As part of Goodyear’s continued partnership with Zipp, this week, they have to introduce the newest additions to their range of Fitment Series tires, the Goodyear XPLR Slick & Goodyear XPLR Inter! Designed exclusively for the new Zipp 303 XPLR wheelset and its 32mm TSS inner rim, the XPLR Fitment Series tires are designed to go beyond the norm and define a new standard of what’s possible. Yielding a combined aerodynamic and rolling resistance improvement of up to 10 watts.
Only approved tires can be used on Zipp XPLR wheels.
Goodyear XPLR Slick Gravel Tires
This is a semi-slick gravel race tire is designed for Zipp’s unique 303 XPLR SW and S wheelsets to provide the fastest wheel and tire combination on smooth to moderate gravel. Its best performance is in dry conditions. Wheel systems for gravel today are mostly slightly stronger versions of what exists on the road: light, stiff, narrow, and aero. The problem is that riding on gravel induces harmful vibrations that slow you down and increase fatigue over time. In addition, gravel tires generally negate the aerodynamic advantages of traditionally narrow road rims. The Slick is designed to measure 40mm on the 303 XPLR wheel.
Besides aero benefits for gravel, the resulting width of the rim also enables lower tire pressure, which helps filtering out vibrations for extra energy savings. The XPLR Slick offers the most aero gravel setup with 303 XPLR SW and W wheels and is best suited for racing on smooth gravel in dry conditions. Its slick center provides fast rolling, while texture and cornering blocks ensure some level of confidence. The light and supple construction enhances ride quality. M:Wall reinforcements in the sidewalls provide puncture protection against cuts and pinch flats, allowing the rider to get away with the lowest possible air pressure. And finally, the dimension of tire beads is designed to ensure convenient assembly and safe retention on Zipp TSS rims. Only approved tires can be used on the XPLR wheels.
Size: 700×40 | Weight: 440g | Cost: $80 | Learn more at SRAM.com.
Goodyear XPLR Inter Gravel Tires
This versatile gravel tire is designed for Zipp’s ultra-wide 303 XPLR S and SW wheelsets to provide a fast wheel and tire combination on any gravel surface. Capable in dry to mixed conditions. Wheel systems for gravel today are mostly slightly stronger versions of what exists on the road: light, stiff, narrow, and aero. The problem is that riding on gravel induces harmful vibrations that slow you down and increase fatigue over time. In addition, gravel tires generally negate the aerodynamic advantages of traditionally narrow road rims.
The new XPLR wheel and tire system takes an entirely new approach and optimizes the dimensions of the components to achieve the fastest setup on the market. Besides unsurpassed aero benefits for gravel, the resulting width of the rim also enables lower tire pressure, which helps filtering out vibrations for extra energy savings. The XPLR Inter offers the most versatile gravel setup with 303 XPLR and can be ridden in most situations. Its tight pattern in the center provides fast rolling, while the bigger side blocks ensure grip and confidence when cornering. The light and supple construction enhances ride quality. M:Wall reinforcements in the sidewalls provide puncture protection against cuts and pinch flats, allowing the rider to get away with the lowest possible air pressure. And finally, the dimension of tire beads is designed to ensure convenient assembly and safe retention on Zipp TSS rims.
Size: 700×445 | Weight: 525g | Cost: $80:00 | Learn more at SRAM.com.
Learn more about how modern gravel racing and wheel/tire combinations are evolving and pushing standards aside at an extraordinary rate. By thinking about the wheel and tire as a complete system, new levels of performance are achieved.