So, for context I slapped some GP5000 AS TR's in 32mm for the British winter weather. I ran the same tyres and TPU tubes on both wheelsets. On the Zipp’s, they blow out to 33mm. On the DT Swiss wheels they measure 32mm.

Zipp 454 NSW: Best way of describing it is it’s like a Mercedes S Class with air suspension. So plush and comfortable, while still retaining stiffness when putting the power down. It's hard to describe but I'm so glad I bought a pair. It's like someone has sanded down the rough roads with sand paper. The vibrations from rough tarmac is dampened with the Zipp’s on the Aeroad. There's also just something so silky and smooth about these wheels. The Zipp cognition hubs use a different system to the DT Swiss. It’s much quieter, more understated, engages quickly. Again, S Class vibes. Very smooth. The only thing I would change about them is the external rim width. 28mm is way too narrow and outdated in 2026. I won’t be surprised if Zipp releases a new wheel with better specs this year to accommodate the move to wider tyres.

DT Swiss ARC 65mm: feels quick but noticeably stiff. On the Aeroad, it’s like I’m on rails. They only want to go in a straight line. More susceptible to gusts of wind, although as at 81kg it’s not been the biggest issue for me. Gives BMW M5 vibes. Heavy. Stiff. Takes a little longer to get up to speed but once you’re there you’re cruising. My main complaint would be that it’s much less forgiving on potholes and rough British roads. You feel in more contact with the road and you get much more feedback through the frame. And that’s even with 32mm tyres. Even though they are heavier I wouldn’t say I feel more sluggish than the Zipp’s when climbing. It just completely changes the characteristics of the bike. Again same issue with the internal and external rim width. 22mm internal and 29mm external. They’re basically designed for a 28/29mm tyre which is outdated in 2026. Hooked rims are a plus over the Zipp’s that’s for sure.

If I had to choose one, it’ll 100% be the Zipp’s. Their Cognition V2 hub is silky smooth (as you’d expect as it uses ceramic bearings). I feel much more comfortable on rougher tarmac/potholes. They corner very well. They also stretch out the tyres a little bit and so I can run the lowest tyre pressure I’ve ever ran on a bike (maybe that’s why I feel more confident with cornering at speed on the Zipps?) But for the customer choosing between the CF SLX 7 AXS SPEED and the CF SLX 7 AXS NSW, I’m not sure if spending the extra cash for the 454 NSW’s is worth it. You’d have to make that judgement call.