rim platform allows increased tire volume and expands the tire contact patch for improved traction and comfort. The aero shape of the 30 Course rim borrows design innovations from the Zipp 202 Firecrest® Carbon Clincher resulting in a high performance alloy rim that offers low aerodynamic drag and predictable handling in crosswinds.
Zipp’s new 30 Course rims feature an external width of 25mm. The wider rim platform allows increased tire volume and expands the tire contact patch for improved traction and comfort.
Zipp Speed Weaponry, pioneers in the carbon wheel market, have introduced their first aluminium aerodynamic road wheelset, the 101. The 1,484g wheelset uses what the company calls a fully 'toroidal' rim shape (narrow at the mouth, wide on the sides).
Ideally suited to tyres of 25mm and upwards, Zipp says the 302 is equally at home on- or off-road, but as they're not tubeless compatible, that comes with the usual clincher caveats. Maximum rider weight is 115kg, and the rear hub accepts Zipp's XDR driver body, allowing use of a 10-42 cassette.
The existing 302 has an internal rim width of 16.25mm whereas the new 303 S is boosted nearly 7mm to 23mm. Externally it's just 2mm wider than the 302 at 27mm compared to 25mm.
The Zipp Course 30 wheels were tested on a Moots Psychlo X with SRAM Rival 1, Zipp Course SL Bars and stem and Panaracer Gravel King Tires.
Zipp’s 30 Course Disc-brake wheelset was designed with high-performance conditions in mind and is ready to take some abuse. Don’t let the carbon fiber history with Zipp fool you, the Indianapolis based company knows how to build wheels and this aluminum wheelset is a winner. They have made aluminum wheels in the past, but this rim is the first for the company to arrive tubeless, ready to boost an impressive 25mm external rim width and 21mm internal width designed for lower pressure off-road and gravel tires, as well as those for higher pressure road tires.
The complete wheelset is built with Zipp 77/177D hubs, which are the same that one can find on Zipp 202 and 303 Firecrest Disc-brake wheelsets. Zipp’s thru-axle end caps allow for conversions between quick release and thru axles and can be done in a snap.
With a little effort the Panaracer Gravel Kings mounted up perfectly to the Course 30. Rim strip and stem come pre-installed
Zipp uses Sapim® CX Ray® spoke s with their proprietary flange geometry and spoke hole attachment pattern. Zipp mentions that this optimizes torsional and lateral stiffness, but the bottom line here is the wheels were stiff but not too harsh, braked well and created no issues.
The widest so far from Zipp on the inside, this clincher rim comes pre-taped for tubeless tires from the factory, with valves included and installed. Zipp says the wheel is compatible with all known sealants and can be run with tubes if needed.
The Bottom Line: Zipp 30 Course. As a go-anywhere, do-anything wheelset, the Zipper 30 Course disc and rim brake wheels are excellent choices. They roll well, can be mounted tubeless (preferred, actually) and can accept wide tires for smooth road riding, cyclocross or gravel. And, since they are alloy, you don’t have to handle them with kid gloves.
As Zipp’s first tubeless-ready rims, the 30 Course is also Zipp’s widest internal width at 21mm.
So, to get the best ride quality out of these wheels, I’d recommend running them tubeless or going with a 30mm tire (given your bike can handle them).
Aboard the Wilier GTR-SL the 30 Course rim brake wheels felt right at home.
There are a handful of wide alloy wheelsets and the 30 Course is certainly one of the best choices. Available in either rim or disc versions, these roll well and are reasonably-light for all-around duties. Gravel and cyclocross are certainly the sweet spot for these, but don't discount their on-road capabilities
There’s really no terrain or discipline that these wheels can’t be used for. You really are covered for pure road, gravel, adventure, winter training or cyclocross with a single wheelset.
With the 30 Course wheelsets, you get enough depth for all-around aerodynamics and minimal crosswind issues. In fact, I’ve not felt any adverse affects of crosswinds in all my miles and conditions. For most riders, that’s an important consideration because nobody wants to be thrown into speed wobble at 40 mph while descending a curvy mountain pass.
Mechanic's Comments - All wheels have been trued and serviced by our TPC mechanics. - Excellent condition. - Light scratches to rims and spokes. - Hub bearings are smooth. - Braking surface shows light wear from use. - History, mileage, model year are unknown.
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