By Toni de la Torre
RAW Magazine co-founder
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Zipp 202 NSW: Uncompromised lightness

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Zipp revives one of its most iconic names with the new 202 NSW, a wheelset designed with a clear objective: to offer maximum performance whenever the road gets steep without compromising stability or efficiency.

Weighing in at a mere 1,090 grams, the 202 NSW is positioned as the lightest wheel ever developed by Zipp. However, beyond the numbers, the key lies in how they have maintained the stiffness and strength necessary for real-world road use.

The secret is in its construction. Building upon the carbon layup developed for the 353 NSW, Zipp has evolved the concept into a biomimetic structure that adapts the fiber type according to the rim area. In practice, this means reinforcing areas of higher stress, such as the spoke nipples or the tire base, while other areas of the wheel prioritize lightness and responsiveness. The result is a wheel that absorbs loads more efficiently, keeps tension under control, and responds precisely to every pedal stroke without sacrificing durability.

Designed for climbing, but not exclusively. The 202 NSW wheels are also characterized by their efficiency on flat terrain and excellent control on descents, thanks to optimized aerodynamics. Furthermore, the innovative design allows for wider tires at lower pressures, resulting in better grip and reduced vibration, and therefore less power loss on rough terrain.

The package is completed with ZR1 SL hubs, developed in Germany, featuring ceramic bearings and 66 engagement points, along with 20 Alpina Hyperlite spokes that ensure direct and precise power transfer.

The result is a wheel that concentrates decades of development into an ultralight format, designed for those who understand that in the mountains every gram counts, but every detail matters even more.

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