Zipp 303 XPLR S Rear Wheel Tubeless Carbon Gravel Bike Wheel - Black/White(Decals)

The Zipp 303 XPLR S Rear Wheel is a 700c carbon gravel wheel built around a 32mm internal-width, hookless tubeless rim with a 54mm depth. It is designed for fast gravel riding and racing. The wide rim lets you run lower tire pressures, under 30 psi, without the tire squirming, so you get less vibration over rough surfaces and keep your grip in corners and your traction on loose climbs. The 54mm rim is wide and deep enough that it sits flush with wide gravel tires, which is part of how Zipp applies its Total System Efficiency approach to gravel.

What makes this wheel different from most gravel wheels is that the rim and tire are designed together. The 303 XPLR S works only with approved tubeless (TLR) tires from 40c to 61c. The Goodyear XPLR Slick and XPLR Inter were built specifically for this rim. You give up open tire choice, and in return you get a tire and rim that are matched for fit and performance. It comes with a lifetime warranty, and its symmetrical rim and robust build suit long, demanding days off pavement.

Who It’s For

• Gravel racers and fast endurance riders who want a deep carbon rear wheel built for wide tires
• Riders who already run low pressures, or want to, and value comfort and traction on rough gravel
• Riders on SRAM XDR or Shimano Microspline drivetrains with Center Lock disc brakes
• Consider a different wheel if you want a free choice of tire brand, run tires narrower than 40c, or need pressures above 50 psi

What to Look For

• Tire plan: Make sure the tire you want is on Zipp’s approved list. This rim is not a “fit any tubeless tire” design.
• Frame clearance: Tires can be as wide as 61c, so check what your frame and fork actually clear before choosing a size.
• Drivetrain match: Choose the correct driver body (Microspline or SRAM XDR) for your cassette, and confirm your rotors are Center Lock.

Key Features

32mm internal width and hookless rim. This is the main reason to buy the wheel. The wide inner bed gives the tire more air volume and a broader footprint. That lets you drop pressure under 30 psi while the tire stays stable under load. On washboard, chunk, and loose corners, you feel less chatter and the tire holds its line better. Because the rim is hookless, maximum tire pressure is 50 psi (3.45 bar).

54mm symmetrical carbon rim. The rim is deep, with a UD carbon finish and adhesive decals. Its shape blends smoothly into wide gravel tires, which is where the aerodynamic benefit comes from at gravel speeds. The rim is 40mm wide on the outside.

Approved-tire system. The approved TLR tires range from 40c to 61c and can be run with sealant or a tube. The Goodyear XPLR Slick (for faster, smoother gravel) and XPLR Inter (for mixed conditions) were designed for this rim, so they are the straightforward starting point.

Zipp 176D rear hub. The hub uses Center Lock rotor mounting and carbon steel cartridge bearings. You can get it with a Microspline or SRAM XDR driver body. It ships with 12mm end caps for thru-axle frames.

Rated for heavier loads. The maximum recommended system weight is 298 lb (135 kg), which counts rider, bike, and gear together. That covers most riders carrying bags on longer gravel days.

Rider Intent Summary

• Biggest strengths: A wide 32mm rim that makes low-pressure gravel tires work well, a deep aero profile, and a lifetime warranty

• Tradeoffs: Works only with approved tires, 50 psi maximum, and needs tires of 40c or wider

• What makes it different: The rim and tire are designed as one system, not as a general-purpose gravel wheel

Victory’s Take

At Victory Bicycle Studio, we see the 303 XPLR S as one of the most focused gravel upgrades available, provided you’re comfortable running Zipp’s approved tires. When we spec a rider into it, we start with the Goodyear XPLR tire that suits their terrain and then fine-tune pressure from there.