Test: In recent years, the Dutch company FFWD has been able to establish itself among the top ranks of wheel manufacturers worldwide. This season they also equipped the two Continental teams Topsport Vlaanderen and Roompot-Oranje Peloton with their noble wheels. With the F6R-C we tested the new middle class among the FFWD carbon clinchers.
With the aluminum-carbon hybrid rims and a price of €6, the F1.598R-C form the upper mid-range of the Dutch manufacturer's carbon clinchers. Sure: You can argue about the sense and nonsense of high-priced carbon clinchers, since many ambitious drivers rely on tubular because of the lower weight. But clinchers shine with their simple handling and somewhat more robust properties than comparable tubular tire rims. If you can afford it, a set like the FFWD F6R is perfect for training.
Unsurprisingly, the wheels with their 60mm high rims cut a better figure on the flat than on the climbs. So while they weren't built for the Tourmalet or the Izoard, they still performed well on the climbs - don't get us wrong, that's whining at a really, really high level. And a real revelation is the descent with such a wheelset.
FFWD F6R: Data
rim height: 58 mm
Rim width (outside): 22,4 mm
Weight: 1880g
Maximum tire pressure: 9 Bar
spokes: 20/24
hubs: DT Swiss 240s
Color: Black White Red
Price: 1598€
We put the clinchers to a hard test in France and climbed the Col d'Aspin with them, among other things. Right from the start we noticed the very good aerodynamics; the rims glide through the wind like a warm knife through butter. This is where the years of development by FFWD pay off. Especially at speeds of over 40km/h, the F6R really puts you in a good mood. The carbon clinchers also cut a good figure in the occasional sprint - no surprise, because with the hubs from DT Swiss, the low overall weight and the high rigidity, the prerequisites are excellent.
Once you're up to speed, you naturally want to be slowed down again. The braking performance on the special braking surface was convincing, even in the pouring rain. We got a good shower on the Aubisque once, but that didn't impress the brakes at all. What we definitely felt, however, were the sometimes violent gusts. Sure, 60mm rims are inherently vulnerable in windy conditions, so we don't want to blame the FFWD F6R too much for that either.
During our test over 800km we hardly had any problems with the noble wheels. The only thing we had to complain about was a flat tire – changing the tube was a bit of a challenge because of the very sticky FFWD rim tape, but it was easy to do with a few minutes more time. Very commendable, by the way: In addition to high-quality wheel bags, the scope of delivery also includes quick release skewers, rim tape and the valve extensions required for the aero rims.
