Zipp Launches Budget Alloy Disc-Brake Wheelset

While many recognize Zipp for their expertise in carbon fiber wheels, they have had a presence in the alloy-rim market for some time now. Borrowing design cues from the 30 wheelset, Zipp has developed two new wheels: the 30 Course Clincher and 30 Course Tubular. Both sets come in at $1,000, and while this may not seem like a budget wheelset, these wheels are a great value if you’re looking for Zipp technology at a much lower price point. Both the tubular and clincher Course wheelsets are disc-brake compatible and the clincher is Zipp’s first tubeless ready rim.

Like all Zipp wheels, the 30 Course was developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics software combined with wind tunnel testing. With a rim profile that’s similar to the Firecrest 202, the 30 Course handles better than a box section rim in a cross wind by shifting the center of pressure from the wind below and behind the steering axis. In regards to aerodynamics, even though the 30 course is nearly identical in shape to the Firecrest 202, the 202 still edges it out in the tunnel. Like many Firecrest wheels, a 23mm tire tests fastest on these wheels, but for many applications this may not be the best choice. With a wide rim profile (25mm) and optional tubeless tire setup, riders can run as wide of a tire as their frame will allow at a very low pressure. This combination of a wide profile and low pressure provides great ride quality and handling characteristics.

The wheels are built tough and performed well when ridden through rain, gravel, dirt, mud and rocks. Off-road, the low pressure matched to the wide rims make for great traction and ride quality. When run with wide tires, the 30 Course felt stable and predictable despite 25mph crosswinds. All in all, the 30 Course is a great option for the cyclist with a disc brake compatible bike who likes to venture off-road.

RELATED: Buying Aero Wheels On A Budget

Specs

30 Course Disc-brake Clincher

•  1655g per Wheelset
•  26mm Wheel Depth
•  25mm Max Width
•  21mm Internal width
•  24 Rear Spoke Count
•  24 Front Spoke Count
•  Sapim Secure-Lock Nipples
•  Sapim CX-Ray Spokes
•  77/177D Hubs (same as new 202/303)  36 points of engagement
•  Available in 10/11-Speed Cassette Body (as well as XD driver)
•  Quick Release and Thru Axle Compatible)
•  Retail Availability: June 2015
•  Front Wheel: $445, €465, £355
•  Rear Wheel: $555, €580, £445

30 Course Disc-brake Tubular

•  1615g per Wheelset
•  26mm Wheel Depth
•  25mm Max Width
•  24 Rear Spoke Count
•  24 Front Spoke Count
•  Sapim Secure-Lock Nipples
•  Sapim CX-Ray Spokes
•  77/177D Hubs (same as new 202/303)  36 points of engagement
•  Available in 10/11-Speed Cassette Body (as well as XD driver)
•  Quick Release and Thru Axle Compatible)
•  Retail Availability: July 2015
•  Front Wheel: $445, €465, £355
•  Rear Wheel: $555, €580, £445

RELATED – 2015 Triathlete Buyer’s Guide: Wheels