Looking for a more affordable, but high quality carbon clincher wheel? Zipp makes wheels that improve the performance and experience of the cyclist, period. The challenge for the Indianapolis company is to offer wheels at more accessible price points given the fact their carbon rims are made in-house, and the wheel assembly is done by hand in-house as well. The 302 Carbon Clincher road wheels were developed to create a high performance product at a lower price point without compromising quality. It is true, the smooth 45mm deep carbon rim of the 302 clincher doesn't feature the ABLC dimple process that improves aerodynamics, and the brake track is Zipp's standard carbon version, not the advanced Showstopper technology, but you can purchase this front wheel for $655.

You still get practical aerodynamic benefits, zero failure carbon clincher technology, and overall ride stability from the proven shape of the rim design. At 740 grams, with a rim shape featuring a 17.25mm clincher bead with and a max external (at brake track) 25.6mm width, the optimal tire size is 700x25, though 23-28mm all garner aerodynamic advantage. This is a fast, stable front clincher wheel. Zipp has never had a heat related failure with their carbon clincher/standard brake track combination, making it the best such combination we know of. For best braking and heat management, Zipp recommends their Tangente Platinum Pro Evo brake pads. Clearly any pad used should be carbon specific, and something like the SwissStop Flash EVO Black Prince Brake Pads are a great alternative.

This front Zipp 302 Carbon Clincher road wheel is built for durability and daily use as well as speed and stability. Laced to a Zipp 76 aluminum hub, with Sapim CX-Sprint j-bend steel spokes the 302 Carbon has a smooth ride quality that defies damage, and also is easier to service. Certainly j-bend spokes are much more common to find local bike shops and replace if necessary. This front wheel features 20 spokes, laced in a radial pattern with the excellent standard brass Sapim SecureLock external nipples. The standard quick release 76 hub axle end caps can be removed without tools for quick and easy cleaning and lubrication.

We love the concept and execution of the 302 carbon series wheels. Here, sold as a traditional road version, and otherwise available in a disc brake version, Zipp has brought some of their most most highly developed technologies together to create a wheel that is more cost effective and accessible, while still outstripping the competition with rims and build that are made and completed here in the US. You get the same Zipp quality and attention to detail for less money. That allows more cyclists to enjoy the capabilities of Zipp's incredible carbon rim technology. Add the rear partner of this front 302 Carbon Clincher and you get a 1645 gram aero carbon road wheelset for a list price of just $1500. That's a win, all the way around.