Carbon Wheel Finder

Head to head

Princeton CarbonWorks Grit 4540vsZipp 303 Firecrest

Both sections drawn to one scale, from each maker's published geometry. The differences you can see in the drawing are the differences that exist.

vs
Fig. — rim sections, one scale
Princeton CarbonWorks Grit 4540Zipp 303 Firecrest
45403230
Depth
5 mm apart
45 vs 40 mm
External
2 mm apart
32 vs 30 mm
Internal
Identical
25 vs 25 mm
Claimed weight
170 g apart
1,520 vs 1,350 g
UK RRP
£800 apart
£2,600 vs £1,800

Rim depth

40 / 45 mm

40 mm

3 mm apart. Deeper is faster on the flat; shallower is calmer in crosswind and lighter uphill. Neither is simply better.

Internal width

25 mm

25 mm

Identical — both suit the same tyre widths.

External width

32 mm

30 mm

Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.

Princeton CarbonWorks

Grit 4540

RRP £2,600

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on the rules we assess

Zipp

303 Firecrest

RRP £1,800

UCI mass-start road

Eligible Eligible on rim height; tyre choice is restricted