The 177 rear hub was engineered to replace the 188. This complete re-design optimizes the strength and stiffness of the machined aluminum body and offset flanges, allowing for greater tension with the 24 straight-pull Sapim CX-Sprint steel spokes and standard Sapim external nipples. The same pre-adjusted bearing system you have the front is used for the rear hub, as is the lightweight oversized axle. The 177 rear hub is also more user friendly then the 188 when swapping out freehubs, or changing to a SRAM XD driver. There is no need to re-dish the wheel for such changes. Whatever freehub type you use, engagement is smooth, immediate and confident.

The Zipp 202 Firecrest Carbon Clincher retains the classic 32mm rim depth of its tubular predecessor though, with the Firecrest profile, now has a wider 25.4mm max rim width, with a 16.25mm internal clincher bead width. Firecrest rims have a near-constant width from brake track to spoke bed to improve aerodynamics and better control airflow. Zipp used Computational Fluid Dynamics software analysis to maximize the aerodynamics of the rim and dimpled ABLC surface while minimizing wind-produced torque, resulting in a rim design that is faster and better handling. The brake track tapers to 24.62mm at the center, to ensure compatibility with most road braking systems. The braking surface features the molded in-groove technology that ensures excellent stopping power in wet, dry, or hot conditions. Optimal performance is achieved with the supplied Zipp Tangente Platinum Pro Evo brake pads. The Silicon Carbide particles employed in brake track resin add extreme hardness, making the track impervious to incidental damage. This combination of tech is called Showstopper, and the results are impressive and effective.

The concept of the 202 as pure climbing wheel from it's first release are tough to shake, but the evolution has been progressively pushing the 202 into the all-around class. With the development of Firecrest design, the 202 was there. Now, paired with the new 77/177 hub design/ spoke lacing, and the carbon clincher technology, any rider under 250lbs can enjoy exceptional lightweight aerodynamic performance and the convenience of clincher tires. We see the 202's as best paired under an attacking rider who favors acceleration and lightweight over greater aerodynamics of deeper section wheels, and prefers riding that combines legit climbing and descending, along with rolling mileage.