Just in the nick of time for the beginning of the cyclo-cross season (yes, it really is that time of year already) Zipp has released an updated version of the 303 tubular rim. The 45mm deep carbon section rims were actually redesigned for the cobbled classics earlier in the season, but for the same reason they’ve been beefed up for cobbles makes them ideally suited to the off-road demands of ‘cross racing.
The profile has been widened to 27.5mm (from 22.3mm) and the rim depth grows to 45mm (from 44mm previously), all without increasing the weight. However the big difference between the road-specific and cyclo-cross version of the rim is that the 303 Cyclocross runs with 24 spokes front and rear.
At just 1209g the pair they’re extremely light. And with a 25.4mm tyre bed mounting 32mm ‘cross tyres should be a cinch, and pinch punctures at the low pressures typically run should be avoided due to the 3mm larger rim radius.
The rims are built onto Zipp’s new-for-2009 88 front hub and 188 rear hub, which with their 17mm axle Zipp claims is their stiffest ever hub. A larger axle means larger bearings which Zipp reckons have a 28% higher load capacity. Adjustable preload allows you to keep them running perfectly.
$2,285 (about £1,394)
