The Zipp 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher has become a default choice for those seeking a truly top-end wheel because it does so many things well. By now everybody is familiar with the Firecrest rim shape that increases aerodynamics, stability in crosswinds, tire performance, brake performance and strength all at the same time. Black rim decals are borderless, thinner and lighter. But the most compelling reason to get the Zipp 303 is its incredibly low 855 gram weight for the rear or 1540 grams per pair helps make the dream of a 15-pound bike with Paris Roubaix strength a reality.

New for 2014, the 303 Firecrest Carbon Clincher is built with a the latest iteration of the 188 rear hub, the V9, along with new spoke-lacing pattern for the rear wheel - refinements that result in improved stiffness and durability. The new hub was developed in cooperation of superstar sprinter Mark Cavendish plus other pro athletes and teams. The new 188/V9 hub has larger precision Swiss steel bearings for increased durability.

New 2-cross lacing on both sides also helps to increase stiffness and durability. The 188/V9 has 25 percent more torsional stiffness than a leading competitive hub. This measure of stiffness is crucial for the direct power transfer to the rear wheel for out-of-the saddle sprints and climbs. The new hub also is laterally (side-to-side) stiffer that its rival or predecessor.

Firecrest's signature shaping is designed to optimize both halves of the wheel and balance the center of pressure. This creates a 45mm sectioned rim that is significantly faster than other deeper rims while handling crosswinds like a box-sectioned rim. The 28.5mm rim width - 26.4mm at the brake track make for uninterrupted airflow over the tire/rim and improves tire performance and cornering. Despite its ultra-light weight, the 303 is utterly dependable. In fact, the 303 is the first carbon wheel to win Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders.

The new wheels retain all the small details that make Zipp wheels what they are. Exposed spoke nipples sit in the aerodynamic shadow of the rims, keeping serviceability simple without compromising speed. And Zipp's signature ABLC™ rim dimples squeeze every last second of performance possible.