Taking A Closer Look At The F+B CR 45 All Road Wheels
Choosing the right cycling gear can get pretty wild in today's market, especially with so many different options available. Whether you’re hitting the smooth pavement or exploring more rugged gravel roads and trails, having the right equipment can make or break your riding experience. The F+B CR 45 All Road Wheels stands out as a versatile option for cyclists eager to explore both road and gravel. Is it truly the ultimate choice for a versatile do it all wheel? Let's take a closer look at its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Overview of the F + B CR 45 Wheelset
The F+B CR 45 is thoughtfully designed with the all-road cyclist in mind. With a rim depth of 45mm, it combines aerodynamic capability with solid lateral stiffness. This wheelset is built to handle a range of conditions, from smooth tarmac to bumpy gravel paths.
Its impressive weight-to-strength ratio makes it appealing to both casual riders and seasoned veterans. The blend of technology and design enhances performance without sacrificing durability.
Key Features
Construction Material
The F+B CR 45 Wheelset features their own version of high-quality carbon fiber construction. Forge and Bond calls this Fusion Fiber. Known for being lightweight yet strong, carbon fiber enhances acceleration and maneuverability, especially in rough conditions. For example, this wheelset can reduce cycle weight by up to 20% compared to aluminum counterparts, allowing for quicker climbs and easier handling.
Versatility
Versatility is a strong selling point for the CR 45. It accommodates wider tires, offering flexibility for various riding styles. Whether you prefer 28mm tires for road cycling or 38mm tires for off-road adventures, this wheelset adapts to your needs, giving you the freedom to choose the best tire for any given terrain.
Aerodynamics and Performance
The design of the F+B CR 45 focuses on aerodynamics, enabling cyclists to cut through the wind effectively. This feature is particularly advantageous for long-distance riders. Additionally, the tubeless-ready feature promotes lower tire pressures for a smoother ride. Studies show that lower pressures can improve traction by up to 30% on loose surfaces, enhancing performance in gravel or wet conditions.
Durability
Durability is crucial for any cyclist. The F+B CR 45 wheelset is engineered to withstand the challenges of various riding environments. Its robust design minimizes the risk of damage from rocks or drops, allowing riders to focus on the adventure instead of worrying about potential equipment failures.
Benefits To Cyclists
Enhanced Comfort
One of the key benefits of the F+B CR 45 is its comfort during prolonged rides. By allowing lower tire pressures, it absorbs shocks effectively, providing a more enjoyable experience, particularly over rough terrain. Riders often report a 20% reduction in vibrations, making longer outings less tiring.
Increased Traction
With wider tire compatibility, the CR 45 supports tires tailored for specific conditions. This customization can dramatically improve traction, especially when climbing steep hills or navigating loose gravel. Cyclists using this wheelset often find themselves feeling more secure and confident on diverse surfaces.
Aesthetic Appeal
The F+B CR 45 doesn't just perform well; it looks great too. Its sleek carbon finish adds a touch of style to any bike, making it an appealing choice for riders who appreciate aesthetics alongside functionality.
Drawbacks to consider
Price Point
A potential downside is the price of the F+B CR 45. The advanced materials and design result in a higher price tag than some alternatives. This could deter beginners or those on a budget. It's important to weigh the investment against your cycling needs and frequency.
Weight Comparison
While the F+B CR 45 is designed with weight savings in mind, it may not be the lightest option on the market. For competitive cyclists, there might be lighter alternatives available, which can be more advantageous during races or climbs. Understanding your primary cycling goals will help in choosing the right option.
Riding Impressions
One of our editors Tommy Peterson has been putting these wheels through the ringer. Here's what he has to say about them.
Up for review today is the F+B CR45 All Road Wheelset from Forge+Bond. If you’re unfamiliar with this brand, here’s the scoop: They are part of the CSS Composite family who, along with making composite materials for the aerospace industry, also make wheels for Chris King, Revel, and Trek. All F+B wheels are made with a new material called FusionFiber which they claim offers a number of advantages such as increased durability, better damping, and lighter weight. One of the big upsides to FusionFiber is the fact that it's recyclable. According to their website they can make cycling components that “can be made new again, and again. Forever.” Forge+Bond is also manufactured here in the good old US of A in my home state of Utah. I’ve been riding their F+B 25 XC wheelset for a while and I’ve really enjoyed the ride so I was eager to get my hands on these to test.
So who are these wheels for? The F+B CR45 All Road wheelset is a deeper profile wheel that has an interior width of 25mm which allows you to run tires from 30c - 47c which means it should be comfortable on anything from tarmac to fairly gnarly gravel. F+B calls these wheels the “Unofficial sponsor of the world’s crappiest roads” which tells me that they aren’t race wheels, but (spoiler alert) they’re pretty dang fast. I get the feeling that these wheels would make an under-biker really happy but anyone that spends long hours in the saddle and wants to be fast and feel comfortable while doing so could benefit from a set of CR45’s.
I slapped a set of Maxxis High Road 32mm tires on these. . . I say slapped, but what I meant to say was I worked for 2 hours employing every trick I could think of to get those suckers seated. I ended up having to wrap a strap around them while inflating which worked like a charm. Not sure if it’s the wheels or the tires, or a combo of the two, but I’ve never felt such rage against a bike part. Side note: I measured the width of the High Roads and my trusty digital calipers showed 30 mm, not the promised 32 mm. Once I got the tires on and inflated, they held air magnificently, I just don’t look forward to the day when I need to swap them out.
I’ve found Silca’s Tire Pressure Calculator to be a reliable means of getting a good starting point for any new tire/wheel setup that I use. For this setup, Silca recommended 78 PSI for the rear and 76 for the front. F+B’s maximum PSI for these wheels is 70 PSI. Being a rule follower, I just inflated both front and rear to 70 PSI and dealt with the nagging feeling that I’m missing out on something magical by not being able to inflate my tires to the recommended pressure. But being a brave lad, I went riding anyway, and I’m glad I did.
The bike path near my house is the optimal place to test out F+B’s claims that these wheels are made for the crappiest roads on earth as it is riddled with 3 inch gaps that span the pathway and are custom made to punish road bikes. I’ve ridden Roval’s Terra CLX wheels on this path with 40 mm tires and still felt like I had been handling a jackhammer all day. The F+B wheels. . . holy $#&!. . . Magic. Normally after an hour or two on that path, my wrists start to feel pretty battered, but not so on these wheels; I rode for 2 hours in total comfort. The CR45’s really do give a super comfortable ride.
I expected them to be pretty fast, and they are. I know it’s not a 1 to 1 comparison, but I averaged 2 mph faster with the same power output versus the Roval Terra CLX wheels and felt a lot fresher after the ride. Other reviewers complained that they spin up slowly because they’re not quite as stiff as a Zipp 303 or Enve 45, but I found that they actually get moving rather quickly, especially when you consider that they are an all-road wheel. Once up to speed, they really do just hum along, soaking up chatter and miles.
If you spend most of your riding time pointing your bike upwards, you may want to opt for the brand's CR35 wheels, but the 45’s are dandy on climbs. I’d rather have a marginally heavier wheel and be faster on the flats than the alternative. Descending was a bit of a mixed bag: They are stiff enough that you can push them hard into corners, but they feel a bit heavy when you have to go edge-to-edge on serpentine sections. That being said, I wouldn’t classify them as sluggish, just not super agile.
The setup I was given to test came with Industry Nine Torch Hubs which have a very satisfying buzz when freewheeling. I coach a local mountain bike team where noisy hubs are seen as a sign of great power, so the i9’s are attractive to me. Plus, they do help get people’s attention when you’re barreling down on them. They come with a quality set of tubeless valves and are pre-taped for your tubeless pleasure. F+B includes a limited lifetime warranty and crash replacement on their wheels. Retail cost for this setup is $1,899 and while this doesn’t put them in the ‘budget’ category, I feel like they offer a great value. F+B also offers this wheel with a DT Swiss hub set as well as their own Shift hubs if you want to save a few more dollars.
There’s a ton to like about these wheels: They’re fast, capable, and give you the ability to ride all day, in comfort. I love that F+B is locally made and they stand behind their products. Plus, I do get a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that they’re built to last and once their life is over, they can be recycled and made into something different. So if your rides take you anywhere near the crappiest roads on earth, you might consider a set of F+B wheels to smooth things out.
Final Thoughts
The F+B CR 45 All Road Wheelset presents a strong case for being an excellent choice for versatile riding. Its high-quality construction, adaptability to various terrains, and thoughtful design cater to a wide range of cyclists. While the price and availability may pose some challenges, the comfort and performance benefits provided can greatly enhance your riding experience.
If you are looking to improve your cycling adventures, investing in a wheelset like the F+B CR 45 could be a beneficial move. It’s suitable for commuting through busy streets or exploring scenic trails. As with any cycling gear, trying it out and aligning it with your personal needs is always wise, but this wheelset certainly deserves a place on your wishlist. By carefully considering its features and how they fit with your riding style, you can make a more informed decision, ensuring your journey is enjoyable and fulfilling.
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