The climbing wheel isn't dead: Zipp brings back legendary 202 as its lightest wheelset yet

Zipp has officially resurrected its iconic 202 wheelset, reintroducing it as their lightest offering to date. The new 202 Firecrest, weighing in at a claimed 1285 grams, features a 32mm deep, hookless carbon rim with a 23mm internal width, optimised for modern tubeless tyres. This move sees Zipp re-entering the dedicated lightweight climbing wheel market, aiming to appeal to riders prioritising minimal rotational mass.

This reintroduction is significant given the recent industry trend towards deeper, more aerodynamic wheel profiles, even for general-purpose riding. The original 202 was a benchmark for lightweight performance, often seen on Grand Tour stages. Zipp's decision to revive it, particularly with a wider internal rim for enhanced tyre volume and lower pressures, signals a strategic pivot back to catering specifically for the weight-conscious climber, perhaps in response to competitor offerings or a perceived gap in their own lineup.

While aero still reigns supreme for many, Zipp's 202 Firecrest proves that for those who measure success in grams, the dedicated climbing wheel is far from an anachronism. Some hills, it seems, still demand a lighter touch.