Zipp’s new road wheelset weighs just 1090 grams
Tipping the scales at 1090 grams, the new 202 NSW is Zipp’s lightest wheelset ever.
Zipp has never been shy about its “Making You Faster” mantra – but with the launch of the 202 NSW, it’s taking that claim to a very literal place: the top of the climb. At a feathery 1,090 grams, this is the lightest wheelset the brand has ever produced, yet it’s not aimed exclusively at riders who measure rides in vert gained.
On paper, it’s a climber’s dream. In practice however, Zipp is positioning the 202 NSW as more than a one-trick mountain goat. Yes, it’s built to float up steep gradients, but there’s a clear effort to ensure it holds its own before and after the summit too. A 35mm rim depth brings a dose of aerodynamic efficiency for the run-in to the climb, while the overall construction promises composure and confidence on descents.
Much of that balance comes down to trickle-down tech from the brand’s halo products. We are told, the 202 NSW borrows its carbon layup philosophy from the 353 NSW, built around what Zipp calls a Biomimetic Laminate. In simple terms, it’s a carefully tuned mix of carbon fiber types, arranged to behave a bit like a tendon – stiff where power transfer matters and more forgiving where impacts and stresses need to be absorbed. The outer rim is designed for durability against road hits, while the inner structure keeps spoke tension consistent under load. The goal was to build a wheel that feels sharp and reactive, without becoming fragile.
The numbers back that up. Despite dipping under the 1,100g mark, the 202 NSW doesn’t abandon real-world usability. The 23mm internal width means it supports wider tyres and lower pressures, which are key to reducing rolling resistance and road buzz.
At the centre of it all sits Zipp’s German-engineered ZR1 SL hubset, laced with Alpina Hyperlite spokes in a 20-hole, two-cross pattern. Ceramic bearings and 66 points of engagement round out the package, with an emphasis on efficient power transfer and long-term durability.
Zipp says the 202 NSW has already seen over 110,000km of testing, including miles under WorldTour-level riders, which suggests this isn’t just a lab-built weight weenie special. Instead, it appears to be a highly focused piece of kit that still aims to handle the realities of road riding. Although it appears to belong in the high mountains, the 202 NSW isn’t limited to climbers and climbing. Riders chasing the ultimate lightweight road build might very well be enticed with this upgrade.
My take: The lightest road wheelset I’ve ridden was in the 1300 gram mark and the big takeaway for me was just how lively the bike felt when accelerating, both from standstill and when increasing speed from high rolling speeds. I think something in the 1100 gram mark would be very interesting to ride. //