New 2026 Zipp 202 Carbon Wheels – The Lightest Zipp Wheelset on Review

With the 202 NSW, Zipp have produced their lightest wheelset to date. This is an uncompromising climbing specialist, built around a single priority: minimum weight. At €3,800, the premium is significant, and the question of whether the performance justifies it is a fair one. We put the 202 NSW through its paces across our test routes to find out.

When Zipp stamp NSW on a rim, expectations are high, and rightly so. It signals nothing less than cutting-edge engineering. With the 202 NSW, which stands for Nest Speed Weaponry, the American wheel manufacturer is now delivering their lightest wheelset to date. At just 1,064 grams, it is a clear statement aimed straight at gravity.

So what’s the recipe? A carbon lay-up inspired by the 353 NSW model, and designed to maximise stiffness. At the same time, reinforced bead hooks ensure confident handling and impressive stability. How the whole package performs out on the road is exactly what we set out to discover in our first test.

The new Zipp 202 NSW wheelset in detail: steel instead of carbon, the Indianapolis paradox

The spokes are the first thing that give you pause. While rivals including DT Swiss, Roval and NEWMEN have moved to Vonoa’s ultra-light carbon spokes, Zipp have taken a different approach, opting for conventional, albeit very light, steel spokes from Alpina. Is this a conservative “play it safe approach” for a pure climbing specialist, or a smart move in favour of durability? Zipp justify steering clear of carbon with a lack of long-term data, a bold stance in an industry that usually chases every new trend. It makes the low weight all the more impressive.

That headline figure of just 1,064 g is achieved primarily through a new hub-set developed in Germany, ultra-light spokes and an updated carbon lay-up. By combining different fibre types, the lay-up is said to mimic the behaviour of a tendon, boosting stiffness around the spoke bed while increasing strength at the rim edge.

But the overall package is anything but old-fashioned. A generous 23 mm internal width meets Zipp’s proven hookless technology and a versatile 35 mm rim profile that stays composed even in crosswinds. At a hefty € 3,800, you also get tubeless valves, pre-installed rim tape and the matching freehub body included.

We wanted to find out whether this blend of tradition and high-tech really delivers on the road. So we fitted our go-to setup, pairing a Continental GP5000 S TR at the rear with the aerodynamically optimised Continental Aero 111 up front, and put the 202 NSW through its paces on our toughest test loops. Is this wheelset the new benchmark for mountain missions, or does skipping carbon spokes hold it back?

Zipp 202 NSW Wheelset on Review: Agility meets Comfort

From the very first metres on our test loop, it’s clear that the Zipp 202 NSW is a thoroughbred climber’s wheelset. Weighing in at just 1,064 g, it accelerates eagerly and delivers a lively, responsive ride. It feels light and direct when you put the power down, yet without the twitchy edge that often plagues ultra-lightweight, highly technical wheelsets.

Comfort is equally impressive. Zipp haven’t developed a brutally-stiff, unforgiving wheel. Compared to some aggressively-tuned race wheels, the 202 NSW offers a touch more vertical compliance. While this might result in a feel that is not quite as razor-sharp at first as something this light might suggest, that blend of snap and subtle give quickly proves to be a real strength.

The boost in comfort is immediately noticeable. Vibrations are effectively damped, saving valuable energy, especially on long climbs and rough surfaces. Handling remains beyond reproach throughout, feeling balanced, highly predictable and completely composed even through fast corners.

Who are the Zipp 202 NSW for?

With the 202 NSW, Zipp are not chasing marginal aero gains for the final tenths in a crit. Instead, they have built a dependable partner for long days in the saddle and demanding gran fondos. It is a wheelset that strikes a balance many ambitious amateur riders will appreciate. Aerodynamic gains only come into play above 40 km/h; the exceptionally low weight makes itself felt much earlier. You notice it the moment the road tilts upwards, and the high level of compliance takes the sting out of rough surfaces that stiffer carbon wheels would pass straight through to your legs.

Conclusions about the new Zipp 202 NSW

Technically, Zipp have delivered in a big way with the 202 NSW. At 1,064 g with a 23 mm internal width, it is a serious statement even with steel spokes. On the road, it impresses with an agile, comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. At €3,800 it remains a niche option, and the hookless design, despite our positive experience, is likely to divide opinion. Those chasing maximum aerodynamic stability will find deeper rims a better fit. For climbing enthusiasts who put performance above price and want a dependable, high-end lightweight wheelset, the 202 NSW is a compelling choice with no compromises on handling.

Find out more on zipp.com.

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Words & Photos: Jan Fock