Back this summer we got a look at the unique double arc DARC aerodynamic rim profiles that Dutch wheelmaker FFWD introduced for 2019 on their top aero carbon road wheels. Now as 2019 approaches we have the full details on the twenty-eight different wheel options that take advantage of the uniquely aero shaping, including alloy & carbon options, all tubeless or tubular, rim brake & disc brake wheels, rims depths from 45-90mm, and prices from $1700-$2600.
FFWD aerodynamic DARC profile aero road wheels
The heart of the new FFWD aero road wheelset family is the DARC profile concept that gets an indentation midway through the rim to create a double arc, hourglass profile when combined with the tire. The thinking is that in the 0-10° real world effective wind yaw angles we spend most time riding in, this shape helps divert airflow over the spokes for less drag.
FFWD says that works not only on their deep profile rims, but also down to more everyday mid section wheels as well. So DARC profiles are available in their three aero wheel lines – F4 with 45mm deep profiles, F6 with 60mm sections & the 90mm deep F9 wheels.
FFWD DARC aero wheel – Tech Details, Materials & Options
The overarching theme of the FFWD aero DARC road wheel lineup seems to be options, lots of options. Not only limited to the highest end full carbon wheels, FFWD is offering the DARC aero shaping in five distinct rim constructions: 1. Rim brake aluminum+carbon tubeless clincher wheels with a machined alloy braking surface and carbon fairing; 2. Rim brake full carbon tubeless clincher wheels with a carbon nano fiber reinforced braking surface (19mm internal); 3. Rim brake full carbon tubular wheels with a carbon nano fiber reinforced braking surface; 4. Disc brake full carbon tubeless clincher wheels without a braking surface (19mm internal); and 5. Disc brake full carbon tubular wheels without a braking surface.
Add on top of that the three rim depths available – 45, 60 & 90mm – and the choice of affordability with DT 350 hubs or light, premium performance with DT 240 hubs. All new 2019 wheels feature subtle matte black UV stable graphics, UD carbon finishes, straight pull spokes, and 2:1 balanced spoke lacing (still radial for rim brake front wheels.)
FFWD DARC aero wheel Options, Pricing & Availability
FFWD F4 mid-depth 45mm wheels, 19mm internal tubeless clinchers
- F4R-C TLR rim brake, carbon+alloy clincher, DT350, 1825g – $1700 (1775g with DT240 – $2000)
- F4R FCC TLR rim brake, full carbon clincher, DT350, 1525g – $1900 (1475g with DT240 – $2300)
- F4D FCC TLR disc brake, full carbon clincher, DT350, 1540g – $1900 (1490g with DT240 – $2300)
FFWD F4 mid-depth 45mm wheels, 26mm external tubulars
- F4R rim brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1315g – $1900 (1265g with DT240 – $2300)
- F4D disc brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1430g – $1900 (1380g with DT240 – $2300)
FFWD F6 deep 60mm wheels, 19mm internal tubeless clincher
- F6R-C TLR rim brake, carbon+alloy clincher, DT3550, 1945g – $1700 (1845g with DT240 – $2000)
- F6R FCC TLR rim brake, full carbon clincher, DT3550, 1635g – $2000 (1585g with DT240 – $2400)
- F6D FCC TLR disc brake, full carbon clincher, DT3550, 1650g – $2000 (1600g with DT240 – $2400)
FFWD F6 deep 60mm wheels, 26mm external tubulars
- F6R rim brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1420g – $2000 (1370g with DT240 – $2400)
- F6D disc brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1470g – $2000 (1420g with DT240 – $2400)
FFWD F9 ultra-deep 90mm TT/tri wheels, 19mm internal tubeless clincher
- F9R FCC TLR rim brake, full carbon clincher, DT3550, 1870g – $2200 (1820g with DT240 – $2600)
- F49D FCC TLR disc brake, full carbon clincher, DT3550, 1895g – $2200 (1845g with DT240 – $2600)
FFWD F9 ultra-deep 90mm TT/tri wheels, 26.6 mm external tubulars
- F9R rim brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1760g – $2200 (1710g with DT240 – $2600)
- F9D disc brake, full carbon tubular, DT350, 1860g – $2200 (1810g with DT240 – $2600)
All FFWD wheels are built by hand in The Netherlands with DT Swiss hubs & spokes, and are available with SHImano/SRAM or Campagnolo freehub bodies. All clinchers are tubeless-ready including tubeless rim tape & tubeless valves. Wheels are anticipated to be available through dealers from mid-November, and US buyers can reserve their wheelsets now from FFWD USA.
