DARC – Double Arc FFWD DARC technology is short for ‘Double Arc’ which refers to the profile of the rim. The revolutionary DARC profile improves aerodynamics dramatically by reducing the drag. Air has the characteristic to stick to its surface and by creating a negative arc section the air will be compressed more at the positive section. This will increase the pressure just like on the topside of an airfoil. Increased pressure results in a faster airflow and less resistance on the wheel which reduces the drag. The DARC profile is applied to all F4R, F6R and F9R models! Carbon – TC-35 Fast Forward (FFWD) use High-Tensile TC-35 carbon for the majority of the lay-up. This gives the rim a very high strength with sufficient stiffness to cope with hard application of the wheels. So, rather than use a stiffer, but more brittle carbon type, they chose durability over ultimate stiffness. In some lay-ups they add some higher modulus sheets to increase stiffness locally. FFWD actually use multiple layers of different types of carbon. Only the outer layer is made from a 3K weave. Underneath this layer are layers of UDF (Uni-Directional Fibre) sheets. A mixture of different angles to resemble a uniform material. Because carbon fibre can handle tension very well, they have to mix up the layers to make the rim stiff and strong enough. CRP – Crash Replacement Policy If you are unlucky enough to damage your FFWD wheel in an accident or by any means that is unwarrantable even outside the standard 2 year warranty, you may return your damaged wheel to FFWD who will replace your damaged carbon or alloy rim for HALF the regular price plus 50 euro's for new spokes and rebuilding by hand. For more information on this scheme please visit the Fast Forward website. ECOM Molding All rims are moulded with a process we call Ecom (Equal Compression). This means that the rims are molded with a custom-made air bag that has the inner shape of the rim. This makes sure that the pressure/compression is equal on the entire inner surface of the rim. Result is a practically void less rim section and a smooth wall on the inside of the rim. Without voids, the carbon sheets are completely fused into one system. The rim structure is much better and you can make the rim lighter and stronger. Ecom also provides for a smooth inside (no wrinkles!) which is a great feature and not common for carbon rims. This is for instance very beneficial for the nipples. Just imagine how the force of the spoke tension is applied through the nipple seat onto the rim itself. If the nipple seat isn't smooth, the transition of the force isn't clean and optimal. This might cause spoke, nipple or spoke hole failure in future. FFWD rims are made with Ecom which ensures longevity….
– Fast Forward F4R Carbon Tubular Wheelset Performance Wheels – £1130 (RRP – £)
