Hang on a minute– TireWiz isn’t exactly new, is it? You’re right. Zipp’s tiny pressure sensor has been around for a few years now and has been steadily refined over time. The latest iteration, however, is subtly integrated into the rim itself, which makes it far less intrusive than its predecessors,both visually and aerodynamically.
While the built-in pressure sensor in the 353 NSW and 303 SW wheelsets is clearly the standout feature, Zipp introduced several noteworthy updates at the same time. These include the brand-new, lighter ZR1 SL hubs fitted with ceramic bearings. And that’s not all: thanks to a new partnership with Goodyear, Zipp now offer tires that were designed specifically to match their rims– among them a 40 mm road tire tailored for the XPLR gravel wheels.
But how do the wheels actually perform with all these updates? We headed to the Zipp headquarters in Indianapolis to check out the production process and put the 303 SW through its paces. Which leaves us with one burning question: do you really need that integrated pressure sensor?
Big changes, subtle looks – what’s new on the Zipp 303 SW
Alright then, but where’s the big innovation? At first glance, integrating a pressure sensor into the familiar 303 rim might seem a straightforward process. But it’s not quite that simple. To house the sensor, a hole has to be drilled into the carbon structure, which implies the need for additional reinforcement at the rim. On top of that, the sensor adds an imbalance to the wheel, so a counterweight has to be placed on the opposite side to even things out. According to Zipp, the full integration– including the sensor– adds around 22 grams to the system weight.
Aside from this integration, the rim itself remains largely unchanged. With an internal width of 25 mm, an external width of 30 mm and a depth of 40 mm, the hookless Zipp 303 SW are still very much up to date. They’re optimised for tires between 30 and 35 mm wide and built to handle everything from smooth tarmac to gravel tracks.
And it’s under exactly these conditions that the sensor really comes into its own. The integrated LED changes colour to give you a quick visual cue for tire pressure, but it’s when paired with a bike computer that the sensor shows its full potential. You can keep an eye on your current pressure in real time and get alerts if there’s any drop– an added layer of safety, especially with pressure-sensitive hookless setups. At the same time, it’s a useful tool for fine-tuning and dialling in your ideal tire pressure.
But the new sensor isn’t without its drawbacks. For one, it runs on a button cell battery, which isn’t exactly the most eco-friendly choice. A built-in rechargeable battery would have done the job just as well and had the added benefit of allowing you to charge it directly on the bike, without having to remove anything. There’s also the matter of compatibility: the system requires Zipp-specific inner-tubes and tubeless valves, as the pressure reading relies on a tiny hole in the valve. In an emergency, standard valves will work too– but you’ll have to do without the pressure readout. All things considered, it’s pretty impressive that, despite all the tech, the Zipp 303 SW still weighs in at just 1,448 grams and retail at just € 1,900.
Zipp 303 SW 2025 on test: first impressions
We put the Zipp 303 SW wheels through their paces, paired with the matching 30 mm Goodyear Vector R Z30 SW tires– and straight away, it’s clear these wheels stay true to their all-road roots. They offer excellent comfort and roll with remarkable smoothness, even on rough tarmac and gravel. This is backed up by balanced yet very precise handling: the Zipp 303 SW are easy to control and forgiving of small riding mistakes, ensuring a very intuitive ride feel while inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process. Especially with 30 mm tires, you can take on pretty much any descent with total assurance.
When accelerating, the Zipp 303 SW wheels respond quickly and willingly. That said, on climbs you do start to notice the 1,448g weight. One thing that really did surprise us, though, was the impressive stability in crosswinds. Even when hit by strong gusts, the wheels hold their line with composure. It’s a trait we already noticed in our big aero wheel group test, where the Zipp 454 NSW proved outstanding in this regard, too.
That leaves the pressure sensor. Thanks to the AXS protocol, it pairs effortlessly with your bike computer, allowing you to monitor pressure changes in near real time. With customisable alerts, it’s far more than just a fancy add-on. And the colour-coded LED gives you a quick visual check before you even start riding, so you know straight away if the pressure’s right.
What is the Zipp 303 SW 2025 capable of?
With its smooth ride feel and intuitive handling, the Zipp 303 SW wheelset thoroughly impressed us during testing. The high level of comfort makes it a true all-rounder. Even the freehub sound of the ZR1 SL hubs is pretty awesome. Our tester Jan,who isn’t the biggest real fan of loud hubs,actually liked the distinctive buzz of the Zipp 303 SW. Tipping the scales at 1,448 g and with a price tag of € 1,900, it’s a seriously strong option for all-road riding, and just as appealing for gravel fans and long-distance adventurers alike.
Conclusions about the Zipp 303 SW 2025
Zipp’s latest iteration of the 303 SW wheelset brings cutting-edge pressure monitoring to what might just be the ultimate all-round wheel package. It sounds like a big leap forward– and in many ways, it is. However, with the rim geometry unchanged, the new 303 SW only really makes sense if you don’t already own the previous model. That said, the wheelset still impresses with its integrated pressure sensor, excellent ride characteristics and lifetime warranty. All things considered, it earns a solid recommendation.
Tops
- High level of comfort
- Sporty ride feel
- Neatly-integrated pressure sensor
Flops
- Pressure sensor uses a conventional button cell battery rather than arechargeable variant
For more details, visit zipp.com.
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Calvin Zajac, Jan Richter
