Zipp 303 XPLR S Wheelset

The Zipp 303 XPLR S Wheelset is a carbon gravel wheelset built around a wide, hookless, tubeless-only rim. It is Zipp's more affordable entry into its XPLR gravel wheel family, and Zipp says it borrows rim shape ideas from its top-tier gravel wheels. Zipp has been building carbon wheels for decades, and the 303 XPLR S applies that experience to rougher roads.

The rim is 54mm deep, with a 32mm internal width and a 40mm external width. That is wide for a gravel wheel, and it changes how the tire behaves. A wider internal profile supports the tire sidewall and spreads the contact patch, which lets you run lower pressures without the tire feeling vague in corners. Zipp says the design allows pressures below 30 psi for lower rolling resistance and more comfort on rough surfaces. The rim is also deep and wide for a gravel wheel, and Zipp says the shape works with the tire to improve aerodynamic efficiency at speed. Zipp calls this approach Total System Efficiency, meaning the rim and tire are designed together.

Hookless, Tubeless and Tire-Specific

The 303 XPLR S uses a hookless rim bed, so there is no bead hook on the rim wall to hold the tire. This is why the wheelset is tubeless-only and limited to approved tires. Zipp names the Goodyear XPLR Slick and Goodyear XPLR Inter as compatible, and it supports tires from 700x40 to 700x61. The maximum tire pressure is 50 psi. If you are coming from a hooked rim, check your tire against Zipp's approved list before you buy. Using a tire outside that list is not supported by Zipp.

That wide tire range is the point of the design. A 40mm tire suits fast gravel races and mixed-surface rides. A 61mm tire opens up rougher bikepacking routes and rocky fire roads. The same wheelset can cover both if your frame has the clearance.

Hubs and Fit

The wheelset uses Zipp 76/176 hubs, with 24 spokes front and rear and a Centerlock disc rotor interface. Axles are 12mm thru-axle, 100mm front and 142mm rear, and the wheels ship with 12mm end caps. You can choose the driver body that matches your drivetrain, either HG11 for Shimano or SRAM 11-speed cassettes, or XDR for SRAM's XD and XDR cassettes. The wheelset comes in Dark Grey and White, so you can match it to your bike.

The rim material is carbon, and Zipp backs the wheelset with a lifetime warranty.

The 303 XPLR S is a good fit for gravel riders who want a carbon wheelset with modern wide-rim tire support without paying for Zipp's top-tier wheels. It suits riders who race gravel, ride long mixed-surface routes, or want to run lower pressures on rough roads.