Gravel wheels occupy a peculiar space in the component hierarchy—asked to survive rougher terrain than road wheels while remaining light enough that riders don't curse them on long climbs. Zipp's 101 XPLR front wheel addresses this tension with a 25mm internal width rim that supports the high-volume tires gravel demands, paired with a depth shallow enough to stay manageable when crosswinds sweep across open farmland. The 101 XPLR sits at the entry point of Zipp's gravel-specific lineup, bringing the brand's aerodynamic thinking to a price point that doesn't require justifying the purchase to anyone.

The 30mm rim depth keeps weight reasonable while still offering some aerodynamic benefit over a box-section rim. More importantly for gravel applications, the shallower profile reduces the sail effect that deeper wheels create in gusty conditions—a real consideration when you're already managing loose surfaces and unpredictable terrain. The 25mm internal width accommodates tires from 35mm up through 50mm, giving riders flexibility to run narrower rubber for smoother gravel or balloon tires for chunk and sand.

Zipp builds the 101 XPLR around their ZR1 hubset, which uses a 66-tooth ratchet engagement system. That translates to roughly 5.5 degrees of engagement—quick enough that power transfers without the momentary dead spot some hub designs exhibit when you stomp on the pedals after coasting. The hub shells are alloy rather than carbon, keeping costs down while maintaining the durability gravel riding requires.... Read More