At last years Eurobike show FFWD presented Project Falcon based on the M5 two spoke wheel. FFWD Wheels went into further development with wind tunnel tests and field tests on the track and is now launching the fastest wheel to the market.
The wheel has a unique design based on two spokes in one line in the centre of the wheel. The rim is also different with a variable height between 48mm at the lowest point and 90mm at the highest point. The design of the wheel with NACA profile shaped spokes and variable rim height result in minimal drag at the tip-off point of the wheel. The less drag you create the more watts you save during a ride and the more aerodynamic a wheel is. Within the most common yaw angles measured in several races, between 0 and 10 degrees, the Falcon outperforms on competitive front wheels by saving up to 9 watts.
The FFWD Falcon is made of UD carbon fibers based on the Toray 800 and 1000 series. The material used is carefully chosen to reach the best stiffness to weight ratio. Due to its specific design and used material the Falcon reaches a very well balanced wheel. The Falcon has been developed on rim width to make the wheel more aerodynamic in combination with wider tyres and compatible for the tubeless setup. It will become available as road wheels for time trial and triathlon use in tubular and clincher with rim brake and disc brake options. Besides that the Falcon will also be available as track wheel where the tests proved a Falcon with rear DISC is more aerodynamic than other combinations.
During this past year riders from professional cycling teams Total Direct Energie and Arkea-Samic have ridden and tested this wheel and provided positive feedback on the overall performance and handling of the Falcon.
The Falcon will also be seen this week in the Time Trial during the Tour de France on the 19th of July!
The Falcon wheel is available from September 2019. Pricing of the wheel is set at 1899 Euro for the front wheel and 1999 Euro for the rear wheel, regardless of the choice for tubeless, tubular, rim brake or disc brake.