ZIPP 1ZERO HiTop Wheels w/ TyreWiz 2.0 - Making XC Faster!

Did ZIPP Just Make The Lightest And Best Riding XC Wheelset?

ZIPPs new 1ZERO HITOP wheels made specifically for cross country riding and racing take what they have learned with the ZIPP 3Zero Moto wheels for trail / enduro mountain biking and combine it with their top level pedigree in road, gravel, and triathlon racing. It wasn't long ago when ZIPP was a pure road cycling brand, making some of the world's fastest wheels for road and triathlon disciplines. A few years ago ZIPP jumped into the mountain bike wheel world with a very unique take on a mountain bike wheel with the 3zero Moto wheels, a single wall carbon wheel design that focuses on flex with their “ankle flex” technology allowing the wheel to conform more to the trail rather than being extra stiff. Now the 1ZERO HiTOP wheels are the combination of the two worlds, a fast cross country race wheel that not only is the tip of the lightweight wheels on the market but has a huge focus on ride quality. With cross country world cup racing getting more and more aggressive, the wheels need to keep up along with marathon style racing, if a rider has a product that can compete on weight but doesn't beat you up over a 2-4+ hour event, that product becomes even more necessary for good results. 

Once I heard about the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP wheels I was instantly intrigued, having spent a lot of time on the 3ZERO Moto wheels, I knew what type of benefit those wheels provided for ride quality. To this day, the 3ZERO Moto wheels are really the only carbon wheel I will ride on a trail or enduro bike, being a light rider most carbon wheels are very harsh and ping me around the trail, so I typically ride alloy or the ZIPP 3ZERO Moto wheels. I also spend about 70% of m riding on a short travel bike, I call it XC+ or others call it downcountry, my current bike is a Revel Ranger which is 120mm front and 115mm rear, making these Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP wheels a perfect fit for this bike. Luckily I was able to spend about a month of riding on these wheels and comparing them to some other very nice and light wheels in this category. 

The Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP comes in 2 different spec versions, with the main difference being the hub that is spec’d. ZIPP has the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP SW which is their high end version, this has new hubs that shave a ton of weight and visually look wild at how thin they are. The SW version also comes with the new TyreWiz 2.0 installed and will set you back $1,950 for the front and rear wheels. Next, you have the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP S which has the same hubs that come on the 3ZERO Moto wheels, so a bit heavier but nonetheless a very proven hubset, and also the TyreWiz 2.0 is sold separately. The Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP S wheelset (front and rear) MSRP of $1,350, which is a really good price considering you get the same rim as the SW version and just gain a bit of weight around the hubs. 

1ZERO HITOP SW (Front $925, Rear $1,025)

Riding is believing with the Zipp 1ZERO HITOP SW MTB wheelset when it comes to making you faster. Trail compliance is vital, with modern cross-country races becoming rougher and more challenging. No longer is it good enough for an XC wheelset to be stiff above all else. Instead, a wheelset should feel alive. The 1ZERO HITOP SW carbon rim complies with the terrain thanks to Zipp’s proprietary HITOP Technology for carbon layup. The result is a lightweight XC wheel that carries speed through all sections of the trail, rocks, roots, and ruts with the durability required for a trail bike with up to 130mm of travel. A compliant wheel provides more confidence. You don’t have to work hard to spin it up to speed or fight your bike when things get chunky. The 1ZERO HITOP SW also comes with the TyreWiz tire-pressure monitoring system, so you’ll always have your tire pressure dialed in for optimal performance. Among the lightest on the market, the ZM2 SL hubset ensures you’ll be quick to accelerate and back on the pedals sooner after corners with the 1ZERO HITOP SW.

Specifications

Rim Depth: 21.2mm

Rim Inside Width: 30mm

Weight(g): 1325g

Rim Construction: Carbon – Hookless

Tire Compatibility: Tube-type or Tubeless tires

Features

• HITOP Technology produces proprietary rim layups to provide compliance and confidence when the trail gets rough.  
• Low weight for effortless accelerations and climbing.
• Winged rim provides a smooth resting surface for the tire, reducing the chance of pinch flats after a rock hit.
• TyreWiz 2.0 tire-pressure monitoring system features a seamless design
• ZM2 SL hub with 66 points of engagement
• Standard or Torque Cap options on the front hub
• XD or Microspline driver-body options
• Lifetime Warranty

1ZERO HITOP S (Front $625, Rear $725)

Zipp’s 1ZERO HITOP S MTB wheelset melds high value with high performance for a better and faster ride. Trail compliance is vital, with modern cross-country courses becoming rougher and more challenging. No longer is it good enough for an XC wheelset to be stiff above all else. Instead, a wheelset should feel alive. The 1ZERO HITOP S carbon rim complies with the terrain thanks to Zipp’s proprietary HITOP Technology for carbon layup. The result is a light XC race or adventure wheel that carries speed through all sections of the trail, rocks, roots, and ruts with the durability required for a trail bike with up to 130mm of travel. A compliant wheel provides more confidence. The 1ZERO HITOP S features the dependable ZM 900 hub set.

Features

• Weight(g) 1495g
• ZM 900 SL hub with 52 points of engagement for fast acceleration
• TyreWiz tire-pressure monitoring system sold separately

TYREWIZ 2.0 (Sensor $120, Valves $30) 

Tires connect your bike to the road or trail. So, it’s no surprise that optimized tire pressure directly enhances your comfort, rolling resistance, and speed. TyreWiz 2.0 is redesigned for accuracy and greater compatibility for differing rim depths to provide precise pressure data in real-time for your best ride. Lightweight and durable, TyreWiz 2.0 utilizes LED lights to indicate when tire pressure is outside of the target range with an alert for low or high tire pressure. Running optimal tire pressure is a crucial factor in maximizing speed and performance, especially on modern wheels. TyreWiz 2.0 allows you to make decisions affecting rolling resistance, traction, tire wear, and rider comfort. TyreWiz 2.0 also interfaces with the SRAM

AXS app to provide personalized tire pressure recommendations. With a universal rim adaptor and multiple valve lengths, the device sits flat on road or MTB rims. With the standard hand pump measuring at only +/-5% accuracy, TyreWiz 2.0 eliminates barriers by taking the guesswork out of tire pressure to make you faster. 

Features

• +/-2% accuracy at a resolution of .1 PSI
• Waterproof and dust proof (IPX7)
• Personalized tire pressure recommendations in the AXS smartphone app for iOS and Android
• Inexpensive and widely available CR1632 battery lasts up to 300 hours.
• Lightweight at 10 grams
• Adaptable to multiple rim and rim depths using different length valve stems and square or round rubber grommet seals
• ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible for live tire-pressure display while riding with most head units.
• 2-year warranty

Ride Impressions:

As mentioned before, I was stoked to get the new ZIPP 1ZERO HitTOP wheels in and the timing worked out that I just built a fresh Revel Ranger V2 with SRAM XXSL Transmission and new RockShox SID suspension, so fitting to get on some ZIPP wheels to round out the package (pun intended). This day in the XC world, tires are averaging from 2.2” on the narrow side to 2.4”, so having a 30mm internal rim width is just about standard, and if a wheel is narrower than that it better be extremely light. But I would argue that a 30mm internal with a good tire profile would provide not only better ride quality but also less rolling resistance than a 22-25mm internal rim that is very light. Anyways, getting the 1ZERO HitTOP out of the box, yup they are light. When I first saw the front hub my first impression was basically laughing, looking even smaller than the Roval Control SL front hub. The rim profile on them was nice, not only wide but quite shallow with a very large rim lip to help prevent pinch flats, something that can be very common when running this casing tires at low PSI. 

I immediately got them mounted up with some Maxxis Rekon front and Maxxis Ikon rear tires, being one of my go-to combos, it has a good balance of weight, grip, and low rolling resistance. Being on a new bike it took a second to find the right PSI and to have confidence in the setup, but after two rides I was up to speed. Right off the bat, I could feel that the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP really did strike the balance between a fast lightweight XC wheel that is very stiff but still had very good ride compliance. I rode these hard with about 20psi front and 22psi rear trying to go low enough to get grip yet not too low to roll the tire off the rim. I did not run inserts on these as I wanted to really feel they ride, inserts tend to mute lots of the feeling that a rim/wheel has. Riding some pretty chunky trails for a bike like this the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP didnt flinch, a few solid rim strikes had me checking for damage at the bottom of the trial but they help up great. Landing sideways or bouncing through rockgardens the wheels felt composed but not stiff, and also no “ping” sound from spokes or rim getting stressed out like on other wheels. When on smooth terrain, they spin up fast up climbs or out of corners and keep the rolling speed high when riding at a higher speed. 

Comparisons:

During the last week of riding the Zipp 1ZERO HiTOP, I was able to compare them directly to my BERD Hawk30 wheels with talon hubs, my other wheelset is very similar on paper but has a pretty different ride feel once on the trail. For full details on the BERD Hawk30, we have a full write-up. TLDR: The BERD Hawk30 wheels use a 30mm internal carbon rim that alslo focuses on ride compliance with a very shallow profile paired with BERD Spokes that are lighter than traditional steel spokes while also giving a muted ride feel from the fiber material the spokes are made out of. 

Once I put the Hawk30 wheels back on with the same tires, I could immediately feel the difference. The Zipp wheels felt a bit stiffer and more racey while the Hawk30 had a smoother ride and noticeably more flex. This isnt to say it's a bad flex and personally if I was looking for a wheel on an all-day adventure or ultra MTB event, the BERD would be my go-to. Racing for pure performance the ZIPP would probably be my go-to. They feel more precise while riding and you get all of your effort translated into speed while still being able to hold your line, very important after going into the red zone up a climb and then trying to hang on going back downhill. 

However, having spent two years previously on Roval Control SL wheels, the ZIPPs feel much more compliant than those. The Control SL wheels are very stiff, probably the stiffest sub-1400g wheelset I've ever ridden. Depending on what you think you want out of a wheel, more and more testing is proving that an all-out stiff wheel might feel fast but is slower once tested over rough and varying terrain. The Roval Control SL also seems to bounce you off line from time to time on chunky terrain and give you that “ping” when the spokes or rim is stressed, often distracting you from going downhill as it sounds like the wheel just yelled at you to slow down. So the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP wheels fall right in the middle of these two wheels; the BERD Hawk 30 with Talon hubs, and the Roval Control SL. Really strikes the balance of what modern demands are from a cross-country race wheel or a short travel dream wheelset. 

Worldwide’s Final Thoughts:

The Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP wheel is an impressive wheel coming at the right time in the modern XC mountain biking expansion. Having ridden some of the top wheels in this category, the 1ZERO HitTOP feels like the goldilocks for an XC wheel, lightweight, and stiff enough, yet has a great ride quality when the terrain gets rough. This is a hard feat to get and we expect nothing less from ZIPP than to crush it on their first cross-country wheelset. Not to mention two offerings for the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP with the ultra-light SW version and the more affordable S version. While TyreWiz 2.0 wasn't talked about much, the new system proved to be reliable for me, and for the tech nerds out there is a cool feature to have on a high-end wheelset. ZIPP entering the cross-country wheel market with a solid offering with the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP is also an exciting move, while loving the ZIPP 3ZERO Moto wheels, it was a big jump to have a known road brand come into the enduro wheel category with little brand recognition. I think not only will the Zipp 1ZERO HitTOP be an amazing wheel for XC and short travel trail bikes, but will also help bridge the gap between road and gravel where ZIPP is most known to the world of mountain biking. 

 

 

1ZERO HITOP FAQ:

What is the intended riding application for the 1ZERO HITOP? 

Cross-country, racing, or riding can be done with light trail bikes, hardtail mountain bikes, or full suspension bikes with up to 130mm travel. 

What is the difference between HITOP SW and HITOP S? 

Although both wheels share identical rims, layup, and carbon fiber material, they diverge in terms of their hubs, spokes, and nipples. Furthermore, the artwork technologies employed differ between the two: the SW wheel showcases the beauty of waterslide decals which are available in both silver and blue decals, to complement the SID Signature Series., while the SW incorporates the advanced TyreWiz 2.0 system. 

Does the 1ZERO HITOP use a hookless rim bead seat design?

 Yes. Can I use these wheels on an e-bike or DH bike? 1ZERO HITOP is incompatible with DH bikes, but it can be utilized on a lightweight electric bike, as long as it sticks to the prescribed maximum system weight limits and utilizes a gentle motor for assistance. The torque exerted on such a bicycle ought to remain below 55Nm.

Is it safe to use tire levers when installing tires on 1ZERO HITOP wheels? 

It is advised to avoid using tire levers for tire installation due to the potential risk of damaging the tire beads, resulting in air leakage. Tire installation should primarily be performed manually, with tire levers being employed only as a last resort. However, tire levers can still be used for tire removal. 

Where are 1ZERO HITOP rims made? 

Where are complete 1ZERO HITOP wheels built? 

Each 1ZERO HITOP carbon rim is meticulously crafted and molded by hand at our factory located in Taiwan. The hubs are manufactured either in Portugal (ZM2 SL) or Taiwan (ZM 900). Subsequently, we transport these components to our three regional facilities for the assembly of complete wheels, strategically located near their respective markets. Our North American assembly takes place in Indianapolis, Europe in Coimbra, and Asia in Taichung. In Indianapolis, we have been producing carbon wheels from scratch for over three decades, starting with individual plies of carbon. After the rim is cured, our skilled wheel builders at the same factory hand-lace and true the wheels specifically for the American market. For the European market, we ship the 1ZERO HITOP rims, manufactured in Indianapolis, to our factory in Coimbra, Portugal, where they are carefully laced up and trued by hand.

Can I order custom color graphics? 

No. 

Are the graphics under a clear coat? Can they be removed? 

Graphics are clear coated, so they cant be removed. 1ZERO SW graphics are baked onto the rim, for increased durability and no weight. Therefore, they cannot be removed. 1ZERO S graphics are adhesive decals and can be removed. Although, you shouldn’t. They’re just too nice. 

Is there a rider weight restriction for these wheels? 

Yes. 286lbs/130kg for the complete system weight (Bike+Rider+Gear). 

Is the warranty period the same for rims as it is for complete wheels? 

Zipp’s Lifetime Warranty provides coverage for both rims and wheels. The warranty for TyreWiz extends for a period of two years.

Can I safely run lower tire pressures with 1ZERO HITOP rims? 

1ZERO rims were designed to run the most popular tire sizes in cross country. Our rim profile helps reducing the chances of a pinch flat. Users should feel free to run our tire pressure guide to determine a starting point for their tire pressure. (https://axs.sram.com/guides/tire/pressure) 

Is there an expected fatigue life for the rim? 

No, there is no such thing. Carbon fiber material does not experience fatigue. 

Can I run the wheels with tubes and tires instead of tubeless? 

Yes, however it is recommended to use Tubeless Ready tires, even with tubes inside, to ensure the best dimensional compatibility between the rim and the tire. 

Can I remove TyreWiz during a ride if I need to install a tube? 

Yes. 

How many points of engagement does rear hub driver have? 

ZM2 SL: 66 

ZM 900: 52 

What type of bearings are used in the Zipp hubset? 

Steel cartridge bearings are utilized in both the ZM2 SL and ZM 900 hubs. What are the driver mechanisms in 1ZERO HITOP hubs? 1ZERO SW: In the ZM2 SL hub, a 6-pawl mechanism is utilized, featuring two sets of three pawls with an offset arrangement. This configuration effectively transforms the 33 teeth of the ratchet ring into an impressive 66 points of engagement. Notably, this mechanism is also utilized in Zipp’s ZR1 road hubs.

1ZERO S: The ZM 900 hub incorporates a 4-pawl mechanism arranged in a 2x2 configuration. As a result, the 26 teeth on the ratchet rings effectively provide 52 engagement points. 

What spoke lengths are used for the 1ZERO HITOP wheelsets? 

HITOP SW: Spoke length DS:286mm, 294mm Spoke length NDS: 290mm 

HITOP S: Spoke length DS: 288mm, 292mm Spoke length NDS: 288mm, 290mm

What spokes and nipples are used for the 1ZERO HITOP wheelset? 

The 1ZERO HITOP SW wheelset employs Sapim CX Ray spokes, while the S wheelset utilizes Sapim CX Sprint spokes. Both sets of wheels are equipped with aluminum nipples. 

What spoke drilling options are available? 

24h only. 

What type of rim tape is required? 

Zipp-branded tape is not mandatory but can be acquired as an aftermarket option. For tubeless applications, the tape should have a width of 32mm. 

Can you explain how the compliance of the rim allows me to ride faster? 

The compatibility between rims, wheels, suspension, and tires is essential for optimal performance. When carbon rims prioritize stiffness, they tend to transfer more vibrations to the rider, especially the high-frequency trail chatter that cannot be effectively absorbed by the suspension. As a result, the rider experiences increased fatigue, reduced confidence, and a tendency to ride at slower speeds. Additionally, stiff wheels raise the risk of pinch flats and offer less traction in loose corners.

How do the spokes and nipples respond to the compliance of the rim? 

Despite exhibiting more movement compared to other wheels available in the market, this rim’s motion is still minimal and does not have any impact on the spokes or nipples. 

Does the rim’s compliance increase the likelihood of tires burping air? 

No. 

What tire widths are recommended for the 1ZERO HITOP?

 The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) permits the use of tires ranging from 1.85 inches to 2.8 inches on rims that are 30mm wide. However, our recommendation is to use tires within the 2.3 to 2.5 section. 

Can I use any type of tire sidewall casing? 

For the intended purpose, it is advised to opt for lightweight tires that feature a supple casing. 

Are there any tire pressure recommendations or requirements? 

Max tire pressure shouldn’t exceed 50 psi/3.45 bar. For a good starting point on tire recommendation, visit our digital pressure guide. (https://axs.sram.com/guides/tire/pressure) 

Are complete 1ZERO HITOP wheelsets available with both Boost and non-Boost hub options? 

No. Boost only hubs for MTB. 

Is there a Super Boost Plus complete 1ZERO HITOP wheelset option? 

No. 

Can the 15mm thru axle ZM2 front hub use either RockShox Torque Caps (diameter 31mm) and standard through axle end caps (diameter 19mm) for use with another brand of fork? 

Yes. Both style of end caps are delivered with the front wheel. The torque cap for front hubs on the NDS comes in 2 pieces, to allow the installation of center locking brake rotors. See instructions in the user manual of the wheel: user should first install the dust cover part of the end cap. After assembling the brake rotor, the second part of the cap can be pressed in. 

Are there 20x110mm thru axle hub end cap options for the ZM2 SL or ZM 900 front hub? 

No.

Are there 15x100 or QR axle end cap options for the ZM2 SL or ZM 900 front hub? 

No. 

Is there a ZM2 SL hubset option that is compatible with center locking rotors? 

1ZERO HITOP wheels only come with a center locking option. ZM 900 hubs feature a 6 bolt brake interface. 

What hub driver options does 1ZERO HITOP has? 

Both the ZM2 SL and ZM 900 models offer XD driver options, as well as Microspline driver options. 

Are 1ZERO HITOP rims separately available? 

No.

TyreWIz 2.0 FAQ:

Can I buy complete 1ZERO HITOP wheels with or without TyreWiz? 

Both. The HITOP SW is equipped with TyreWiz 2.0, while the HITOP S does not come with it. 

Does the SRAM AXS App have a push notification option if the tire pressure is out of set range? 

No. However, the valve-mounted TyreWiz device has an LED flash sequence that signals where tire pressure is relative to the set range (green = good, slow red = too low, fast red = too high). 

The range must be set in the app. What information does TyreWiz deliver? 

It supplies tire pressure data in real-time via app or head unit. 

What settings can I adjust with the SRAM AXS App? 

The app allows for the target tire pressure range to be manually set or set based on Suggested Pressure recommendations. These settings will trigger the appropriate LED flash sequence visible on the valve-mounted TyreWiz hardware (green = good, slow red = too low, fast red = too high). 

How long does the TyreWiz battery last?

300 hours. The LEDs flash in specific sequences based on tire pressure ranges set within the app. Green = good, slow red = too low, fast red = too high TyreWiz automatically turns back on after the accelerometer detects a few seconds of sustained movement. 

Specify what battery type is used? 

CR1632 coin cells. 

Does TyreWiz work with all tire sealants? 

Yes. Please see the user manual for proper installation and care. What do the lights on TyreWiz mean? The LEDs flash in specific sequences based on tire pressure ranges set within the app. Green = good, slow red = too low, fast red = too high. 

If my TyreWiz breaks, can I install a normal tubeless valve? 

Yes. You will need to remove the complete TyreWiz device and valve to make this change. It can be done by hand without tools.

If I get a flat and need to install a tube, what happens? 

Remove the complete TyreWiz device and valve before installing the inner tube. 

What is the warranty policy on TyreWiz? 

Standard 2-year warranty. 

Does TyreWiz require a special valve stem or is it a standard replaceable stem? 

TyreWiz requires a custom valve stem that is included with 1ZERO HITOP wheels.