Zipp 454 NSW on test

The Zipp 454 NSW are the most unique looking wheels on test. With their SawTooth profile and dimples in the rim, Zipp didn’t just dig deep in terms of innovation, but also took a bold approach in terms of the tech. How do the wheels stack up against the competition in our big aero wheel group test?

**Zipp** 454 NSW | € 3,798 | 1415 g | Manufacturer’s website

We tested these wheels for our big 2024 aero wheel group test – click here for an overview of the test field or to check out the individual reviews.

Zipp are one of the big names in the high-performance road wheels scene. It’s no wonder, considering their innovative approach, hookless rims, and in-house hubs. Coupled with a healthy dose of classic American marketing, the 454 NSW raises the highest expectations of all the wheels on test. The distinctive look completes the package, making them a popular choice for wheel upgrades. By focusing on hookless rims, Zipp are increasingly moving into the centre of the hookless debate. However, as one of the driving innovators behind the technology, Zipp are sticking to their guns. But can the exotic wheels hold their own in our aero wheel group test?

Innovation at all cost – Zipp 454 NSW

The Zipp 454 NSW wheels are amongst the most unique models on the market, which is reflected in the price. At € 3,797 for the set, they’re just above the test field average. But what do you get for your money? Zipp clearly focused their development efforts on the rims, especially with regards to aerodynamics and crosswinds.
This is what led Zipp to come up with their unique rim geometry. The ratio of the internal and external rim widths of 23.5 mm and 27.8 mm is a little off, especially considering the claim that the wheels are optimised for wide tires. As such, the 28 mm wide Continental GP 5000 S TR tires we used for the test are almost too wide compared to the rim, making the wheels look a bit strange. The SawTooth rim profile with a variable depth ranging from 53 to 58 mm is intended to ensure the best compromise between aerodynamics and crosswind stability. Zipp call the golf ball-like dimples Hyperfoil and HexFin, which are intended to further stabilise the wheels, especially in crosswinds.

**Hookless at its finest**
As hookless pioneers, Zipp are at the forefront of this technology, so it goes without saying that their 454 NSW wheels rely on hookless rims.

**Old school?**
Only the Zipp 454 NSW wheels rely on classic J-Bend spokes, whereas all of the other brands on test rely on the marginally lighter straight-pull versions.

**Specially developed**
100% unique: the hubs are also from Zipp’s parts caddy.

Compared to the feature-laden rims, the hubs seem rather unspectacular, and it’s striking that Zipp are the only brand on test to still use J-Bend spokes. The freewheel is extremely quiet, which we loved (or at least it was while it was freshly greased – it got a little louder as our test period wore on). As the icing on the cake, Zipp offer a lifetime guaranteed and crash replacement on the wheels with their aptly named “Keep Rolling Program”, in typical US marketing style.

**Flying down the fairway**
Thanks to small dimples in the rims, the wheels should glide through the air even more smoothly, and be less susceptible to crosswinds.

**Cutting through the air?**
Of course, the Zipp 454 NSW wheelset also features their SawTooth rim profile, which is said to offer improved aerodynamics.

The sprinting star amongst wheels – Zipp 454 NSW

The Zipp 454 NSW wheelset is preceded by its reputation as a dream sprint and performance option, but how does it fare in our tests? Indeed, the 454 NSW wheels are extremely stiff and fast. The wheels are extremely quick to accelerate, allowing them to excel on the sprints. And their stiffness also benefits their handling in the corners, offering millimetre precision. However, this also results in a bumpy and somewhat harsh ride. There’s little vibration damping to speak of, and bumps are passed on virtually unmitigated. While this is good for racing, it’s not ideal for longer or more relaxed rides.
On the other hand, we were impressed with their excellent performance in crosswinds. We can’t say exactly whether this is due to Zipp’s proprietary dimples and SawTooth profile. The fact is, however, that the wheels perform better here than the competition with a similar rim depth.

More than just marketing hot air? The Zipp 454 NSW in the wind tunnel

They perform well in crosswinds, but what about aerodynamics? Looking at the wheels and considering the marketing hype, our expectations were understandably high – how else can you justify the price and unique look? But we quickly noticed that our expectations wouldn’t be met when riding them. Especially in back-to-back tests, the Zipps tended to settle at the lower end of the leaderboard, and that’s with deeper rims than most of the other wheels on test. But it is only in the wind tunnel that the full extent of their lack of aero performance comes to light. In fact, they performed below-average across all the yaw angles measured, landing the Zipp 454 NSW in ninth place, with an average wattage of 96.2. Only the wheels from Mavic and Lightweight performed worse here. Considering the price and marketing claims, this is a worrying result.

Our conclusion on the Zipp 454 NSW

The Zipp 454 NSW is a unique looking and expensive wheelset. It’s not just the brand name that’s promising – the marketing hype also raises expectations to new heights. However, their performance can only deliver to a certain extent. Although the 454 NSW offers a unique look and brilliant sprinting performance, their aerodynamics can’t keep up with the competition. Zipp seem to have sacrificed aero gains for crosswind stability.

Tops

unique look
modern and wide internal rim width
excellent performance in crosswinds

Flops

rather hefty price and weight
unsatisfactory aero performance

For more information, visit sram.com

The test field