FFWD Drift Pace 2026: versatile carbon wheels for gravel riding

A pair of carbon gravel wheels with FFWD N/GAGE hubs

The FFWD Drift Pace FFWD N/GAGE 2026 carbon gravel wheels are designed for cyclists seeking an aerodynamic, stable, and durable pair for gravel racing and fast off-road riding. They use 48mm hookless full carbon clincher rims with a 28mm internal width and a 36mm external width.

This version features FFWD's in-house developed N/GAGE hubs, with a 36-tooth ratchet system and steel cartridge bearings. FFWD presents this option as a proven solution combining reliability, durability, and performance. The claimed weight is 1530 g per pair.

The reinforced rims utilize a specific carbon layup for enhanced impact resistance. The build includes 24 Sapim CX-Ray and CX-Sprint Straightpull spokes per wheel, Pro Lock brass nipples, and reinforced rear spokes. The pair is compatible with 38-60mm tires and comes tubeless-ready.

Positioning

High-speed gravel performance

The FFWD DRIFT PACE N/GAGE are designed for gravel racing and fast unpaved courses.

Stability on uneven terrain

The 28mm width and compatibility with large section tires are designed to maintain stable behavior on rough surfaces.

Reliability-oriented option

FFWD N/GAGE hubs are presented as a robust and proven solution, intended for cyclists who prioritize reliability and durability.

Aerodynamic profile

Rim height of 48 mm

The 48mm profile is designed to improve efficiency on rolling sections and during high-speed racing phases.

Form LAW

The rims adopt the LAW aerodynamic shape of FFWD.

External width of 36 mm

The 36mm external width complements modern gravel tires and the aerodynamic profile of the wheel.

Carbon rims

Full Carbon Clincher

The rims are made entirely of carbon and are designed for clincher tires.

Reinforced lamination

A specific carbon lamination improves resistance to impacts encountered on fast paths and tracks.

Designed for real-world use

FFWD develops DRIFT wheels for racing, exploration outings and demanding gravel routes.

DRIFT visual identity

The range uses a modern silhouette and distinctive branding.

Rim width

Internal width of 28 mm

The internal width is optimized for gravel tires between 38 and 60 mm.

External width of 36 mm

The external width of the rims is 36 mm.

• Height: 48 mm
• Internal width: 28 mm
• External width: 36 mm

Hookless construction

Hookless rims

The rims use a hookless construction.

Tire compatibility

The tires installed must be explicitly compatible with hookless rims.

Maximum pressure

The maximum advertised pressure is 3.5 bar, or 50 psi.

Lowest limit to be respected

When the tire manufacturer indicates a lower maximum pressure, this value must be respected.

Tires and tubeless

Sections from 38 to 60 mm

The FFWD DRIFT PACE accepts tires between 38 and 60 mm.

Tubeless ready

The wheels are tubeless ready right out of the box.

Pre-installed rim tape

The tubeless rim tape is already installed.

Valves included

Tubeless valves are included.

Use with inner tube

The wheels are compatible with an inner tube when the tire used is suitable for hookless rims.

Incompatible casings

The wheels are not designed to accommodate tubular tires.

FFWD N/GAGE Hubs

Developed in-house

N/GAGE hubs are designed by FFWD.

Proven reliability

FFWD presents this option as a solution offering high reliability and proven durability.

Configuration 2:1

The hubs are listed with a 2:1 configuration.

Weight of the pair

The version equipped with FFWD N/GAGE hubs has a claimed weight of 1530 g.

36-tooth Ratchet System

FFWD Mechanism

The freehub body receives a 36-tooth FFWD Ratchet system.

Rapid engagement

The system is designed to ensure a rapid recovery during pedaling.

Response to follow-up requests

The mechanism complements the rigidity of the shelving during accelerations.

Bearings

Cartridge bearings

The hubs use cartridge bearings.

Steel bearings

This FFWD N/GAGE version receives steel bearings.

Sapim Shelving

CX-Ray and CX-Sprint spokes

The build combines Sapim CX-Ray and Sapim CX-Sprint spokes.

Straightpull assembly

The shelves adopt a Straightpull architecture.

24 spokes front and rear

• Front wheel: 24 spokes
• Rear wheel: 24 spokes

Rear reinforcement

The rear shelving is reinforced to increase stability and durability.

spoke nuts

15 mm brass

The wheels use 15mm brass nuts.

Pro Lock

The Pro Lock system helps to maintain spoke adjustment.

Braking and axles

Disc brakes

The wheels are exclusively intended for bicycles equipped with disc brakes.

Cross axes

• Front: 12x100 mm
• Rear: 12x142 mm

Discs not included

Brake discs are not included.

Cyclist's weight and limit

1530 g per pair

The advertised weight for the FFWD N/GAGE version is 1530 g.

Maximum weight of 120 kg

The maximum weight of the cyclist indicated is 120 kg.

Made in the Netherlands

Carbon wheel production since 2006

FFWD has been manufacturing carbon wheels since 2006.

Over 100,000 wheels produced

The brand states that it has manufactured more than 100,000 wheels according to a consistent standard.

Hand-finished

The wheels are finished by hand in the Netherlands with machine-assisted precision.

Full control

Design, manufacturing, and shipping are all done under one roof to maintain control over the process.

Warranty and replacement in case of accident

FFWD Support

FFWD states that the wheels are covered by a warranty and replacement service in case of an accident. The exact duration of the warranty is not specified in the product information provided.

Study by the after-sales service

The possibilities for replacing a damaged wheel should be studied with the FFWD service.

Box contents

• 1 front wheel FFWD DRIFT PACE N/GAGE
• 1 rear wheel FFWD DRIFT PACE N/GAGE
• 1 FFWD wheel cover
• Pre-installed tubeless rim tape
• Tubeless valves
• Brake discs not included

Technical specifications

General Information

• Product: Pair of FFWD DRIFT PACE N/GAGE wheels
• Use: gravel racing and fast courses
• Weight: 1530 g
• Maximum cyclist weight: 120 kg
• Braking: disc
• Aerodynamic shape: LAW
• Tubeless ready compatibility: yes
• Inner tube compatibility: yes
• Compatible with tubing: no

Rims

• Type: Full Carbon Clincher
• Material: carbon
• Construction: hookless
• Height: 48 mm
• Internal width: 28 mm
• External width: 36 mm
• Tire width range: 38 to 60 mm
• Maximum pressure: 3.5 bar / 50 psi
• Impact-resistant reinforced layering

Spokes and nuts

• Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray and Sapim CX-Sprint
• Assembly: Straight pull
• Number of front spokes: 24
• Number of rear spokes: 24
• Rear wheeling: reinforced
• Nuts: 15 mm brass Pro Lock

Hubs

• Model: FFWD N/GAGE
• Configuration: 2:1
• Freewheel system: 36-tooth ratchet
• Bearings: steel cartridges
• Front axle: 12x100 mm
• Rear axle: 12x142 mm

Included items

• Pair of front and rear wheels
• FFWD Cover
• Pre-installed tubeless rim tape
• Tubeless valves
• Discs not included

Recommended use

• Gravel competition
• Fast off-road routes
• Long rolling sections
• Uneven terrain
• Gravel exploration and adventure
• Mounts with tires from 38 to 60 mm
• Bicycles equipped with 12x100 mm and 12x142 mm axles
• Cyclists who prioritize the reliability of N/GAGE hubs
• Riders looking for a pair of 48mm aerodynamic carbon wheels

Why choose the FFWD DRIFT PACE N/GAGE?

• Carbon wheels designed for fast gravel
• 48 mm aerodynamic profile
• Form LAW
• Advertised weight of 1530 g
• Impact-resistant carbon rims
• Full Carbon Clincher hookless construction
• Internal width of 28 mm
• External width of 36 mm
• Compatible with tires from 38 to 60 mm
• Maximum pressure of 3.5 bar or 50 psi
• Tubeless ready compatibility
• Pre-installed tubeless rim tape
• Tubeless valves included
• FFWD N/GAGE hubs developed in-house
• Reliability and durability are highlighted by FFWD
• 36-tooth Ratchet System
• Steel cartridge bearings
• Sapim CX-Ray and CX-Sprint spokes
• 24 Straightpull spokes front and rear
• Reinforced rear spokes
• Pro Lock Brass Nuts
• 12x100mm and 12x142mm thru axles
• Maximum cyclist weight of 120 kg
• Hand-finished in the Netherlands
• FFWD wheel cover included
• Accident replacement service