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Decoding Zipp wheels

Zipp wheels are designed and hand built with cutting-edge, pro-proven technology no matter which wheelset you ride. To help you understand the benefits of each wheel series, we’ve adopted naming conventions that you’ll see on Zipp wheel decals: NSW, SW, or S. So what’s with all the letters? Where did they come from and what do they mean? Let’s go back to the beginning and then cover all the basics of each series.

HISTORY | NSW WHEELS | S AND SW WHEELS | MTB WHEELS

Collage of Photos showing Zipp Wheel Development

The history

In 2015, Zipp engineers operated out of a high-security research and development lab nestled in the back of the Indianapolis Zipp factory. Dubbed “The Nest,” this served as the hatching place for Zipp’s highest performance and most technologically advanced wheels. To showcase Zipp’s newest and most innovative ideas, the NSW wheel series was born. The acronym standing for “Nest Speed Weaponry” signifies the most premium product in Zipp’s lineup. When you see NSW, think ultra light, super fast, and extra aero. 

Male rider checking axs app with 303 nsw equipped bike in background

NSW wheels for road

An NSW wheel set offers the ultimate in road racing performance with a unique rim shape that delivers unmatched aerodynamics and crosswind stability. Let's dive deeper into the advanced technologies that make NSW wheels special: 

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This patented rim shape features variable depth rims, which simultaneously reduce both aerodynamic drag and side force. The aero development process included utilizing a wind tunnel, real-world testing, and the science of “biomimicry” or mimicking nature. Zipp engineers looked to the tubercles or bumps on a humpback whale’s pectoral fins to draw inspiration for this technology. Those bumps make the whale more stable and efficient in the water, and Sawtooth rims work to provide similar performance benefits on the road.

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Hyperfoil is the name given to the individual nodes on Sawtooth rims. Each of these patented structures features dimples that help to stabilize handling in gusting wind. This added stability gives you greater control and saves energy that is typically expended trying to hold a line during a windy ride. The result is a faster, more confident riding experience even when the wind is working against you. 

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Hyperfoil is the name given to the individual nodes on Sawtooth rims. Each of these patented structures features dimples that help to stabilize handling in gusting wind. This added stability gives you greater control and saves energy that is typically expended trying to hold a line during a windy ride. The result is a faster, more confident riding experience even when the wind is working against you. 

Find your NSW wheels

353 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

353 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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454 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

454 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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858 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

858 NSW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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Male Rider on 303SW XPLR wheels climbing a steep gravel road in the mountains.

SW and S wheels for road and gravel

The SW and S wheel series bring all-road capability to all levels of road and gravel riders. Whether you’re at the pointy end of a group ride or touring across the country, you’ll confidently tackle pavement, dirt, and everything in between on SW and S wheels. Let’s go through the differences between the two series: 

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SW

Robust and Fast


These lightweight, premium wheels boast a carbon rim construction that prioritizes weight savings and features a dimpled finish for added aerodynamics. The ZR1 hubs offer a better seal design and quicker response with 66 points of engagement.

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S

Dependable and Durable


When durability and affordability matter most, S-level wheels excel with quality carbon rims featuring a smooth finish. The 76/176 hubs have strong carbon-steel bearings and 36 points of engagement.

TECH TIP: Does your SW or S wheel also say XPLR on the rim? That means you’ve got a purpose-built gravel wheel set optimized for comfort and speed on even the roughest roads and trails. XPLR wheels have an ultra-wide internal rim width and 54mm deep rim profile to achieve speed through measurable gains in aerodynamics, vibration loss, control, and durability.

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Find your road or gravel wheel

303 SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

303 SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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303 S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

303 S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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303 XPLR SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

303 XPLR SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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303 XPLR S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

303 XPLR S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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silhouette of mtb rider on zipp 1zero hitop wheels

SW and S wheels for MTB

Dreaming of ripping through rocks, ruts, and roots without losing speed, traction, or confidence on XC trails? Zipp’s 1ZERO HITOP SW and 1ZERO HITOP S wheelsets make that a reality. Both the SW and S level wheels utilize Zipp’s proprietary HITOP carbon layup for exceptional trail compliance. They differ in just a couple ways: 

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SW

Premium and Ultra-light


Built with a ZM2 SL lightweight hubset, you’ll enjoy the responsiveness of 66 points of engagement. You can also monitor your tire pressure in real time with the included TyreWiz 2.0.

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S

Rough-and-Ready


The ZM 900 SL hub offers a solid 52 points of engagement, and you can easily upgrade to TyreWiz 2.0 in the future.

Find your MTB wheel

1ZERO HiTOP SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

1ZERO HiTOP SW TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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1ZERO HiTOP S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

1ZERO HiTOP S TUBELESS DISC BRAKE

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Get to know the Zipp AXS wheel sensor

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Zipp hub technology

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