Zipp 454 NSW Carbon Tubular Disc Brake Rear Wheel 2019

Our top road pros demanded we offer the revolutionary Zipp 454 NSW as a Tubular, so we make it just for them… and for you! The 454 NSW Tubular Disc brake brings together the advanced aerodynamics and stability of its biomimicry-derived Sawtooth™ rim profile with the benefits of disc braking. This wheelset was developed to meet the needs of our sponsored professional racers as well as any cyclist who prefers the time-proven ride qualities of riding tubulars with cutting-edge aero technology.

Utilizing the principles of the emerging science of biomimicry, Zipp engineers studied the environment around them for instances of how nature solved similar problems of speed, control, and efficiency for the next generation of Zipp wheels. Think of a humpback whale’s fast but graceful movements thanks to the special features on the leading edge of its pectoral fins, or the unique micro texture of a shark’s skin, which gives it the ability to glide effortlessly through the water. These structures inspired Zipp advanced development engineers to, for the first time, systematically apply biomimicry to solve the complex challenge of designing a wheel that reduces both aerodynamic drag and side force.

The most visually striking and functionally important innovation in the handcrafted 454 NSW is Sawtooth™. This patented biomimetic 53/58mm-deep rim shape achieves something conventional aero wheels cannot; it simultaneously reduces both aerodynamic drag and side force for the ultimate in AeroBalance™. Sawtooth™ accomplishes this with a series of patented fin-shaped HyperFoil™ nodes along the inner diameter of the rim that work together with our HexFin™ ABLC dimples for improved airflow.

The result is Zipp’s highest performing wheelset ever realized with wind tunnel proven aero-drag reduction and reduced side force at all wind yaw angles. This is important because higher wind yaw angles are where bike handling is most affected by the wind.

The 454 NSW’s undulating Sawtooth™ rim architecture with HyperFoils™ represents the next evolution of the Sawtooth™ ABLC dimple technology found on all of Zipp’s NSW wheels. The HyperFoils™ and HexFin™ ABLC dimples help to stabilize handling in gusting wind by increasing wind vortex shedding frequency. Lower frequency shedding produces larger, more powerful vortices. In cycling terms, this unstable situation is often referred to as “buffeting.” The higher frequency vortex shedding produced by Sawtooth™ creates a greater number of smaller, less powerful, yet more predictable vortices leading to greater wheel stability.

This added stability translates into greater rider control, thereby saving energy that is typically expended trying to hold a line in gusting wind. The result is a faster, more confident riding experience whether you are laying down power or descending sinuous mountain roads. And for lighter riders most affected by wind gusts, the added stability offers even greater control and handling benefits.

The 454 NSW Tubular Disc-brake also features our Zipp’s ImPress™ NSW graphics technology, which prints graphics directly onto the rim, reduces weight and helps the HexFin™ ABLC dimples to do their aerodynamic job while elevating the wheel’s visual allure to new heights.

BEYOND THE RIM SHAPE

Our NSW-exclusive Cognition™ hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. The Cognition rear hub utilizes Axial Clutch™ technology that allows the freehub’s ratcheting mechanism to deliver half the mechanical drag of conventional three pawl hubs. Assembled with Swiss bearings made to our exacting specifications, the Cognition™ hubset is as robust as it is fast.

Each Indianapolis-made 454 NSW® rim requires 12 hours to create and represents a true blending of hand craftsmanship and advanced manufacturing techniques. After each rim is laid up, molded, drilled, printed, and inspected, every wheel is assembled and tensioned entirely by hand in Indianapolis. 454 NSW® rims are laced to our Portuguese-made Cognition hubs using Belgian Sapim® CX-Ray spokes and Secure Lock nipples for unmatched performance and reliability that is made to last.

This is the shape of things to come. This is 454 NSW®.

Each wheel includes:

• Zipp Integrated Valve Extender with valve-core wrench
• Quick release
• Front wheels include axle end caps for QR, 15x100mm, and 12x100mm thru-axles
• Rear wheels include axle end caps for QR and 12x142mm thru-axles

Specification:

• Max recommended rider weight (lbs): 250lbs
• Max recommended rider weight (kg): 115kg

Rear Wheel:

• Weight: 830g
• Hub Used: Cognition Disc
• Rim Depth: 53/58mm
• Brake Track Width (center): n/a
• Max Width: 26.5mm
• Internal Width: n/a
• Spokes: Sapim® CX-Ray
• Spoke Count: 24
• Spoke Length Non-Drive: 254mm
• Spoke Pattern Non-Drive: 2 Cross
• Spoke Length Drive: 248mm
• Spoke Pattern Drive: 2 Cross
• Max Tire Pressure: 125psi
• Max Tire Pressure: 8.62bars
• 10/11-speed Compatible Hub: Yes
• XDR Compatible: Yes
• Track Adaptable: No
• Dimpled Surface: ABLC™ HexFin™ Technology
• Nipples: Sapim® secure-lock
• Tubeless: No
• Rotor Interface: Center Locking