700c, 27-Inch & 650c

Zipp's 303 S Tubeless Disc Brake wheelset provides today's cyclists the versatility they demand with the speed they crave. Expanding greatly on its heritage of conquering the Spring Classics, this 303 wheelset maintains its ideal-for-every-terrain 45mm rim depth but adds a significantly wider internal width to provide greater performance and ride quality in almost every measurable way. This wheelset is tubeless for disc-brake bikes, allowing the ability to run wide tires at lower pressures for race-ready speed on or off the pavement. The 303 S is among our lightest wheelsets, optimized for top aero performance with a 28mm tire but capable of handling gravel tires up to 50mm wide. - Wide rims optimize tire profile to allow lower tire pressure, especially with tubeless. The result is a larger contact patch for increased grip and confident cornering, descending, and handling in wet conditions. - Lower tire pressures and larger volume provides a compliant ride with fewer vibrations. - Significant watt savings when running larger tires at lower pressure. - Wide, hookless rims create a seamless transition to the tire, reducing drag. - Fastest with 28mm, but fits wide gravel tires as well - New Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that scream speed

Zipp's 303 S Tubeless Disc Brake wheelset provides today's cyclists the versatility they demand with the speed they crave. Expanding greatly on its heritage of conquering the Spring Classics, this 303 wheelset maintains its ideal-for-every-terrain 45mm rim depth but adds a significantly wider internal width to provide greater performance and ride quality in almost every measurable way. This wheelset is tubeless for disc-brake bikes, allowing the ability to run wide tires at lower pressures for race-ready speed on or off the pavement. The 303 S is among our lightest wheelsets, optimized for top aero performance with a 28mm tire but capable of handling gravel tires up to 50mm wide. - Wide rims optimize tire profile to allow lower tire pressure, especially with tubeless. The result is a larger contact patch for increased grip and confident cornering, descending, and handling in wet conditions. - Lower tire pressures and larger volume provides a compliant ride with fewer vibrations. - Significant watt savings when running larger tires at lower pressure. - Wide, hookless rims create a seamless transition to the tire, reducing drag. - Fastest with 28mm, but fits wide gravel tires as well - New Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that scream speed

Zipp's 101 XPLR is a purpose-built wheel for gravel. Thanks to MOTO Technology, this wheel arms gravel cyclists with more control and durability over harsh terrain, providing a smooth ride quality that helps reduce fatigue. That means a more comfortable ride. The 101 XPLR—short for explore-is purpose—built for riders searching for adventure beyond the norm. Think of it as a magic carpet ride over primitive roads, especially with large tubeless tires at lower tire pressures. This wheel is ideal for gravel racing, adventure, or any long day in the saddle. Based on Zipp's MOTO Technology, the 101 XPRL's single-wall rim construction provides excellent compliance and vibration damping. Less fatigue, allows you to ride longer and faster. The 101 XPLR features the ZR1 hubset for better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement. With 101 XPLR, victory is in the pursuit of adventure. - All-day comfort and compliant ride - Available in 700c or 650b - 27mm wide internal profile - Reduced chance of pinch flatting - More traction in rough corners - Smoother ride in rocky terrain - Ability to run lower tire pressure - Less fatigue, which allows you to ride longer and faster - Frustration-free tire installation - ZR1 hubset for better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - Lifetime Warranty

Zipp's 303 Firecrest Tubeless wheels are designed for the real world—a world of imperfect conditions, varying road surfaces, and elements where the bottom line is simple: efficiency = speed. They're faster, lighter, and more capable over varied terrain—whether the surface is pavement in all its conditions or no pavement at all. Deeply rooted in Zipp's drive to conquer the Spring Classics, the new 303 Firecrest is remade with a purpose-made approach for the demands of modern road bikes. When it comes to going fast on a bicycle, efficiency means reduced wind resistance, rolling resistance, rider fatigue, and weight. The 303 Firecrest Tubeless Disc-brake was designed using real-world direct measurements (vs. primarily wind tunnel or computer simulation). The results were huge. Its rim is slightly more bulbous in design than its predecessor, with a 32mm outside width, a 25mm internal width, and a 40mm rim depth. The profile provides low drag and an improved transition between rim and tire, boosting aero efficiency on the road. The wide rim stance also features less tire deflection for reduced rolling resistance. The combination of the wider tire, increased tire volume, and lower tire pressure helps to reduce rider fatigue by smoothing out the ride over imperfect pavement and road conditions—the tire and wheel system absorbs the shaking, not the rider. At the center of the 303 Firecrest Tubeless is a versatile and durable new hubset, the German-engineered ZR1 DB. This hubset features 66 points of engagement for quicker response. The 303 Firecrest Tubeless wheels are for dedicated cyclists who aspire to the latest in technology. They're for those who compete in races, against peers, or simply to conquer personal limits. - New Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that scream speed - Versatile endurance wheelset for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile - Lighter weight than its predecessor, making it nimble and fast - Tubeless Made Easy, optimized tire bed sign allows for simple tool-free installation and removal with no need for an air compressor to seat the tire. - Ultra-wide 25mm rim profile creates a better tire interface to be fast on or off the road - 40mm rim depth makes a light and aero wheel in every situation - Ships with 12mm end caps - Center Lock rotor interface (lockring included)

- Versatile aero wheelset for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - Wide 23mm rim profile creates a better tire interface to be fast on or off the road - New ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - 1470g - Lifetime warranty

Zipp's 101 XPLR is a purpose-built wheel for gravel. Thanks to MOTO Technology, this wheel arms gravel cyclists with more control and durability over harsh terrain, providing a smooth ride quality that helps reduce fatigue. That means a more comfortable ride. The 101 XPLR—short for explore—is purpose-built for riders searching for adventure beyond the norm. Think of it as a magic carpet ride over primitive roads, especially with large tubeless tires at lower tire pressures. This wheel is ideal for gravel racing, adventure, or any long day in the saddle. Based on Zipp's MOTO Technology, the 101 XPRL's single-wall rim construction provides excellent compliance and vibration damping. Less fatigue, allows you to ride longer and faster. The 101 XPLR features the ZR1 hubset for better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement. With 101 XPLR, victory is in the pursuit of adventure. - All-day comfort and compliant ride - Available in 700c or 650b - 27mm wide internal profile - Reduced chance of pinch flatting - More traction in rough corners - Smoother ride in rocky terrain - Ability to run lower tire pressure - Less fatigue, which allows you to ride longer and faster - Frustration-free tire installation - ZR1 hubset for better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - Lifetime Warranty

- Versatile aero wheelset for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - Wide 23mm rim profile creates a better tire interface to be fast on or off the road - New ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - Ships with 12mm front and rear end caps - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - 1470g - Lifetime warranty

- TSE design with 23mm internal width with tubeless and hookless rim profile ideal for wider tires at lower tire pressure - Minimum 25mm tire width - More than 300 g lighter than previous model - ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - An all-out aero 80mm rim profile - ABLC Sawtooth dimple design helps manage air flow around the rim, and contributes to create a faster, more stable wheel - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included - Lifetime warranty

- TSE design with 23mm internal width with tubeless and hookless rim profile ideal for wider tires at lower tire pressure - Minimum 25mm tire width - More than 300 g lighter than previous model - ZR1 DB hub is engineered in Germany with better seal design for improved durability and quicker response with 66 points of engagement - An all-out aero 80mm rim profile - ABLC Sawtooth dimple design helps manage air flow around the rim, and contributes to create a faster, more stable wheel - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included - Lifetime warranty

Zipp's 353 NSW Tubeless Disc-brake wheel is the pinnacle of our pursuit of versatility and speed. This wheel fuses Zipp's two most advanced approaches, Sawtooth rim profile and TSE, for an all-encompassing approach to performance. With its undulating 45mm-deep rim shape, the 353 NSW provides speed on every terrain with best-in-class aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability. The 353 NSW is Zipp's lightest tubeless wheelset yet, making it a fast-puncher ready to fight its way into the breakaway. Zipp's use of a hookless (straight side) rim in the 353 NSW is integral to achieving our mission of Making You Faster. With hookless, the transition between the tire and the rim is more seamless and aero. Zipp's hookless rims have more efficient resin distribution, which means lighter wheels. They also are highly durable. Zipp's 353 NSW's Sawtooth rim shape with Hyperfoils optimizes aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability. The Sawtooth design also allows the rim to be structurally strong but light. That will help you snap out of corners and maintain that speed no matter the terrain, especially in the steep, punchy stuff. The 353 NSW utilizes Zipp's Total System Efficiency, or TSE, approach to wheel design: overcoming specific barriers to speed: wind resistance, gravity, rolling resistance, and vibration losses. The wheel's 25mm internal width is ideal for running wider tubeless tires at reduced air pressure for a more efficient ride. At the center of the 353 NSW is the Cognition V2 Hubset, re-engineered with an updated Axial Clutch V2 mechanism for quicker engagement and lower friction, as well as improved durability. - Versatile endurance wheel for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile - Our lightest tubeless wheel yet, making it a fast-puncher ready to fight - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - TSE for greater efficiency and reduced rolling resistance - Sawtooth rim with Hyperfoil nodes and HexFin ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stable performance with an undulating rim depth - Cognition V2 hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. Its Axial ClutchV2 technology reduces drag and lowers friction - Ships with 12mm end caps - Center Lock rotor interface. Lockring is included - Zipp graphics applied using Zipp's ImPress direct-print technology - Lifetime warranty

- Zipp’s ultimate road racing wheelset. Aerodynamically efficient and stable in all wind conditions. - Optimized for 28mm tubeless tires at lower pressure for reduced rolling resistance and vibration damping. - Total System Efficiency (TSE) approach addresses wind resistance, gravity, rolling resistance, and vibration losses. - More than 400 grams lighter than its predecessor - Hookless rims for a more seamless and aerodynamic transition between tire and the rim - Cognition V2 Hubset with an updated Axial Clutch V2 mechanism for quicker engagement, lower friction, and improved durability. - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - 1360g - Lifetime warranty

- Zipp's most advanced and fastest deep-rim wheel for road, triathlon, and time trialing - More than 300 grams lighter that previous model - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - Sawtooth rim with Hyperfoil nodes and HexFin ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stability performance with an undulating rim depth - Cognition V2 hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. Its Axial Clutch V2 technology reduces drag and lowers friction - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - Zipp graphics applied using Zipp's ImPress direct-print technology - Minimum 25mm tire width - Lifetime Warranty - Wheel Diameter/ISO: 700C / 622 - Wheel Tire Type: Hookless - Tubeless

Zipp's 353 NSW Tubeless Disc-brake wheel is the pinnacle of our pursuit of versatility and speed. This wheel fuses Zipp's two most advanced approaches, Sawtooth rim profile and TSE, for an all-encompassing approach to performance. With its undulating 45mm-deep rim shape, the 353 NSW provides speed on every terrain with best-in-class aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability. The 353 NSW is Zipp's lightest tubeless wheel yet, making it a fast-puncher ready to fight its way into the breakaway. Zipp's use of hookless (straight side) rims in the 353 NSW is integral to achieving our mission of Making You Faster. With hookless, the transition between the tire and the rim is more seamless and aero. Zipp's hookless rims have more efficient resin distribution, which means lighter wheels. They also are highly durable. Zipp's 353 NSW's Sawtooth rim shape with Hyperfoils optimizes aerodynamic efficiency and crosswind stability. The Sawtooth design also allows the rim to be structurally strong but light. That will help you snap out of corners and maintain that speed no matter the terrain, especially in the steep, punchy stuff. The 353 NSW utilizes Zipp's Total System Efficiency, or TSE, approach to wheel design: overcoming specific barriers to speed: wind resistance, gravity, rolling resistance, and vibration losses. The wheel's 25mm internal width is ideal for running wider tubeless tires at reduced air pressure for a more efficient ride. At the center of the 353 NSW is the Cognition V2 Hubset, re-engineered with an updated Axial Clutch V2 mechanism for quicker engagement and lower friction, as well as improved durability. - Versatile endurance wheel for the modern road bike with tubeless and hookless rim profile - Our lightest tubeless wheel yet, making it a fast-puncher ready to fight - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - TSE for greater efficiency and reduced rolling resistance - Sawtooth rim with Hyperfoil nodes and HexFin ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stable performance with an undulating rim depth - Cognition V2 hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. Its Axial ClutchV2 technology reduces drag and lowers friction - Ships with 12mm end caps - Center Lock rotor interface. Lockring is included - Zipp graphics applied using Zipp's ImPress direct-print technology - Lifetime warranty

- Zipp’s ultimate road racing wheelset. Aerodynamically efficient and stable in all wind conditions. - Optimized for 28mm tubeless tires at lower pressure for reduced rolling resistance and vibration damping. - Total System Efficiency (TSE) approach addresses wind resistance, gravity, rolling resistance, and vibration losses. - More than 400 grams lighter than its predecessor - Hookless rims for a more seamless and aerodynamic transition between tire and the rim - Cognition V2 Hubset with an updated Axial Clutch V2 mechanism for quicker engagement, lower friction, and improved durability. - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - 1360g - Lifetime warranty

With the introduction of the radical biomimicry-derived 454 NSW Carbon Clincher, Zipp proved that aero efficiency and crosswind stability are not mutually exclusive aero wheel design goals. Using a similar Sawtooth rim design, the 858 NSW wheelset goes 24 millimeters deeper than the 454 and delivers even greater gains in aero efficiency while providing a level of rider control in crosswinds that was previously unthinkable with conventional deep-section wheel designs. By eliminating concerns over control, the 858 NSW ushers in a new era where aerodynamically efficient deep-section wheels are no longer a race-day-only option—they’re everyday wheels. Adding to the 858’s versatility, its lightweight and laterally stiff rim imparts a level of responsiveness previously only attributed to much shallower wheels, keeping bike handling lively and quick. The 858 delivers the best braking available thanks to Zipp's NSW-exclusive Showstopper brake track found on the rim brake version of the 858 NSW. Designed for road or triathlon applications, the 858 NSW’s advanced aero efficiency, crosswind stability, responsive handling, and unrivaled braking are engineered to make what was once impossible…possible. - Sawtooth rim with Hyperfoil nodes - Rim depth of 77/82mm - Cognition hubset - Axial Clutch technology - ImPress graphics - HexFin ABLC dimple pattern - ShowStopper - AeroBalance - Handcrafted in the USA

- Zipp's most advanced and fastest deep-rim wheel for road, triathlon, and time trialing - More than 300 grams lighter that previous model - Optimized tire bed for easy tire installation - Sawtooth rim with Hyperfoil nodes and HexFin ABLC dimple pattern for top aero and crosswind-stability performance with an undulating rim depth - Cognition V2 hubset rolls efficiently whether you are pedaling or coasting. Its Axial Clutch V2 technology reduces drag and lowers friction - Center locking rotor interface. Lockring is included with the wheels - Zipp graphics applied using Zipp's ImPress direct-print technology - Minimum 25mm tire width - Lifetime Warranty

The Super-9 gives you the technology needed to do your best. Pro-proven, the Super-9 Tubular Disc brake wheel optimizes supreme aerodynamics, power transfer, stiffness, low weight, and durability. The Super-9 remains flat from its widest point all the way to the hub. This relatively simple-looking shape results in a wheel that's fast and stiff. Add to that, the modulation and stopping power of disc brakes, and you're ready to attack the tri or time trial course. - New Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that screams speed applied with our ImPress direct-print technology - Greater stopping power and modulation of disc brakes - Aero, durable, lightweight - Center Lock rotor interface (lockring included)

How do you make super better? Make it tubeless. Zipp’s go-to triathlon and time trial weapon, the Super-9 Tubeless rim-brake wheel is now tubeless ready with a 18mm internal width. That means you can lower tire pressure for a host of benefits: better cornering grip, better compliance, and reduced rolling resistance. With tubeless, you get all this without the risk of pinch flats. So, go attack the course. The Super-9 gives you the technology needed to do your best. The Super-9 Carbon Clincher optimizes supreme aerodynamics, power transfer, stiffness, lightweight and durability. - Zipp graphics and cosmetic identity that screams speed applied with our ImPress direct-print technology - 18mm internal width and tubeless compatibility for optimization of wider tires with lower tire pressure, lower rolling resistance, and increase grip and compliance - Aero, durable, light weight - XDR or SRAM/Shimano driver bodies - Ships with quick release skewer - Campagnolo driver body sold separately

The all-rounder of the new DURA-ACE wheel lineup, the C50 is both lighter than the previous C40 model and nearly as aerodynamic as the previous C60. It's a wheelset at home in a wide range of conditions. From time trials to criteriums, on rolling terrain or attempting a personal best, the new C50 is the ideal wheel for spirited road riding. The perfect blend of low weight and aerodynamic performance, the all-new DURA-ACE C50 features an updated all-carbon tubeless rim and new hub design that drops weight while enhancing rigidity. - All-round tubeless wheels with balanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials - 50 mm height full carbon rim - Internal rim width: 21 mm

The all-rounder of the new DURA-ACE wheel lineup, the C50 is both lighter than the previous C40 model and nearly as aerodynamic as the previous C60. It's a wheelset at home in a wide range of conditions. From time trials to criteriums, on rolling terrain or attempting a personal best, the new C50 is the ideal wheel for spirited road riding. The perfect blend of low weight and aerodynamic performance, the all-new DURA-ACE C50 features an updated all-carbon tubeless rim and new hub design that drops weight while enhancing rigidity. - 50 mm height full carbon rim - Internal rim width: 21 mm - DIRECT ENGAGEMENT - Compatible only with Shimano road 12-speed cassette sprockets

The all-rounder of the new DURA-ACE wheel lineup, the C50 is both lighter than the previous C40 model and nearly as aerodynamic as the previous C60. It's a wheelset at home in a wide range of conditions. From time trials to criteriums, on rolling terrain or attempting a personal best, the new C50 is the ideal wheel for spirited road riding. The perfect blend of low weight and aerodynamic performance, the all-new DURA-ACE C50 features an updated all-carbon tubeless rim and new hub design that drops weight while enhancing rigidity. - 50 mm height full carbon rim - Internal rim width: 21 mm - DIRECT ENGAGEMENT - Compatible only with Shimano road 12-speed cassette sprockets

The best price on the market for a wheel meant to be ridden. Single-wall rims and hubs that come out of the box round and true.

- Alloy 700c rims - Tubeless compatible using supplied rim strips and valves - 23mm wide rim for better tire performance - 30mm rim height - Stainless steel, straight pull, double butted spokes - Dynamic Balanced Lacing provides significantly higher transmission stiffness vs. traditionally laced wheels - Alloy locking nipples - Giant Alloy hub shell with pawl based driver - Centerlock disc compatible

The SLR 2 36 Disc brings the performance gains of a stiff, lightweight carbon wheel to more riders everywhere. Light enough for all-day challenges through the mountains but strong and durable for daily training on variable terrain, the SLR 2 36 Disc’s optimized carbon layup contributes to significant weight reduction for better climbing as Giant hookless technology offers a wide inner rim width for a more confident ride.

The SLR 2 42 Disc WheelSystems are lightweight and robust carbon wheels that are built to last. Combining hookless rim design and optimized carbon layup with a modern, 19.4mm inner width, the SLR 2 42 & SLR 2 42 Disc deliver great value to performance cyclists who require minimal tradeoff between price, weight, and durability. - Hookless rim design enhances overall durability and offers a wider inner rim width without adding weight - Optimized carbon layup features high tensile strength carbon fiber placed at the most crucial points to provide stiff and lightweight wheels - 42mm deep all-round rim profile with a 19.4mm inner width offers better support for today's higher volume road tires

The SLR 2 42 WheelSystems are lightweight and robust carbon wheels that are built to last. Combining hookless rim design and optimized carbon layup with a modern, 19.4mm inner width, the SLR 2 42 & SLR 2 42 Disc deliver great value to performance cyclists who require minimal tradeoff between price, weight, and durability. - Hookless rim design enhances overall durability and offers a wider inner rim width without adding weight - Optimized carbon layup features high tensile strength carbon fiber placed at the most crucial points to provide stiff and lightweight wheels - 42mm deep all-round rim profile with a 19.4mm inner width offers better support for today's higher volume road tires - Giant's proprietary High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) resin enhances the rim's overall durability and braking performance

The SLR 2 36 Disc brings the performance gains of a stiff, lightweight carbon wheel to more riders everywhere. Light enough for all-day challenges through the mountains but strong and durable for daily training on variable terrain, the SLR 2 36 Disc’s optimized carbon layup contributes to significant weight reduction for better climbing as Giant hookless technology offers a wide inner rim width for a more confident ride.

The all-new SLR 1 36 Disc WheelSystem provides high-performance versatility, combining maximum power transmission with optimal stiffness, efficiency and weight savings to make it as quick on the climbs as it is confident on the descents.

The SLR 1 42 WheelSystems are efficient, lightweight, all-around, carbon road wheels that bring premium-level performance to all riders. Featuring hookless rim design and optimized carbon layup to ensure a robust yet lightweight structure, contemporary wider inner width, low friction hubs offering low rolling resistance, and Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) technology to maintain maximum power efficiency, the SLR 1 42 and SLR 1 42 Disc bring outstanding performance at no compromise. - Hookless rim design enhances overall durability and offers a wider inner rim width without adding weight - Optimized carbon layup features high tensile strength carbon fiber placed at the most crucial points to provide stiff, compliant, and lightweight wheels - Low friction hub with precision machined internals eliminates excessive bearing load, reducing bearing friction, lowering rolling resistance, and minimizing power loss - Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) ensures spokes are set for optimal tension when pedaling, resulting in enhanced durability and transmission efficiency - The enlarged DBL hub flange increases spoke bracing angles, boosting overall torsional, transmissional, and lateral stiffness for better power transfer - Giant's proprietary High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) resin enhances the rim's overall durability and braking performance - 42mm-deep all-round rim profile with an updated inner width offers better support for today's higher volume road tires

The SLR 1 65 Disc WheelSystems are lightweight, aero carbon wheels that deliver premium aero gains to all riders. Featuring a 65mm deep rim profile with a contemporary 22.4mm inner width, SLR 1 65 WheelSystems not only provide aerodynamic benefits but also better support for today's higher volume tires. With hookless rim design and optimized carbon layup to ensure robust structure with minimal weight, as well as low friction hubs and Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology to maintain maximum power efficiency, the SLR 1 65 and SLR 1 65 Disc offer riders maximum aero efficiency with no weight penalty. - Hookless rim design enhances overall durability and offers a wider inner rim width without adding weight - Optimized carbon layup features high tensile strength carbon fiber placed at the most crucial points to provide stiff, compliant, and lightweight wheels - Low friction hub with precision machined internals eliminates excessive bearing load, reducing bearing friction, lowering rolling resistance, and minimizing power loss - Dynamic Balanced Lacing (DBL) ensures spokes are set for optimal tension when pedaling, resulting in enhanced durability and transmission efficiency - The enlarged DBL hub flange increases spoke bracing angles, boosting overall torsional, transmissional, and lateral stiffness for better power transfer - 65mm deep aero rim profile with a 22.4mm inner width offers better support for today's higher volume road tires and minimizes aerodynamic loss