Head to head
Zipp 303 FirecrestvsZipp 353 NSW
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
Zipp 303 FirecrestZipp 353 NSW
- Depth
- 5 mm apart
- 40 vs 45 mm
- External
- 0.5 mm apart
- 30 vs 30.5 mm
- Internal
- Identical
- 25 vs 25 mm
- Claimed weight
- 95 g apart
- 1,350 vs 1,255 g
- UK RRP
- £1,600 apart
- £1,800 vs £3,400
Rim depth
40 mm
45 mm
5 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
30 mm
30.5 mm
Governs how the rim and tyre meet the air, and frame clearance.
Zipp
303 Firecrest
RRP £1,800
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on rim height; tyre choice is restricted
Zipp
353 NSW
RRP £3,400
UCI mass-start road
Eligible — Eligible on rim height; tyre choice is restricted