FFWD Drift Control 2026: Versatile carbon wheels for gravel riding

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

Carbon gravel wheels FFWD Drift Control FFWD N/GAGE 2026 These wheels are designed for bikepackers and racers looking for a robust, precise, and control-oriented pair of wheels for rough terrain. Their 36mm Full Carbon Clincher rims combine a 28mm hookless internal width with a 35mm external width, and are compatible with tires from 38 to 60mm.

This version features FFWD's in-house developed N/GAGE hubs, paired with a 36-tooth ratchet system and steel cartridge bearings. FFWD presents this configuration as a proven solution prioritizing reliability and durability. The claimed weight is 1460g per pair.

The DRIFT CONTROL wheels utilize reinforced carbon layup for enhanced impact resistance, along with a Straightpull spoke pattern combining Sapim CX-Ray and CX-Sprint spokes. The rear wheel features a reinforced build for increased stability. Tubeless rim tape is pre-installed, and valves and a FFWD rim bag are included, while brake rotors are not.

Gravel positioning

Designed for control

The FFWD DRIFT CONTROLs are developed to offer precise and predictable steering on rough roads, technical gravel tracks and bikepacking routes.

Races with elevation gain

The 36mm profile and low weight are suitable for gravel events involving climbs and numerous changes of pace.

Ultra-distance and bikepacking

The reinforced construction and compatibility with tires up to 60 mm also make it suitable for ultra-distance challenges and expeditions on uneven terrain.

Rim profile

Height of 36 mm

The 36mm rims aim to balance responsiveness, handling and the ability to follow the bike's movements on rough surfaces.

LAW aerodynamic shape

DRIFT CONTROL uses the LAW profile developed by FFWD.

Versatile orientation

The 36mm height prioritizes control and responsiveness more than the taller profiles in the DRIFT PACE range.

Reinforced carbon rims

Full Carbon Clincher Construction

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

Specific carbon lamination

The DRIFT range uses a special carbon lamination designed to increase impact resistance.

Use on rough terrain

This construction is designed for gravel racing, explorations and challenging routes off paved roads.

DRIFT visual identity

The wheels adopt a modern silhouette and a bold marking specific to the DRIFT range.

Rim width

Internal width of 28 mm

The 28mm internal width is designed to work with modern wide-section gravel tires.

External width of 35 mm

The external width reaches 35 mm.

Main dimensions

• Rim height: 36 mm
• Internal width: 28 mm
• External width: 35 mm

Hookless construction

Hookless rims

DRIFT CONTROL uses a hookless construction, without an internal retaining hook.

Compatible tires required

The tires installed must be explicitly compatible with hookless rims.

Maximum pressure of 3.5 bar

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

Respecting the lowest limit

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

Tires and tubeless

Compatible with tires from 38 to 60 mm

FFWD indicates a compatible tire range between 38 and 60 mm.

Tubeless ready mounting

The wheels are tubeless ready upon delivery.

Pre-installed rim tape

The tubeless rim tape is factory installed.

Tubeless valves included

The valves required for tubeless setup are supplied.

Compatible with an inner tube

The wheels can also be used with an inner tube and tires suitable for hookless rims.

Incompatible casings

The rims are not designed to accommodate tubular tires.

FFWD N/GAGE Hubs

Developed in-house

N/GAGE hubs are designed by FFWD for its performance wheels.

Reliability and durability

FFWD presents this option as a robust solution offering proven reliability and durable construction.

Configuration 2:1

The hubs use a specified 2:1 configuration.

Weight of 1460 g

The pair equipped with FFWD N/GAGE hubs has a claimed weight of 1460 g.

36-tooth Ratchet System

FFWD Mechanism

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

Rapid engagement

This mechanism is designed to ensure a rapid recovery when pedaling.

Responsiveness in follow-up

The system accommodates the rigidity of the shelving during accelerations and changes in pace.

Bearings

Cartridge bearings

The hubs use cartridge bearings.

Steel construction

The N/GAGE version receives steel bearings.

Sapim Shelving

Sapim CX-Ray and CX-Sprint spokes

The wheels use a combination of Sapim CX-Ray and Sapim CX-Sprint spokes.

Straightpull assembly

The shelves adopt a Straightpull architecture.

24 spokes per wheel

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

Reinforced rear spokes

The rear wheel benefits from reinforced spokes to improve stability and durability on demanding terrain.

Spoke nuts

15mm brass nuts

The wheels use 15mm brass spoke nuts.

Pro Lock System

The nuts incorporate Pro Lock technology.

Braking and axles

Disc brakes

The FFWD DRIFT CONTROLs are designed exclusively for bicycles equipped with disc brakes.

Cross axes

• Front axle: 12x100 mm
• Rear axle: 12x142 mm

Discs not included

Brake discs are not included with the pair.

Cyclist's weight and limit

Weight of 1460 g per pair

The advertised weight for the FFWD N/GAGE version is 1460 g.

Maximum weight of the cyclist

The maximum weight of the cyclist indicated by FFWD is 120 kg.

Made in the Netherlands

Carbon wheels manufactured since 2006

FFWD has been manufacturing carbon wheels since 2006 and announces that it has produced more than 100,000 wheels according to a constant standard.

Hand-finished

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

Centralized production

Design, assembly and shipping are all done from the same site.

Pre-shipment inspection

Each pair is checked before being sent.

Guarantee

Initial two-year warranty

FFWD guarantees its products for two years from the date of purchase.

Three-year extension

Registering the wheels with FFWD allows you to obtain an additional year and extend the total warranty period to three years.

Replacement in case of accident

FFWD Specific Service

FFWD offers a service for cyclists who have damaged their wheels in an accident.

Study by the after-sales service

The possibilities for replacement or support should be examined with the FFWD service.

Box contents

• 1 front wheel FFWD DRIFT CONTROL N/GAGE
• 1 rear wheel FFWD DRIFT CONTROL 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 CONTROL N/GAGE wheels
• Uses: gravel riding, bikepacking, ultra-distance and competition
• Weight: 1460 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: 36 mm
• Internal width: 28 mm
• External width: 35 mm
• Tire width range: 38 to 60 mm
• Maximum pressure: 3.5 bar / 50 psi
• Impact-resistant carbon lamination

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
• Races with significant elevation gain
• Ultra-distance
• Bikepacking
• Technical gravel trails
• Rough terrain
• Mounts with tires from 38 to 60 mm
• Bicycles equipped with 12x100 mm and 12x142 mm axles
• Cyclists looking for FFWD N/GAGE hubs
• Practitioners who prioritize reliability and durability

Why choose FFWD DRIFT CONTROL N/GAGE ?

• Carbon wheels developed for control on rough terrain
• Versatile 36 mm profile
• Advertised weight of 1460 g
• LAW aerodynamic shape
• Impact-resistant carbon rims
• Full Carbon Clincher hookless construction
• Internal width of 28 mm
• External width of 35 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
• Extendable warranty to three years after registration
• Replacement service in case of accident