FFWD RAW PACE or RAW CONTROL? A guide to choosing new carbon gravel wheels
With the launch of the new FFWD RAW PACE and RAW CONTROL, the Dutch brand has introduced two top-tier gravel wheels that share the same design philosophy but cater to riders with different needs.
Both wheels are born from the combination of technologies developed for the RAW Road series and the experience gained with DRIFT Gravel wheels: hookless carbon rims, VONOA carbon spokes, proprietary FFWD hubs with CeramicSpeed bearings, and a 36T Ratchet system.
So, which one should you choose? The answer primarily depends on the types of routes you tackle and your riding style.
What they have in common
Before analyzing the differences, it's important to understand what the two models share.
Both RAW PACE and RAW CONTROL offer:
- Full Carbon Hookless rims;
- 28 mm internal width;
- Compatibility with 38 to 60 mm tires;
- VONOA Carbon Bladed spokes;
- FFWD hubs with CeramicSpeed bearings;
- 36T Ratchet freehub system;
- Tubeless Ready compatibility;
- High stiffness and precise handling.
In other words, the build quality is identical. What changes is how each wheel interprets gravel riding.
FFWD RAW PACE: designed for speed
The RAW PACE is the model most geared towards fast competitions.
The 48 mm rim with LAW aerodynamic profile is designed to reduce air resistance and maintain high average speeds, especially on smooth terrain.
Weighing 1,380 grams, it remains one of the lightest gravel wheels in its category.
It is the ideal choice for those who:
- participate in fast gravel races;
- tackle routes with long, smooth sections;
- seek maximum aerodynamic performance;
- love to maintain high speeds even off-road.
FFWD RAW CONTROL: lightness and control
The RAW CONTROL, on the other hand, is born with a different philosophy.
The profile drops to 36 mm, while the weight reaches only 1,295 grams.
This configuration prioritizes agility, acceleration, and control on more technical routes, in races with significant elevation gain, and on long rides where comfort becomes fundamental.
It is particularly suitable for:
- routes rich in climbs;
- marathon races;
- endurance competitions;
- technical itineraries;
- high-performance bikepacking.
Direct comparison
| Feature | RAW PACE | RAW CONTROL |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1,380 g | 1,295 g |
| Rim depth | 48 mm | 36 mm |
| Internal width | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Compatible tires | 38-60 mm | 38-60 mm |
| Spokes | VONOA Carbon Bladed | VONOA Carbon Bladed |
| Hubs | FFWD CeramicSpeed | FFWD CeramicSpeed |
| Freehub system | Ratchet 36T | Ratchet 36T |
| Objective | Speed and aerodynamics | Lightness and control |
Which to choose based on your use?
Fast gravel races
If you participate in competitions characterized by smooth routes, high average speeds, and long sections where aerodynamics can make a difference, the RAW PACE is the most suitable choice.
The 48 mm profile has been specifically developed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency without compromising stability.
Races with significant elevation gain
When the route presents numerous climbs and continuous accelerations, the RAW CONTROL can offer an advantage thanks to its lower weight and shallower profile, which make the bike more agile and reactive.
Long distances and endurance events
In long-distance competitions, both represent an excellent solution.
The choice primarily depends on the terrain:
- fast routes → RAW PACE;
- more technical and demanding routes → RAW CONTROL.
Sporty bikepacking
For those who tackle multi-day itineraries while maintaining a dynamic riding style, the RAW CONTROL offers easier handling on technical sections and long climbs.
Is there a better choice?
Not really.
FFWD has not designed one wheel to be "better" than the other, but rather two different interpretations of modern gravel.
The RAW PACE focuses on aerodynamic performance and speed, while the RAW CONTROL prioritizes lightness, agility, and handling precision.
Both share the same technological platform, with 28 mm hookless rims, VONOA carbon spokes, FFWD hubs, and CeramicSpeed bearings.
The real difference is the type of riding experience you want to achieve.
Two interpretations of modern gravel racing
With the new RAW PACE and RAW CONTROL, FFWD is not offering one wheel as definitively better, but rather two different ways to experience gravel riding.
The RAW PACE is dedicated to those seeking speed, aerodynamic efficiency, and maximum performance on smoother courses. The RAW CONTROL, on the other hand, focuses on lightness, agility, and control, which are fundamental characteristics on more technical courses, long distances, and more challenging gravel adventures.
Both share the same high-level technological platform: hookless carbon rims, VONOA Carbon Bladed spokes, FFWD hubs with CeramicSpeed bearings, and the 36T Ratchet system.
The final choice therefore depends on one's riding style and the type of terrain encountered. Two different wheels, united by the same philosophy: bringing the maximum performance of FFWD technology to gravel.
