Hi- I’m building a new bike and making the change to disc brakes and that led me down multiple rabbit holes (tubeless, rim depth, Bontgager, Roval, Zipp, Hunt, …). I’m leaning towards going with Zipp 303s wheels and there is plenty of information out there on short term use but I’m curious about riders that have been on them for longer. I’m generally an easy use case for wheels because most rides are done on paved roads and in good weather (weigh 165 lbs). I may do a bit of gravel as well but not too much. 1- How have the wheels held up for you and how about the hubs? Any need to replace bearings, how often? 2- Any problems with the hookless rims? I’m leaning towards using Conti S TR (28mm wide) tires but open to ideas. Other than getting over the idea that running lower tire pressure is actually ok going tubeless seems like a good idea. 3- I’m also considering Zipp 303 FC if the upgraded hub/rim is worth the extra money but I would prefer to not spend that much unless there is a clear benefit. Specialized Roval 38c wheels are also in the running as well because they are really on a good sale right now and seem like all around solid wheels. Thanks for any information!

[image] greenbike: How wide would you go for this? Depends entirely on what riding you’re doing and on what kind of roads. If you’re not racing then you likely don’t care about every last watt, in which case I would have thought the extra comfort and grip of 30mm would win out. And if riding on some rough road surfaces may well be as fast or faster anyway. Or just split the difference and go 28mm on the front where aero is more important, and 30mm on the back where comfort is more important.

Single watts don‘t matter, but it‘s nice to be faster here and there since I spend quite some time riding (and racing friends). :slight_smile: I‘m going to try your proposal with 28c in the front. Thanks!

I agree with @cartsman 28’s are a nice compromise between aero, comfort and rolling resistance for realistic real world road surfaces. That said, outside of solo riding/time trialing the differences will be pretty minimal.

[image] Cory.Rood: I agree with @cartsman 28’s are a nice compromise between aero, comfort and rolling resistance for realistic real world road surfaces. My 28’s are looking positively miniscule compared to some of the tires that are showing up on our regular group rides these days. :man_shrugging:t2: :man_shrugging:t2:

[image] Power13: My 28’s are looking positively miniscule compared I too thought that 30c is the „new 28c“. You mean people are joining road group rides with gravel tires now? :smile:

Just got myself a new bike and it came with 303S. In the box it came with the cassette and freehub off the wheel and after some fiddling I got it on and did my first ride. Just brought it in and threw the bike on my trainer in anticipation of my workout tonight and when taking the rear wheel off, the feehub slid off and I haven’t been able to fully seat it so the prawls engage the hub. Has anyone run into this?? I’m at a loss. I’ve only had cheap wheels until now and never had a freehub just slide off like nothing lol.

[image] willfromny: I’ve only had cheap wheels until now and never had a freehub just slide off like nothing lol. A lot of higher end wheels have freehub bodies that will come off like that…you just need to get it back in correctly.

Ah ok haha. I feel like an ape trying to get it to slide on the last little bit and failing :man_facepalming::joy:

Ok I’m still at a loss on how to get the freehub full in. Made a quick video showing what I’m looking at. New Zipp 303S - Can't get freehub in - YouTube

Are you pressing the pawls down while you’re installing the freehub? Look at ~6:50 of this video: [Swapping Freehub Bodies on Zipp Hubs]

TrainerRoad

Long Term Zipp 303s User Question (Zipp 303fc, Roval 38c)

Equipment

WindWarrior July 19, 2023, 11:57pm 61

And scroll up a post.

Topic		Replies	Views
ZIPP new wheel release imminent! Equipment wheels	41	3550	October 12, 2021
Zipp 303 XPLR Wheelset Equipment	162	12172	December 30, 2025
Best tubeless hookless tyres / tires Equipment wheels , tires	57	32047	March 21, 2023
Zipp's new 303-S wheelset Equipment wheels	17	6727	April 6, 2021
Hookless or not? Equipment	609	16862	July 31, 2025

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

This is the only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist. Listen to the latest episode and more.

We Are Here to Help!

Browse hundreds of articles in our Support Center or contact our world-class support team to get back on track.

Privacy Policy Disclaimer Terms Cookie Settings

Long Term Zipp 303s User Question (Zipp 303fc, Roval 38c)

Related topics

Get Faster with Adaptive Training

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast

We Are Here to Help!