First unveiled at Eurobike in September 2009, the much anticipated 101 aero aluminium wheelset from Zipp Speed Weaponry is now shipping to retailers and distributors worldwide.
Featuring the ‘first fully toroidal aluminum rim’, the 101 is pitched as the most affordable way for cyclists and triathletes to take advantage of Zipp’s aerodynamic technologies developed during two decades of research and proven results with carbon fibre wheels.
“All our data over the years tells us that aero wheels are faster for every rider,” said Zipp Wheel Product Manager Jim Douglas. “Now, the 101 takes what we’ve learned about rim shape and aero design from working with carbon and applies it to aluminium. And our testing shows that the 101 is the fastest aluminium wheel out there for training and racing.”
Zipp developed the 101’s 30mm-deep rim in the wind tunnel with a proprietary profile curve extending across the braking surfaces. This fully toroidal design claims to create less drag than either a standard V-shape or a hybrid-toroidal profile with flat, parallel braking surfaces.
Compared to the industry’s benchmark shallow-profile race wheel, the 101’s aero performance is impressive, with claimed savings of up to 42 seconds over 40K.
With a maximum width of 24.5mm 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 on rough surfaces.
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.
Like every Zipp wheelset, the 101 is built by hand in Speedway, Indiana, using premium 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 wheelset weighs 1,523g, has 18/20 spokes and a suggested retail price of US$1,300 (€975). It is available as a 700c clincher wheel only.
The Zipp 101 will be ready for 24 hour shipping at the end of May 2010.
