FFWD is stepping out of the box with an almost box-like new shape for wide aero rims. Designed for tires up to 42mm, two designs are on offer. The rowdier RYOT44 uses traditional spoke installation and DT 240 EXP hubs, while the lighter RAW wheels hide the nipples and upgrade to DT 180s.
2021 FFWD RYOT 44 all-road wheels
While not specifically designed for dirt roads, they do get a pass for “light gravel”. Which is good since they have a massive 30mm external width, and 21mm internal. Minimum tire size is 700×23, max is 700×42.
Their trick is the LAW (Laminar Airflow Wing) profile, which they say is optimized to create a seamless transition from rubber to rim when using wider tires. Compared to other modern aero rim shapes, which have definitely gotten thicker and wider, these push the lower edge to a new extreme.
The profile suggests it will better mimic the shape created by 25-28mm tires, giving it similar performance on both leading and trailing edges.
As the name implies, they’re 44mm deep, and built with 24 straight pull spokes per wheel – DT Aerolite front and DT Aerocomp rear. Those are laced in to the new DT 240 EXP Centerlock hubs, which have simplified and lighter internals than the prior generation.
Claimed weights are 695g front and 825g rear, for 1,520g per set. They retail for €1,699, which includes preinstalled rim tape, alloy tubeless valves and a padded wheel bag. Max rider weight is 120kg (265 lbs).
2021 FFWD RAW lightweight road wheels
From the looks of it, both wheels use the same rim profiles and shapes, but the RAW moves to DT Pro Lock Hidden Alloy nipples placed inside the rim. This gives them a sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance (and presumably reduced drag).
They also switch to an embossed logo design that’s molded into the rim during construction. Other specs, including the types of spokes, are the same, except…
The hubs upgrade to DT 180 EXP with their SINC ceramic bearings. These help drop 100g off the wheelset weight. Claimed weights are 650g front and 770g rear, totaling 1,420g per set.
Price bumps a bit to $1,999 and includes the same setup and wheel bag.
