101 Rim Shape (left)

Aero wheels are faster for every rider at every speed. Zipp’s two decades of research, testing and results have proven that point. We’ve also shown that fine-tuning rim shape can significantly improve aerodynamics without sacrificing weight, acceleration or handling.

101 Wheels Videos

Now, we’ve transferred that knowledge into the world’s most aerodynamically advanced aluminum wheelset, the all-new Zipp 101. It’s the most affordable way to take advantage of Zipp's cutting-edge aero technologies and premium build quality.

The 101’s centerpiece is the first fully toroidal aluminum rim, developed in the wind tunnel with a proprietary profile curve extending across the braking surfaces. With this patented design, the 30mm-deep 101 can exceed the aerodynamic performance of V-shaped rims with much deeper aero profiles. And no shallow-profile design comes close to the 101 in the wind tunnel or on the road, where the 101 can save up to 42 seconds over 40km compared to the industry's benchmark aluminum wheelset.

Creating the 101 required developing new technologies to conduct wind tunnel testing using structural prototypes with fully inflated clincher tires. This makes the resulting test data more accurate and realistic than ever before. After our engineers honed in on the fastest shape, the manufacturing process required its own set of innovations for rolling, welding, and machining the 101’s precisely curved toroidal profile.

With a maximum width of 23.75mm to complement most common tire sizes, the bulged profile of the 101 smoothes airflow around the wheel more effectively than typical, narrow rim designs. The 101’s wide platform also resists pinch flatting, improves lateral stiffness, and provides stable handling without tire “squirm” on rough surfaces.

Because the rim is narrower at the hook bead than in the middle, the 101 can be used safely with tires as narrow as 21mm, unlike other wide-profile clincher rims. The maximum recommended tire width for the 101 is 35mm.

The 101 is built by hand in Speedway, Indiana, with the same components as our top-of-the-line carbon wheelsets and by the same individually trained builders. The 101 is laced with 18 front and 20 rear Sapim CX-Ray spokes and Zipp’s 88 and 188 hubs with Swiss steel bearings. The hubs are manufactured in Indiana using the proprietary Z310.9 alloy, and feature oversize 17mm axles and adjustable bearing preload.

The 101 weighs 1523 grams per wheelset. It is available in 700c clincher only.