{"id":2079898,"date":"2026-08-05T15:20:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2079898"},"modified":"2026-08-05T15:20:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:20:42","slug":"zipp-202-nsw-wheel-review-lively-light-but-ever-so-expensive-for-whats-on-the-table","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2079898","title":{"rendered":"Zipp 202 NSW wheel review: Lively, light, but ever so expensive for what\u2019s on the table"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nreview-article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pretty-verdict\" data-component-name=\"pretty-verdict\">\n<div class=\"pretty-verdict__heading-container\">\n<h3>\nCyclingnews Verdict<br \/>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pretty-verdict__verdict\">\n<p>In isolation, these are lovely wheels to ride. Light, reactive, stiff enough to feel lively but not so stiff they rattle the fillings out of your mouth, and they are a true joy on twisty descents. They are, however, really rather expensive, could be lighter, and aren&#8217;t as aero as wheels that are deeper but only marginally heavier. <\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"cycling-tech-components\" data-model-name=\"Zipp 202 NSW Road Bike Wheels\" data-name=\"TOP widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-show-widget-title=\"0\" data-widget-type=\"review\" class=\"hawk-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-transparent\" data-product-type=\"200\"> Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pretty-verdict__pros\">\n<h4 class=\"pros__heading\">\nPros<br \/>\n<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span>+<\/span>\n<p>Lovely ride characteristics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><span>+<\/span>\n<p>Stiff, but not too stiff<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><span>+<\/span>\n<p>Tyre pressures printed on the side<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"pretty-verdict__cons\">\n<h4 class=\"cons__heading\">\nCons<br \/>\n<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span>&#8211;<\/span>\n<p>Hookless may not be popular<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><span>&#8211;<\/span>\n<p>Could be lighter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><span>&#8211;<\/span>\n<p>Really quite expensive<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"pretty-verdict\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" class=\"w-full mt-5 border-t border-[#ededed] border-solid\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"mt-5 text-base font-bold text-black pb-2.5\">Best picks for you<\/div>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col pl-4 pr-2 bg-none \">\n<li class=\"w-full mb-2 list-disc list-outside -indent-0.5\" id=\"recirculation-related-pretty-verdict-1\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-1\">\n                    Best road bike wheels 2026: Aero options tested for a faster ride\n                <\/li>\n<li class=\"w-full mb-2 list-disc list-outside -indent-0.5\" id=\"recirculation-related-pretty-verdict-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-2\">\n                    Best gravel wheelsets 2026: The best wheels for off-road adventures and racing\n                <\/li>\n<li class=\"w-full mb-2 list-disc list-outside -indent-0.5\" id=\"recirculation-related-pretty-verdict-3\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-pretty-verdict-3\">\n                    Best aero road bikes 2026: Ridden, rated, and wind tunnel tested\n                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-xs leading-5 mb-2 text-left py-2 md:px-4\" id=\"how-we-test\"><span class=\"font-bold text-primary-500\">You can trust Cyclingnews<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span>Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<p id=\"elk-07e05c96-8cf0-11f1-9755-439b4a35e132\">Light climbing wheels aren\u2019t dead, but they\u2019re certainly in a hospital bed, on a drip, and the immediate family has been told to come and visit. In the last decade, an ever-increasing focus on aerodynamics has seen the shallow wheel go from something approximating the default to a much more specialist option when considering the best road bike wheels, for those wanting to prioritise weight over all else.<\/p>\n<p>Even lightweight bikes like the Scott Addict RC Ultimate are coming equipped with mid-depth wheels, as are all-rounders. It seemed a little against the run of play, then, when Zipp came out with a brand new 202 NSW wheelset earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07e05c96-8cf0-11f1-9755-439b4a35e132-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I\u2019ve been using them in a range of really quite hilly environments, as is befitting. Full alpine ascents were scaled, as well as the savage and relentless Cornish coastal roads back at home, mostly aboard the new Cannondale SuperSix Evo, but also aboard the new Cannondale CAAD14 to try and invigorate what is quite a stolid machine as stock. They\u2019re good wheels, but given their quite enormous price tag and some quite lacklustre constituent parts, I can\u2019t really get on board with them with my consumer advice head on.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"3\" id=\"elk-e2d3588a-8f11-11f1-b3eb-4d8bcf5bd28e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 3<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">A very good wheelset for alpine meadows it must be said, or at least the roads that run between them.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">I hooked my set up with a set of 30mm Contis. Small weight penalty over a 28, but worth it for the extra comfort and grip.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"2\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">I do really rate that the maximum pressures are printed on the side of the rim.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 3 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"design-and-aesthetics-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Design and aesthetics<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e05d86-8cf0-11f1-9c99-09dc8795a1b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If you\u2019ve been riding a while, you probably think of shallow tubs when you see the \u2018202\u2019 number. While Hunt has produced lightweight tubular wheels in recent years, these are very much modern in terms of their tyre setup: tubeless, and as with Zipp&#8217;s other options, hookless.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Hookless may not be the most popular thing in the world at the present moment. But the 23mm internal width should mean slightly enhanced compatibility with narrower (read: lighter) tyres than more progressive widths, but it does feel a touch backwards-looking in this day and age when 25mm internal is becoming something approaching the norm.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One thing I do like is that the maximum pressures for a range of widths are printed on the sidewall, so no annoying googling in the garage before the ride. There isn\u2019t, however, a list of approved tyres as with so many other Zipp wheels as yet; I mounted up a set of 30mm Continental GP5000 S TRs (living to tell the tale) and set off into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The wheelset comes in at 1,090g, though Zipp does state that this is the 90th percentile weight and that most sets will come in under this weight. On my scales, the pair came in at 1,050g, which is certainly light, but it\u2019s not <em>crazy<\/em> light, as I\u2019ll get into shortly. Part of this is down to the slightly odd decision to use metal, j-bend spokes which tip the scales at 3.3g each.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While it\u2019s true that not every high-performance wheel uses carbon spokes, they\u2019re definitely the norm on wheelsets that retail for just under \u00a33.400\/$4,200\/\u20ac3,800 as these do. Each of the spokes is in the region of a gram heavier than a carbon counterpart, so for a grand total of 40 spokes (20 front, 20 rear), that\u2019s 40g left on the table, and would have got my wheelset 10g under the kilo mark. Using carbon spokes also normally allows you to reduce the spoke count, which would further reduce the weight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While we\u2019re on the subject of spokes, Zipp is continuing to use J-bend instead of straight pull. This means the hub flange in general needs to be larger, which creates a slightly heavier hub, but also means a wider angle for the spokes to diverge, as well as a shorter distance for them to traverse, which could have improvements in stiffness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking to Bristol\u2019s premier wheel guru, Rob Borek, it transpires many brands have switched to straight pull because it makes the hubs cheaper to produce in mass quantities as you need less material, but it also means you can lace them more easily with machines. I don\u2019t personally think there\u2019s any great issue with J-bend or with straight pull spokes. If the wheels are decent and fit your needs and budget, choosing to not go with them because the spokes aren\u2019t straight is quite mad, and at least here you\u2019ll have no worries about non-captive spokes ejecting from the hub under hard impacts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Inside the hubs there are ceramic bearings as standard, along with a 6-pawl ratchet offering up 66 points of engagement, which for road cycling is plenty, given instant reactivity isn\u2019t nearly so crucial as it is in the world of techy MTB. Mirroring the spokes, the use of pawls rather than a star ratchet feels a little out of keeping with the premium price of these, though it must be said I never had any issues with the engagement itself, and they are mercifully a lot quieter than the alternative, which is bliss when sending down long descents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aesthetics is a hard one to call on what is ultimately a pair of black circles, as most wheels are. I do quite like the graphics, which comprise a series of well-placed dash fades that make me think of 1980\u2019s motifs in greyscale. The hubs, though, don&#8217;t have that same premium aesthetic from a visual standpoint, but I think the most egregious thing is the silver nipples, which cheapen things significantly. There\u2019s nothing different to black ones in terms of performance, really, but they just look out of place on a wheelset at this price.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"3\" id=\"elk-e2d3590c-8f11-11f1-8ccc-e3a3ca68150c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 3<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">While it&#8217;s hard to make wheels look all that different, I like the slightly 80&#8217;s inspired motifs on the graphics.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">J-bend spokes aren&#8217;t bad in and of themselves, though they do mean a heavier hub.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"2\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">It strikes me that carbon spokes on a lightweight wheelset really are a no brainer nowadays though.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 3 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"performance-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Performance<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e0609c-8cf0-11f1-9f92-5d45271f42c1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I gave the Zipp 202s the best possible start in life with four days in the French Alps after the Dauphin\u00e9, including tackling the Col de Sarenne and Alpe d\u2019Huez, plus several white-knuckle descents down the latter to really test their chops. They are, it must be said, an extremely pleasant set of wheels to ride, mounted up to a suitable machine; in my case the new Cannondale SuperSix Evo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I didn\u2019t have any issues mounting the tyres to the hookless rims. I am personally not overly enamoured with hookless rims for the road, but I do applaud Zipp for at least putting the maximum pressures on the sidewalls to stop me absent-mindedly causing an explosion in the office basement. Both a 28c Specialized Rapidair set and then a set of GP5000s went on with just a track pump (I managed to shred the former set instantly on some comically large shards of glass, it seems), and neither set lost more air than would be expected between rides.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The low weight is a big plus, and whether it was alpine climbs or the relentless, steep ramps on a trip down to Cornwall to raid the coastal roads, I was glad of the low mass. They certainly have that immediacy that is a function of both the weight and the stiffness. They never felt harsh, though. The 30mm rubber likely helps in this regard, but compared to some wheels, especially deeper options, they\u2019re really quite mellow to ride over subpar tarmac, which the UK has in abundance for those of you unfamiliar with what can be charitably called our road network.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On descents is really where they came alive though. That lower rotating mass makes steering with precision a touch easier, and coupled with a reduced susceptibility to buffeting from the wind by virtue of just having a smaller side profile, they\u2019re far less easily blown off course than many deeper options I\u2019ve tried over the years. In hard cornering, whether full hairpins or fast open bends with more flow, they stood up extremely well, offering an extremely composed feel. I know in my head that the faster you go the more aerodynamics matters, and so on descents it\u2019s perhaps even easier to argue the case for a slightly heavier but more aerodynamic wheelset, but I am a staunch believer in not living your riding life purely through the medium of a wattage chart; these feel brilliant on descents and you will have a lot of fun in a far greater range of conditions with them on versus something deep, in general terms.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They do, however, suffer against their deeper counterparts on the flat. The shallower depth will be less aero, but the lower mass also means at higher speeds you don\u2019t have that flywheel feeling. They\u2019re just a bit more of an effort to keep pushing on with on the flat, but you already expected that, didn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ultimately, with mid-depth wheels reducing in weight and becoming the norm, the true shallow mountain wheel is now a very special tool, and with the price as it is for these wheels, it\u2019s quite a hard sell if you don\u2019t live somewhere especially mountainous.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"2\" id=\"elk-e2d35984-8f11-11f1-b8ee-3f520bffa747\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Also, silver spoke nipples cheapens things a little. Make them black!<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">If this is to be your only wheelset then make sure you&#8217;re living somewhere really hilly.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"value-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Value<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e06196-8cf0-11f1-ae14-5b1221426929\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Zipp 202 NSW wheels are really quite eye-wateringly expensive at \u00a33.400\/$4,200\/\u20ac3,800, and I can\u2019t help but feel like Zipp could have done more with these. They\u2019re light, but not as light as some hyperlight options. To make life easier for you, I\u2019ve graphed up a few key lightweight wheelsets, plotting both their quoted weight and their RRP, and these come out amongst the heaviest and the most expensive, which makes them quite a hard sell for a reentry into the lightweight specialised wheel market.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The spokes probably should be carbon at this price and with weight in mind, but make the nipples black to make them look more premium or make them internal to improve the aero package. Give us a new lighter hub just for these or something, maybe?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ad9f2f2c-8f16-11f1-be35-212579575c19\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"verdict-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Verdict<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e0625e-8cf0-11f1-bb6e-2113b6e2137b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If you live in Chamonix, Bern, Steamboat Springs, or Perranporth and you want a decent set of wheels for up hill and down dale, then these are good, and you will have a good time, especially if you prioritise handling, but you\u2019re going to get more for your money elsewhere. And if your rides don\u2019t look like a Toblerone every time you saddle up, then being realistic these are an awful lot of cash for a wheel that is not going to be ideally suited to your needs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u2018But I\u2019m doing the Marmotte next year and need a wheelset for that!\u2019 I hear you cry. If you\u2019ve got the cash, then fill your boots, but if this is going to be your only wheelset, then I\u2019d suggest going for something more general.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9fd8515e-8f14-11f1-8fa2-edb7bf07270b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Despite the price, cutting about on these wheels in the Alps was a dream. <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Will Jones)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-47a39816-8f16-11f1-8208-63a68c869e36\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Design and aesthetics<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>They look cool in my opinion, but lack of carbon spokes leaves weight on the table, and silver spoke nipples look cheap. Road hookless also won&#8217;t appeal to everyone.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Performance<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>In the terrain they&#8217;re designed for, the high mountains, they&#8217;re excellent both up the ascent and down the other side, offering primo climbing and composed descending. Lack the aero chops on the flat, however. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Weight<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>They&#8217;re impressively light, but heavier than many other superlight options. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Setup and compatibility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>No dramas here, tyres go on with just a track pump. No approved tyre list as yet though, and road hookless means you need to make sure what you&#8217;re using plays nicely. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Value<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>These are very expensive for what they&#8217;re bringing to the party. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Overall<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 5 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>76%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-article-category=\"cycling-tech-components\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-model-name=\"Zipp 202 NSW Road Bike Wheels\" data-name=\"BOT widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-type=\"review\" class=\"hawk-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-editorial-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-container\">Zipp 202 NSW Road Bike Wheels: Price Comparison<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-items-container hawk-review-items-grid-items\" data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container hawk-review-items-grid-item\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"false\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/misc\/no-image-available.svg\" alt=\"View Similar Amazon US\" title=\"View Similar Amazon US\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-us-15006529670367-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"buySimilar\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">No price information<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Check Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-description\">We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-inner-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-powered-by-container\">powered by <\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/sites\/svg\/cyclingnews.svg\" alt=\"Cyclingnews\" title=\"Cyclingnews\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-site-logo-powered-by\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"60\" height=\"30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Tech<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcdGNkZsAp22gXEbfMFpjU-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcdGNkZsAp22gXEbfMFpjU.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcdGNkZsAp22gXEbfMFpjU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rcdGNkZsAp22gXEbfMFpjU.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Will Jones<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior Tech Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He\u2019s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He\u2019s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn\u2019t ever ride indoors he\u2019s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Zipp\u2019s new wheels are allegedly faster than Scopes at a third of the price<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HvRqLQY3fX9zMmf9qxFZoH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HvRqLQY3fX9zMmf9qxFZoH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HvRqLQY3fX9zMmf9qxFZoH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HvRqLQY3fX9zMmf9qxFZoH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HvRqLQY3fX9zMmf9qxFZoH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Best aero road bikes 2026: Ridden, rated, and wind tunnel tested<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What are the fastest UCI-legal road wheels? Wind tunnel testing the big-name brands and Chinese contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Incolour SSR review: Lightweight, aero, and shockingly uncomfortable<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed review: Properly rapid race-day tyres, but setup gremlins and resilience affect them<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Winspace M6 review: An excellent all rounder that easily competes against bigger and more established brands<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sKWF6VNwL8aBFdUFVhiyPR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What are the fastest UCI-legal road wheels? Wind tunnel testing the big-name brands and Chinese contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Pm6DzMEABQ2rYoesxef9y9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Pm6DzMEABQ2rYoesxef9y9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Pm6DzMEABQ2rYoesxef9y9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Pm6DzMEABQ2rYoesxef9y9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Pm6DzMEABQ2rYoesxef9y9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Shimano launches brand new Dura-Ace wheel range, does this mean a new groupset is imminent?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/S7AJG6Q5Lzt8F7H2sdETYb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Zipp\u2019s new wheels are allegedly faster than Scopes at a third of the price<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZj3sDiKEAcjSdYZRCgBg4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZj3sDiKEAcjSdYZRCgBg4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZj3sDiKEAcjSdYZRCgBg4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZj3sDiKEAcjSdYZRCgBg4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AZj3sDiKEAcjSdYZRCgBg4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">62mm deep and sub-1300g weight, Black Inc launches \u20ac4,599 Hyper 62 wheels<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZDvTVJVie8TsVDUB9yaKE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZDvTVJVie8TsVDUB9yaKE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZDvTVJVie8TsVDUB9yaKE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZDvTVJVie8TsVDUB9yaKE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qZDvTVJVie8TsVDUB9yaKE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Specialized Cotton TLR road tyre review: A mighty blend of tubeless performance and speed<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SLJc8wYQNZTuWTyZuC6Gr3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Wheels &amp; Tyres<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Vittoria Corsa Pro Speed review: Properly rapid race-day tyres, but setup gremlins and resilience affect them<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Reviews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WBh896HsfYtpkexwv3kegf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Winspace M6 review: An excellent all rounder that easily competes against bigger and more established brands<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T3qkGNBdbjFYSPcG8ExYAh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T3qkGNBdbjFYSPcG8ExYAh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T3qkGNBdbjFYSPcG8ExYAh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T3qkGNBdbjFYSPcG8ExYAh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/T3qkGNBdbjFYSPcG8ExYAh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cannondale CAAD14 review: The bones of a brilliant machine but misses the mark in several ways<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ckwrFbHGWqKTZ2zM7DzrK6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Incolour SSR review: Lightweight, aero, and shockingly uncomfortable<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHyQYfuVn6dhTFkBqamm2X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHyQYfuVn6dhTFkBqamm2X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHyQYfuVn6dhTFkBqamm2X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHyQYfuVn6dhTFkBqamm2X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SHyQYfuVn6dhTFkBqamm2X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accessories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quoc M Pro Lace cycling shoes review: Same fantastic styling, but with improved foot retention and a lower price<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69NRSHtb7KTVFnwvRSZQZB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69NRSHtb7KTVFnwvRSZQZB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69NRSHtb7KTVFnwvRSZQZB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69NRSHtb7KTVFnwvRSZQZB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/69NRSHtb7KTVFnwvRSZQZB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cannondale SuperSix Evo 2026 review: A delight to ride, but is it really any better than the old one?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6p5SNuJdgRMn97S8MW2ci-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6p5SNuJdgRMn97S8MW2ci-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6p5SNuJdgRMn97S8MW2ci-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6p5SNuJdgRMn97S8MW2ci-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E6p5SNuJdgRMn97S8MW2ci-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Road Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Seka Spear review: Incredible specs and dialled geometry, but a disappointment in one vital area<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bjYvuvc4TjCqzSaMVJc7bM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bjYvuvc4TjCqzSaMVJc7bM-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bjYvuvc4TjCqzSaMVJc7bM-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bjYvuvc4TjCqzSaMVJc7bM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Vuelta a Burgos: Oscar Onley takes first victory with Netcompany Ineos on stage 2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Tour de Pologne stage 3: unstoppable Jonathan Milan claims hat-trick of bunch sprint victories<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>&#8216;Salaries are being paid that defy all logic&#8217; \u2013 As the Tour de France Femmes booms, there are warnings about the economics of women&#8217;s cycling<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Two riders disqualified after getting caught holding onto team car as cheating controversy hits Tour de Guadeloupe again \u2013 Video<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>How does padding out your bra make you faster on a bike?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<p id=\"elk-07e05c96-8cf0-11f1-9755-439b4a35e132\">Light climbing wheels aren\u2019t dead, but they\u2019re certainly in a hospital bed, on a drip, and the immediate family has been told to come and visit. In the last decade, an ever-increasing focus on aerodynamics has seen the shallow wheel go from something approximating the default to a much more specialist option when considering the best road bike wheels, for those wanting to prioritise weight over all else.<\/p>\n<p>Even lightweight bikes like the Scott Addict RC Ultimate are coming equipped with mid-depth wheels, as are all-rounders. It seemed a little against the run of play, then, when Zipp came out with a brand new 202 NSW wheelset earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-07e05c96-8cf0-11f1-9755-439b4a35e132-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I\u2019ve been using them in a range of really quite hilly environments, as is befitting. Full alpine ascents were scaled, as well as the savage and relentless Cornish coastal roads back at home, mostly aboard the new Cannondale SuperSix Evo, but also aboard the new Cannondale CAAD14 to try and invigorate what is quite a stolid machine as stock. They\u2019re good wheels, but given their quite enormous price tag and some quite lacklustre constituent parts, I can\u2019t really get on board with them with my consumer advice head on.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"3\" id=\"elk-e2d3588a-8f11-11f1-b3eb-4d8bcf5bd28e\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 3<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">A very good wheelset for alpine meadows it must be said, or at least the roads that run between them.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">I hooked my set up with a set of 30mm Contis. Small weight penalty over a 28, but worth it for the extra comfort and grip.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"2\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">I do really rate that the maximum pressures are printed on the side of the rim.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CYyy37pUsCAHC5sHjaNF9M-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 3 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZZKHBpj9tLu85UZsLbYxvM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"design-and-aesthetics-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Design and aesthetics<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e05d86-8cf0-11f1-9c99-09dc8795a1b1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If you\u2019ve been riding a while, you probably think of shallow tubs when you see the \u2018202\u2019 number. While Hunt has produced lightweight tubular wheels in recent years, these are very much modern in terms of their tyre setup: tubeless, and as with Zipp&#8217;s other options, hookless.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Hookless may not be the most popular thing in the world at the present moment. But the 23mm internal width should mean slightly enhanced compatibility with narrower (read: lighter) tyres than more progressive widths, but it does feel a touch backwards-looking in this day and age when 25mm internal is becoming something approaching the norm.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One thing I do like is that the maximum pressures for a range of widths are printed on the sidewall, so no annoying googling in the garage before the ride. There isn\u2019t, however, a list of approved tyres as with so many other Zipp wheels as yet; I mounted up a set of 30mm Continental GP5000 S TRs (living to tell the tale) and set off into the mountains.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The wheelset comes in at 1,090g, though Zipp does state that this is the 90th percentile weight and that most sets will come in under this weight. On my scales, the pair came in at 1,050g, which is certainly light, but it\u2019s not <em>crazy<\/em> light, as I\u2019ll get into shortly. Part of this is down to the slightly odd decision to use metal, j-bend spokes which tip the scales at 3.3g each.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-G7skRoL7GoeZerdrjb4eph slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While it\u2019s true that not every high-performance wheel uses carbon spokes, they\u2019re definitely the norm on wheelsets that retail for just under \u00a33.400\/$4,200\/\u20ac3,800 as these do. Each of the spokes is in the region of a gram heavier than a carbon counterpart, so for a grand total of 40 spokes (20 front, 20 rear), that\u2019s 40g left on the table, and would have got my wheelset 10g under the kilo mark. Using carbon spokes also normally allows you to reduce the spoke count, which would further reduce the weight.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">While we\u2019re on the subject of spokes, Zipp is continuing to use J-bend instead of straight pull. This means the hub flange in general needs to be larger, which creates a slightly heavier hub, but also means a wider angle for the spokes to diverge, as well as a shorter distance for them to traverse, which could have improvements in stiffness.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Speaking to Bristol\u2019s premier wheel guru, Rob Borek, it transpires many brands have switched to straight pull because it makes the hubs cheaper to produce in mass quantities as you need less material, but it also means you can lace them more easily with machines. I don\u2019t personally think there\u2019s any great issue with J-bend or with straight pull spokes. If the wheels are decent and fit your needs and budget, choosing to not go with them because the spokes aren\u2019t straight is quite mad, and at least here you\u2019ll have no worries about non-captive spokes ejecting from the hub under hard impacts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Inside the hubs there are ceramic bearings as standard, along with a 6-pawl ratchet offering up 66 points of engagement, which for road cycling is plenty, given instant reactivity isn\u2019t nearly so crucial as it is in the world of techy MTB. Mirroring the spokes, the use of pawls rather than a star ratchet feels a little out of keeping with the premium price of these, though it must be said I never had any issues with the engagement itself, and they are mercifully a lot quieter than the alternative, which is bliss when sending down long descents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Aesthetics is a hard one to call on what is ultimately a pair of black circles, as most wheels are. I do quite like the graphics, which comprise a series of well-placed dash fades that make me think of 1980\u2019s motifs in greyscale. The hubs, though, don&#8217;t have that same premium aesthetic from a visual standpoint, but I think the most egregious thing is the silver nipples, which cheapen things significantly. There\u2019s nothing different to black ones in terms of performance, really, but they just look out of place on a wheelset at this price.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"3\" id=\"elk-e2d3590c-8f11-11f1-8ccc-e3a3ca68150c\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 3<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">While it&#8217;s hard to make wheels look all that different, I like the slightly 80&#8217;s inspired motifs on the graphics.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">J-bend spokes aren&#8217;t bad in and of themselves, though they do mean a heavier hub.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"2\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">It strikes me that carbon spokes on a lightweight wheelset really are a no brainer nowadays though.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zRDnRMHcBeePd8BnhKyerK-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WDzYCPcKhDAnvuGkttmGZP-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"2\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 3 of 3\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2SwhuxJbSyVajoLmDCGR5P-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"performance-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Performance<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e0609c-8cf0-11f1-9f92-5d45271f42c1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I gave the Zipp 202s the best possible start in life with four days in the French Alps after the Dauphin\u00e9, including tackling the Col de Sarenne and Alpe d\u2019Huez, plus several white-knuckle descents down the latter to really test their chops. They are, it must be said, an extremely pleasant set of wheels to ride, mounted up to a suitable machine; in my case the new Cannondale SuperSix Evo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I didn\u2019t have any issues mounting the tyres to the hookless rims. I am personally not overly enamoured with hookless rims for the road, but I do applaud Zipp for at least putting the maximum pressures on the sidewalls to stop me absent-mindedly causing an explosion in the office basement. Both a 28c Specialized Rapidair set and then a set of GP5000s went on with just a track pump (I managed to shred the former set instantly on some comically large shards of glass, it seems), and neither set lost more air than would be expected between rides.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The low weight is a big plus, and whether it was alpine climbs or the relentless, steep ramps on a trip down to Cornwall to raid the coastal roads, I was glad of the low mass. They certainly have that immediacy that is a function of both the weight and the stiffness. They never felt harsh, though. The 30mm rubber likely helps in this regard, but compared to some wheels, especially deeper options, they\u2019re really quite mellow to ride over subpar tarmac, which the UK has in abundance for those of you unfamiliar with what can be charitably called our road network.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On descents is really where they came alive though. That lower rotating mass makes steering with precision a touch easier, and coupled with a reduced susceptibility to buffeting from the wind by virtue of just having a smaller side profile, they\u2019re far less easily blown off course than many deeper options I\u2019ve tried over the years. In hard cornering, whether full hairpins or fast open bends with more flow, they stood up extremely well, offering an extremely composed feel. I know in my head that the faster you go the more aerodynamics matters, and so on descents it\u2019s perhaps even easier to argue the case for a slightly heavier but more aerodynamic wheelset, but I am a staunch believer in not living your riding life purely through the medium of a wattage chart; these feel brilliant on descents and you will have a lot of fun in a far greater range of conditions with them on versus something deep, in general terms.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">They do, however, suffer against their deeper counterparts on the flat. The shallower depth will be less aero, but the lower mass also means at higher speeds you don\u2019t have that flywheel feeling. They\u2019re just a bit more of an effort to keep pushing on with on the flat, but you already expected that, didn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ultimately, with mid-depth wheels reducing in weight and becoming the norm, the true shallow mountain wheel is now a very special tool, and with the price as it is for these wheels, it\u2019s quite a hard sell if you don\u2019t live somewhere especially mountainous.<\/p>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery inlinegallery inline-layout extended-layout full-width-layout first-slide-only kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Elk:Gallery:ImageGallery\" data-inline-gallery data-inline-gallery-progress-template=\"Image {currentSlide} of {totalSlides}\" data-inline-gallery-total-slides=\"2\" id=\"elk-e2d35984-8f11-11f1-b8ee-3f520bffa747\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__count counts\"><span class=\"slidecount current\" data-inline-gallery-count><br \/>\nImage 1 of 2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"inline-gallery__items inlinegallery-wrap\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-track>\n<div aria-hidden=\"false\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">Also, silver spoke nipples cheapens things a little. Make them black!<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" data-swipeable=\"true\" data-inline-gallery-slide-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"items__item inlinegallery-item\" data-inline-gallery-slide data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"item__image-cont\">\n<div class=\"image-cont__image\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding inlinegallery-item\" data-index=\"1\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"caption-credit__figcaption\"><span class=\"caption-credit__caption\">If this is to be your only wheelset then make sure you&#8217;re living somewhere really hilly.<\/span><span class=\"caption-credit__credit credit\"><br \/>\n(Image credit: Will Jones)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-images\" data-inline-gallery-expanded hidden>\n<div class=\"expanded-images__items\">\n<div class=\"react-swipeable-view-container\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-track>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 1 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aLmBhNvq6hcfrmLKjX8j6N-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__item\" data-inline-gallery-expanded-frame data-index=\"1\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__surroundings show\">\n<div class=\"surroundings__expanded-count\">\nImage 2 of 2\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"view-original__text\">View Original<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"expanded-slide__image-wrap\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-2560-80.jpg.webp 2560w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nnDWBJeAFjX3cxK5aiAxaP-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"value-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Value<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e06196-8cf0-11f1-ae14-5b1221426929\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Zipp 202 NSW wheels are really quite eye-wateringly expensive at \u00a33.400\/$4,200\/\u20ac3,800, and I can\u2019t help but feel like Zipp could have done more with these. They\u2019re light, but not as light as some hyperlight options. To make life easier for you, I\u2019ve graphed up a few key lightweight wheelsets, plotting both their quoted weight and their RRP, and these come out amongst the heaviest and the most expensive, which makes them quite a hard sell for a reentry into the lightweight specialised wheel market.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The spokes probably should be carbon at this price and with weight in mind, but make the nipples black to make them look more premium or make them internal to improve the aero package. Give us a new lighter hub just for these or something, maybe?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ad9f2f2c-8f16-11f1-be35-212579575c19\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-1200-80.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-970-80.png.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-480-80.png.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hsWz4BGgHgU3Mc2dY2oQWX-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"verdict-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Verdict<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-07e0625e-8cf0-11f1-bb6e-2113b6e2137b\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If you live in Chamonix, Bern, Steamboat Springs, or Perranporth and you want a decent set of wheels for up hill and down dale, then these are good, and you will have a good time, especially if you prioritise handling, but you\u2019re going to get more for your money elsewhere. And if your rides don\u2019t look like a Toblerone every time you saddle up, then being realistic these are an awful lot of cash for a wheel that is not going to be ideally suited to your needs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u2018But I\u2019m doing the Marmotte next year and need a wheelset for that!\u2019 I hear you cry. If you\u2019ve got the cash, then fill your boots, but if this is going to be your only wheelset, then I\u2019d suggest going for something more general.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9fd8515e-8f14-11f1-8fa2-edb7bf07270b\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6ikQcdzPBKGF8MDg3h9QaE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Despite the price, cutting about on these wheels in the Alps was a dream. <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Will Jones)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"slice-container table-wrapper slice-container-table kiosq-b\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Table\" id=\"elk-47a39816-8f16-11f1-8208-63a68c869e36\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"table__instruction\">\nSwipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table__container\">\n<table class=\"table__wrapper table__wrapper--inbodyContent table__wrapper--sticky table__wrapper--divider\">\n<tbody class=\"table__body\">\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Design and aesthetics<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>They look cool in my opinion, but lack of carbon spokes leaves weight on the table, and silver spoke nipples look cheap. Road hookless also won&#8217;t appeal to everyone.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Performance<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>In the terrain they&#8217;re designed for, the high mountains, they&#8217;re excellent both up the ascent and down the other side, offering primo climbing and composed descending. Lack the aero chops on the flat, however. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Weight<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>They&#8217;re impressively light, but heavier than many other superlight options. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Setup and compatibility<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>No dramas here, tyres go on with just a track pump. No approved tyre list as yet though, and road hookless means you need to make sure what you&#8217;re using plays nicely. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>8\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Value<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>These are very expensive for what they&#8217;re bringing to the party. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>6\/10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"table__body__row\">\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>Overall<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Row 5 &#8211; Cell 1 <\/span><\/td>\n<td class=\"table_body__data\" colspan=\"1\">\n<p>76%<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-article-category=\"cycling-tech-components\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-model-name=\"Zipp 202 NSW Road Bike Wheels\" data-name=\"BOT widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-type=\"review\" class=\"hawk-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-editorial-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-container\">Zipp 202 NSW Road Bike Wheels: Price Comparison<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-items-container hawk-review-items-grid-items\" data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container hawk-review-items-grid-item\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"false\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/misc\/no-image-available.svg\" alt=\"View Similar Amazon US\" title=\"View Similar Amazon US\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-us-15006529670367-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"200\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"buySimilar\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">No price information<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Check Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-description\">We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-inner-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-powered-by-container\">powered by <\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/sites\/svg\/cyclingnews.svg\" alt=\"Cyclingnews\" title=\"Cyclingnews\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-site-logo-powered-by\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"60\" height=\"30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/cycling-tech-components\/wheels-tyres\/zipp-202nsw-wheel-review\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/atdHGQw8Kh7BiG9bGb99NR-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Cyclingnews Verdict In isolation, these are lovely wheels to ride. Light, reactive, stiff enough to feel lively but not so stiff they rattle the fillings out of your mouth, and they are a true joy on twisty descents. They are, however, really rather expensive, could be lighter, and aren&#8217;t as aero as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2079898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2079898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2079898"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2079898\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2079898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2079898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2079898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}