Aero wheels are faster for every rider at every speed. Zipp®’s more than two decades of research, testing and results have proven that point. We’ve also shown that fine-tuning rim shape can significantly improve aerodynamics without sacrificing weight, acceleration or handling.
For the Zipp 101, we’ve transferred that knowledge into the world’s most aerodynamically advanced aluminum wheelset. It’s the most affordable way to take advantage of Zipp’s cutting-edge aero technologies and premium build quality. After all, these are the wheels pros log tens of thousands of tough training miles on each year.
The 101’s centerpiece is the first fully toroidal aluminum rim, developed in the wind tunnel with a proprietary profile curve extending across the braking surfaces. With this patented design, the 30 mm-deep 101 can exceed the aerodynamic performance of V-shaped rims with much deeper aero profiles. And no shallow-profile design comes close to the 101 in the wind tunnel or on the road, where the 101 can save up to 42 seconds over 40 km compared with the industry’s benchmark aluminum wheelset.
Creating the 101 required developing new technologies to conduct wind-tunnel testing using structural prototypes with fully inflated clincher tires. This makes the resulting test data more accurate and realistic than ever before. After our engineers honed in on the fastest shape, the manufacturing process required its own set of innovations for rolling, welding and machining the 101’s precisely curved toroidal profile.
With a maximum width of 23.79 mm to complement most common tire sizes, the bulged profile of the 101 smoothes airflow around the wheel more effectively than typical narrow rim designs. The 101’s wide platform also resists pinch flatting, improves lateral stiffness and provides stable handling without tire “squirm” on rough surfaces.
Because the rim is narrower at the hook bead than in the middle, the 101 can be used safely with tires as narrow as 21 mm, unlike other wide-profile clincher rims. The 101 is optimized for tires in the 23 to 25 mm range, those preferred by most roadies. The maximum recommended tire width for the 101 is 35 mm.
The 101’s rims are precision machined in Indianapolis. The 101 is laced with 18 front and 20 rear Sapim® CX-Ray spokes and Zipp’s new 88 /188 hubs with a wider bearing stance and Swiss steel bearings. The hubs are manufactured in Indiana using the proprietary Z310.9 alloy and feature oversize 17 mm axles and adjustable bearing preload.
