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Hookless Makes You Faster
We didn’t re-invent the wheel; we just made it more efficient. From engineering a rim-to-tire interface that’s lighter and quicker, Zipp’s hookless rims ride smoother, and faster than a traditional hooked rim.
What is a hookless rim?
Hookless or Tubeless Straight Side (TSS) rims are designed without the inward-facing crocheted hooks like those found on standard clincher rims. Common in the auto industry with technology borrowed from motorcycles to long-haul truckers, hookless rims made to cleanly interface with the tires’ tubeless-ready bead, staying in place to ensure an air-tight seal. Zipp’s hookless rims are backed by extensive product testing and enable faster riding at lower pressures.
The hookless advantage
By eliminating rim hooks, hookless wheels are lighter, more durable, and create noticeable gains in rolling resistance, vibration damping, and aerodynamics.
Lower rolling resistance
TSS is a part of a holistic rim design that prioritizes wider internal rim widths and larger tire sizes to minimize rolling losses.
Reduced vibration loss
Running lower pressures reduces energy loss from vibration, making it significantly easier to overcome rough pavement.
Even more aero
Up to 15% of your total wind resistance is created by wheels. Hookless wheels provide cleaner transition points from rim to tire reduce airflow and drag.
Hookless in action
Tubeless Straight Side technology is a key part of Zipp’s full‑system approach to making you faster. Working together with rim width and shape, our hookless construction helps reduce rolling resistance, improve ride feel, and conquer the four real-world variables of speed.
What you need to know
Tire compatibility
A wide range of tires are compatible and optimized for hookless rims. Be sure to look at the compatibility guidelines through our tire guide before choosing your setup.
Caring for hookless
From fixing flats to topping off sealant, inspecting rim tape to general at-home maintenance, regular service for hookless can be done in a matter of minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Are hookless wheels faster than hooked rims?
TSS rim designs provide advantages when compared to standard hooked rims. They provide a cleaner aero transition between rim and tire, improvements in rolling efficiency and handling, and a more effective use of carbon material to achieve lighter and stronger rims.
Can I use any tubeless tire with hookless rims?
No, because hookless wheels rely on the rim-to-tire interface to seat, not all tires are designed for hookless rims. Today, there are more TSS compatible tires than ever, and our tire compatibility guide is a great place to pick the pair that work for you.
Do hookless wheels work with inner tubes?
Yes, hookless rims can be run tubeless or with a tube, so long as the tire is TSS compatible. Just double-check your valve length and you’re ready to go.
