FFWD RYOT 55: The All-Round Race Wheel, Hand-Built in the Netherlands

FFWD (Fast Forward) is a carbon wheel brand from the Netherlands, with “hand-built in the Netherlands” as its core selling point. Unlike most carbon wheel brands that complete assembly in Asian factories, FFWD insists on shipping the carbon rims, hubs, and spokes back to the Netherlands, where experienced technicians hand-assemble and fine-tune each wheel. The RYOT 55 is FFWD’s all-round flagship, pairing a 55mm rim depth with DT Swiss hubs, offering cyclists who value quality a reliable high-end option.

Product Specifications

Item	Specification
Rim Depth	55mm
External Rim Width	29mm
Internal Rim Width	21mm
Weight (Front + Rear)	1,460g (Disc Brake Version)
Hubs	DT Swiss 240 EXP (Top Spec) / DT Swiss 350 (Standard)
Engagement Mechanism	Ratchet EXP 36T
Spokes	Sapim CX-Ray (Top Spec) / Sapim CX-Sprint (Standard)
Spoke Count	Front 21 / Rear 24
Tire Compatibility	Tubeless Ready (Hooked Rim)
Suggested Retail Price	NT$35,000-55,000 (Depending on Configuration)

The Value of Dutch Hand-Building

Why Is Hand-Building Important?

A wheelset’s performance depends not only on component quality but also on assembly precision. Hand-built wheels typically outperform machine-built ones in the following areas:

1. Spoke Tension Uniformity: Experienced technicians can tune each spoke’s tension to an extremely consistent level
2. Truing Precision: Hand-trued wheels typically achieve roundness within 0.2mm
3. Stress Relief: Multiple stress relief cycles are performed during hand-building to ensure spokes do not loosen after riding
4. Quality Inspection: Every wheelset undergoes visual and tactile inspection by a technician

FFWD’s Quality Commitment

FFWD has a professional team of wheel builders at its factory in the province of Friesland, Netherlands. Every RYOT wheelset comes with a signed card from the assembling technician—a mark of quality assurance and a testament to craftsmanship.

The Reliable Choice of DT Swiss Hubs

FFWD’s decision to pair its wheels with DT Swiss hubs is a wise one. The quality and serviceability of the DT Swiss 240 EXP are widely acclaimed in the industry, and the upgradeability of the Ratchet EXP system (upgradable from 36T to 54T) adds further versatility.

Configuration Options

FFWD offers flexible configuration choices:

Configuration	Hubs	Spokes	Price (NT$)
RYOT 55 FFWD	DT Swiss 350	Sapim CX-Sprint	35,000-42,000
RYOT 55 DT	DT Swiss 240 EXP	Sapim CX-Ray	48,000-55,000

This tiered strategy allows cyclists with different budgets to find a suitable option.

The Positioning of the 55mm Rim Depth

A 55mm rim depth sits between all-round performance and aerodynamics. Compared to 50mm, the extra 5mm provides additional aero advantage when cruising on flat roads; compared to 60mm, the lower depth offers greater stability in crosswinds and is lighter when climbing.

Real-World Riding Experience

The Feel of Dutch Craftsmanship

The first impression upon receiving the RYOT 55 is the build quality. The wheels arrive with exceptional trueness straight out of the box, spoke tension is remarkably uniform, and plucking each spoke with a finger produces nearly identical tones. This precision leaves a lasting impression of Dutch hand-building.

Aero Cruising

The 55mm rim depth delivers excellent aero performance when cruising on flat roads. In the 35-45 km/h speed range, a noticeable advantage in speed maintenance can be felt. Compared to 50mm wheels, the extra 5mm offers a subtle but perceptible improvement in cruising efficiency.

Climbing Performance

At 1,460g, the weight is typical for a 55mm carbon wheelset. On gradients below 6%, the aero advantage remains present; once the gradient exceeds 8%, the weight penalty begins to show, but overall performance is still far superior to aluminum wheelsets.

Crosswind Stability

The 29mm external rim width, combined with a carefully designed rim profile, keeps the 55mm-deep RYOT stable under typical crosswind conditions. On Taiwan’s coastal roads, where crosswinds are common, handling never feels unsettling.

Long-Term Impressions

After 3,000 kilometers, the RYOT 55’s trueness and spoke tension have held up exceptionally well, requiring almost no adjustment. This is a testament to the quality of stress relief performed during Dutch hand-building.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• Exceptional Dutch hand-built quality
• Reliable and easily serviceable DT Swiss hubs
• Flexible configuration options (DT 350/240)
• Hooked rim design offers broad compatibility
• Extremely precise wheels with excellent long-term stability
• Competitive direct-sale pricing

Cons

• Brand awareness is low in Taiwan
• Limited purchasing channels in Taiwan
• 21mm internal rim width is on the narrower side
• Weight is not an advantage in its class
• Rims are manufactured in Asia, not in the Netherlands
• Conservative design aesthetics

Buying Advice for Taiwan

Purchasing Channels

• Direct purchase from FFWD’s official website
• European bicycle parts websites
• A small number of specialty bike shops in Taiwan that stock the brand

Who Is It For?

• Cyclists who value build quality and spoke precision
• Cyclists who need the reliability of the DT Swiss hub system
• Advanced cyclists with a budget of NT$40,000-55,000
• Cyclists who appreciate the craftsmanship of European brands

Configuration Recommendations

If the budget allows, the top-spec version with DT Swiss 240 EXP + Sapim CX-Ray is recommended. The quality of the 240 hubs and the lightweight of the CX-Ray spokes justify the extra NT$10,000-15,000. If budget is limited, the 350 hub version is also a reliable choice.

Conclusion

The biggest selling point of the FFWD RYOT 55 is the quality assurance of “hand-built in the Netherlands.” In an era where carbon wheels are increasingly mass-produced, FFWD’s insistence on hand-building gives every wheelset a level of precision and quality akin to fine craftsmanship. Combined with the reliability of DT Swiss hubs and flexible configuration options, the RYOT 55 is an all-round carbon wheelset that inspires confidence and delivers joy on every ride.

Related Reading

• FFWD (Fast Forward): The Persistence of Dutch Hand-Built Wheels
• The Dutch Wheel Duo: A Guide to Choosing Between FFWD and Scope
• Swiss Side Hadron Ultimate 625: An F1 Engineer’s Carbon Wheel Masterpiece
• The Complete DT Swiss Wheel Guide: From Hub King to Carbon Wheel Newcomer