The Takeaway: The new Zipp 3Zero Moto wheels take a moto-inspired approach to rim design that Zipp claims will smooth out choppy terrain and offer more traction.
- The single-wall rim is able to pivot on either side of the spoke bed upon impact, creating the feel of more suspension.
- Quarq’s TyreWiz comes as part of the wheelset and displays real-time tire-pressure data via an app.
- The radial-compliant rims will absorb and dissipate energy to help reduce pinch flats.
Price: $2,000 (wheelset), $700 (rim only)
Size: 27.5 and 29 in.
Internal width: 30mm
Weight: 1,825g (27.5-inch wheelset, claimed); 1,910g (29-inch wheelset, claimed)
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The new Zipp 3Zero Moto carbon mountain bike wheels are available to buy today. They are intended for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing and are available in 27.5- and 29-inch options. Complete wheelsets cost two grand and weigh 1,825g for 27.5-inch and 1,910g for 29s.
Each wheel use a moto-inspired, single-wall rim instead of the more common box-section design. Zipp claims that this style offers greater control and a smoother ride. The single-wall rim is able to pivot on either side of the spoke bed upon impact, creating the feel of more suspension when navigating choppy terrain. When riding through turns, as the rim pivots, it keeps the tire parallel to the ground, increasing traction and helping to keep you on line. It also reduces the possibility of a pinch flat.
Each wheel uses a 32-spoke count to keep the wheel strong enough for the single-wall rim design, but this also increases lateral stiffness in turns and offers efficient power transfer when pedaling hard.
Each $2,000 wheelset comes with an integrated TyreWiz app-based tire-pressure monitoring device, factory installed tubeless valves and tape, and a Zipp ZM1 hubset that is XD compatible. The rim-only option comes without the TyreWiz and hubset.
This is What a Single-Wall Rim Does
SRAM gave us a pretty good explanation of how it works, so we’ll use the same example. Think of how your ankle naturally flexes as you run around a corner. As you lean, that flex allows your foot to maintain grip with the ground and keep you upright and moving. The rim is doing the same thing. It can flex to stay parallel to the ground during cornering, increasing traction and preventing you being being bounced off line.
The 3Zero Moto rim places a greater load on the spokes than a box-section rim. This is one reason the 3Zero Moto rims are available only with 32 spokes. The increased number, compared to rims with 28 spokes, reduces the load placed on each individual spoke, which prevents them from snapping.
32 Spokes for Lateral Stiffness
Using a 32-hole spoke count instead of a 28-count also helps to make the wheel laterally stiffer. The wide flanges on the ZM1 hubset provide a better bracing angle to increase that stiffness. The result, Zipp claims, is a more planted feel as you rip through turns. The extra spokes also help to keep the rear wheel constrained as you put more effort into the pedals during a hard effort. The more efficient transfer of your energy to the rear wheel should make for a faster and less fatigued ride.
TyreWiz
Quarq’s TyreWiz comes as part of the wheelset (though it can be removed). It displays real-time tire-pressure data via an app or on a compatible head unit. It makes adjustment suggestions based on in-ride monitoring and will alert you if the tire pressure gets too low. For gear nuts and detail-obsessed riders, it’s a great way to dial in precise and optimal tire pressure for every trail condition.
They’re Shock Absorbers
Zipp claims the rims have enough radial compliance to act as a shock absorber. They are able to flex, absorbing some of the energy when you hit a rock and spread it away from the impact zone. On top of behaving like added suspension, spreading the impact energy over a larger area also helps reduce the possibility of a pinch flat.
We haven’t ridden the wheelset yet, so we haven’t had a chance to evaluate the claims, but the technology is certainly interesting. Jerome Clementz rode them to victory in the most recent round of the Enduro World Series in Rotorua, and his impressions are enough to get us excited.
“I was really impressed by the balance between comfort and efficiency. The wheels track the ground, make you feel in control, and at the same time you just want to keep pushing and playing with your bike. The perfect recipe for fun and speed!”
It’s hard to argue with the potential benefits. More control, fewer flats, durability, and a faster and smoother ride.
Matt grew up riding BMX in the UK and has ridden across Europe and the US, and now he’s putting those miles to use testing road, mountain, and city bikes for Bicycling. His ideal ride includes includes steep rock gardens, sweeping berms, and fast descents followed by a cold beer.
