Long-Term Review – DFS Carbon 60/65mm Wheelset
After 6/7 months of consistent use it's time to share a proper long-term review. I bought these back in April
Specs
Rims: T1000 UXL
Front: 60mm – 400g
Rear: 65mm – 423.6g
25mm inner / 32.4mm outer width
UV profile
Hubs: H-Works SR270 – 276g 20 spoke holes from and rear
Spokes: 5.1mm wide bladed carbon,
Actual Weight: 1231g (vs 1256g estimated) — This was light when I bought them now these are likley considered heavy afet only 6 monts l :lol:
I bought direct from DFS Carbon after chatting with Angler Wang, the owner. He was persistent in saying he had a quality product — and to be fair, he backed it up. Super responsive, answered all my questions, and gave me confidence to go ahead.
I paid via bank transfer (better rate, no PayPal fees) — and yeah, I did wonder if anything would actually turn up . But everything arrived perfectly packaged and bang on time
Over 6/7 months of use, I had zero issues. No truing, no bearing replacements, no spoke tension problems. Just consistent, reliable performance.
The build quality was spot on — and the finish looks great too.
I have now sold my XMC 50/60s and have a set of DFS 55/55mm ordered on there own R2 hub 21/24H in Titanium Colour picture attached is an example on 3.2mm Carbon spokes same rim rim profile as the 60/65S Estimated Weight is 1157.5grams.
Originally did not order this hub at the time as did not want to spend the extra dosh:
Hub Specs below have anyone else by chance have these hubs at all?
Material & Construction
Hub Shell: Imported 7075 T651 aluminium alloy
Axle: TC4 titanium alloy
Axle Diameter: Front & Rear: 17 mm
Dimensions
Brake Mount:
Front Disc: 50 mm
Front Non-Disc: 33 mm
Rear Drive: 74 mm
Rear Disc: 45 mm
Spacing: 100 / 142 mm
Flange Distance: 18.5 mm
Flange Diameter:
Front: 62 mm
Rear: 56 mm
Center-to-Flange: 51.8 mm
Spoke Configuration
Hole Count: 21 / 24
Pattern: Front & Rear 2:1 ratio, 3-cross drive side
Bearings
Type: TPI Steel or TPI Ceramic
Front Hub: 6803 × 2
Rear Hub Shell: 6903 × 1 + 6803 × 1
Freehub Body: 6803 × 2
Ratchet System
Model: THR SSF low-resistance, fast engagement
Tooth Count: 45T (standard) / 72T (optional)
Engagement Angle: 8° / 5°
Axle System
Type: Thru-axle with bearing preload adjustment
Insertion: Push-fit
Compatibility
Freehub: HG / XDR
Sealing: No sealing ring, water-resistant design
Weight
Front: 89 g
Rear: 194 g
Total: 283 g
So today for you DFS is better that XCMS? If you need buy a new set your first option will be DFS?
Regards,
William
Quote from: w1ll337 on November 13, 2025, 03:05:27 AM
So today for you DFS is better that XCMS? If you need buy a new set your first option will be DFS?
Regards,
William
I never said DFS was better than XMC!
I don't recall ever saying one brand is better than another—some may offer better specifications than others, but it really depends on what's available at the time I'm looking at a wheelset.
At the beginning of the week, I had four sets of wheels across two bikes:
DFS 60/65mm – 25 mm inner, U/V profile, 5 mm carbon spokes, 1231 g, 100 kg load limit
XM CarbonSpeed 50/60mm – 24 mm inner, U profile, 5 mm carbon spokes, 1196 g, 120 kg load limit (sold Monday)
ZEN 40/45mm – 24 mm inner, U profile, 3.1 mm carbon spokes, 1046 g, 100–110 kg load limit
ZEN 45/45mm – 24 mm inner, U profile, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, gravel hubs, 1306 g, 100–110 kg load limit (winter training wheels)
[/i]
I've been asked a few times: If I could only keep one wheelset, which would it be?
For me, it would be the DFS 60/65mm—not because it's "better" than the others, but because out of all the sets I have, it would cover everything I need if required. I like deep wheels; they look great with 5 mm spokes, they're light enough for climbing, feel fast and roll well on the flats, and they're not too bad on a windy day.
I don't have a "first choice" brand—I go with what's available at the time, what specifications I need, and what options I've been given before making a decision.
For the 55/55mm build, I mainly want to see this R2 hub and how wheels look and perform at that depth. Instead of using the wider 5 mm spokes like I did on the 60/65 and 50/60 sets, I decided to try narrower, lighter spokes for a change.
The 60/60mm wheels I ordered were based on a few factors: the price is super competitive, I can get the exact specification I want, and for the cost, the weight is excellent. Plus, the brand has consistently positive reviews, which gave me confidence in the decision.
What did the set cost?
Quote from: BikerJens on November 13, 2025, 04:26:24 AM
What did the set cost?
$989usd with $95usd shipping and taxes with the R2 hub
With the SR270 H works hubs they are $769
The complete builds for these wheels are really well priced vs. just getting the hubs.
I've put my set, built with THR R3 hubs and CXRay-Super spokes, through the wringer, and I couldn't be happier, regardless of the price point. I've grown to really appreciate these hubs as they have been reliable, and checking the preload seems easier, and I can get them to roll better than the DT system, which relies on tightening the thru axle to 12nm.
You can see my full review here, which includes both ride impressions and some crude, outdoor, aero testing: https://chinertown.com/index.php?topic=6243.0
There is a part of me that regrets not getting purple Rx hubs, though I am less sure about the newer, lighter rims they have out, since I think I would still go with the same layup given how much I ride and how many potholes and road debris I encounter. I am also curious to see how Sander gets on with the R2 hubs, which I think are positioned as more of the product built to be high-end but still reliable, sort of the DT240 in their lineup.
Quote from: Sakizashi on November 13, 2025, 12:38:23 PM
The complete builds for these wheels are really well priced vs. just getting the hubs.
I've put my set, built with THR R3 hubs and CXRay-Super spokes, through the wringer, and I couldn't be happier, regardless of the price point. I've grown to really appreciate these hubs as they have been reliable, and checking the preload seems easier, and I can get them to roll better than the DT system, which relies on tightening the thru axle to 12nm.
You can see my full review here, which includes both ride impressions and some crude, outdoor, aero testing: https://chinertown.com/index.php?topic=6243.0
There is a part of me that regrets not getting purple Rx hubs, though I am less sure about the newer, lighter rims they have out, since I think I would still go with the same layup given how much I ride and how many potholes and road debris I encounter. I am also curious to see how Sander gets on with the R2 hubs, which I think are positioned as more of the product built to be high-end but still reliable, sort of the DT240 in their lineup.
I Considered there RX hubs but I'm not prepared to pay the dosh!
Although they do look superbly engineered as do the R2.
I have had the UXL rims on 60/65s in the UK for 7months and we are not exactly known for our smooth pristine asphalt 😂. Lots of rough roads and pot hole dodging on a Saturday morning!
In terms of layup I have been told that some rim manufactures use Chinese carbon and some use Toray and Toray produces a hight quality stronger rim. Someone more knowledgeable
May chime in here and potentially educate me!
Angler does not claim to make all the rims he sells but his primary rim on the U/V profile he claims is made buy DFS and uses Toray.
I'm planning to ask for something to confirm this however and want to know what's used to construct the rims did not ask on my initial purchase but I would like to know now however.
Just the usual long wait now 😑😂
I have 88/800 + R2 + sapim cx-ray spokes and I can only confirm the great build quality.
R2 hub is dope but might sound loud to certain person. I personally love that but if you don't it might not be a good choice
Quote from: boulette on November 13, 2025, 04:30:29 PM
I have 88/800 + R2 + sapim cx-ray spokes and I can only confirm the great build quality.
R2 hub is dope but might sound loud to certain person. I personally love that but if you don't it might not be a good choice
I don't care about ratchet noise any Im to busy pedalling not spending all
My time freewheeling 😂 so none issue 😂
Post up some photos of the wheels man!
The conical ratchet used on the R3 and Rx are even larger than the R2 and supposedly louder. Its a different sound, but these are louder than CK hubs. :-[
The actual design of these ratchets is very cool. It's not a unique design, Non-Plus does something similar, though these are Ti vs. coated alloy, so I think the THR hubs have an advantage.
(https://imgur.com/Vlmk814h.jpg)
I also believe that THR Industries is using angular contact bearings like DT Swiss rather than deep groove radial bearings like H-Works. If you can keep them adjusted to the correct preload, they should be a technically superior solution. These hubs are very expensive compared to what most people expect from a Chinese OEM wheel hub, but very cool in terms of design.
Quote from: Sakizashi on November 14, 2025, 10:19:45 AM
The conical ratchet used on the R3 and Rx are even larger than the R2 and supposedly louder. Its a different sound, but these are louder than CK hubs. :-[
The actual design of these ratchets is very cool. It's not a unique design, Non-Plus does something similar, though these are Ti vs. coated alloy, so I think the THR hubs have an advantage.
(https://imgur.com/Vlmk814h.jpg)
I also believe that THR Industries is using angular contact bearings like DT Swiss rather than deep groove radial bearings like H-Works. If you can keep them adjusted to the right preload, they should last longer. These hubs are very expensive compared to what most people expect from a Chinese OEM wheel hub, but very cool in terms of design.
I did ask if ratchet was same as DT and wast told no, then proceeded to ask about spare ratchets to be told that in the 6 years the hubs been sold no one has yet asked for a replacement ratchet!
I received photos this morning of my new wheelset: 55/55mm rims with the R2 hub—ordered 4 weeks ago, which seems pretty standard. Specs are:
U/V profile
25mm internal width, 32.2mm external
UD Gloss finish
3.2mm carbon/titanium spokes
UXL rim, 90kg rider limit
Estimated weight was 1135g, actual came in at 1098.4g.
Pissing with Rain Today :( hopefully get some nice fine dry weather before Christmas
Shipping this week so will likely arrive when I am on holidays next week
Ordered a custom set of DFS gravel wheels. Communication with Angler was smooth and quick. Just got pictures of the wheels before shipment.
44mm rims, UXL version
32mm internal, 39mm external
UD Paintless glossy finish
Hubs: R1 D (entry level hub, not the same as the R1)
CX-Ray spokes
1298 grams
Quote from: CoffeeNDonuts on December 01, 2025, 01:27:07 PM
Ordered a custom set of DFS gravel wheels. Communication with Angler was smooth and quick. Just got pictures of the wheels before shipment.
44mm rims, UXL version
32mm internal, 39mm external
UD Paintless glossy finish
Hubs: R1 D (entry level hub, not the same as the R1)
CX-Ray spokes
1298 grams
Ok makes a change to see some gravel rims for them.
Ok, order created. :D
50/55 25mm iw XL Rims UV Shape + R2 Hubs with Ceramic Bearing + Sapim CX Ray Spokes and Hidden Nipples. Much heavier than cheaper wheels but I want to try R2 hubs loool. Also chose XL Rims + CX Ray Spokes because I don't want to sacrifice comfort for weight specially we have really bad roads.
Estimated weight is: 285+45*4.8+420+460=1381g according to Angler. But I really don't mind the extra weight as long as it can take bad roads and be more stable in crosswinds. I could've chosen UXL rims but that 100kg system weight limit scares me off specially I do aggressive riding + light gravels.
Very Short Video Popped up on YT for DFS
https://youtu.be/4FJpWMH1QN0?si=22NtfSMJy8IV_Zjn
Bit short but something!
Got a message from Angler and wheels are ready!
Expected weight was around 1381. But came a bit lighter than expected!
25mm IW UV shape XL Rims + Sapim CX Rays with hidden nipples. Not as light as modern wheels but more robust and can ideally take on bad roads + light gravel. And theoretically, it's much more aerodynamic than wheels with carbon spokes so I'll test that out. Delivery would be around 2-4 weeks so I'll expect the new wheels on January and also ready for my competitive comeback.
Well DFS have jumped on the sub 1000g band waggon 990g not bad $899usd
so 9velo, Nextie, Overfast, also Zen have something on the way, and I may have forgotten a few other . Although I have yet to see a set on the Weight Weenies 9Velo thread break sub 1000g and Hambini has a set as well land for review
Anyone else have a set on order or planning on getting a set of sub 1000 gramers?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/975602387895509/permalink/1158337872955292/
I feel that sub 1k gram wheels would break on me specially on how I ride since I am a calorie collector aka quite heavy
Quote from: Dark17 on December 31, 2025, 08:48:40 AM
I feel that sub 1k gram wheels would break on me specially on how I ride since I am a calorie collector aka quite heavy
;D ;D
I've been following the trend of sub-1000g 50mm wheelsets that started appearing toward the end of 2025—brands like 9Velo, Brisk, Avians, Overfast, and Zen, all offering rims with 23mm internal widths. Personally, I'm not looking to spend $1,799 USD or Brisk's €2,500 pricing, so I've been waiting for smaller OEMs to release something competitive.
Ideally, I'd prefer a wider internal width (24–25mm). DFS rims are 25mm, and they've now introduced a SUXL rim using the same profile as their other models. When I asked how they managed to achieve a lighter rim with the same profile, they explained these rims use T1100 carbon vs T1000. The rims are rated for 90kg rider weight (not system load limit) and have passed 95J impact testing.
238g hubs (20/20H) carbon spokes 3.2mm, This setup comes in at 982g total weight , which is impressive.
And they do hidden carbon spoke nipples I like! ;D
Has anyone here purchased any of these sub-1000g wheelsets other than the 9Velo model?
Quote from: Sander2177 on January 06, 2026, 07:27:14 AM
Ideally, I'd prefer a wider internal width (24–25mm). DFS rims are 25mm, and they've now introduced a SUXL rim using the same profile as their other models. When I asked how they managed to achieve a lighter rim with the same profile, they explained these rims use T1100 carbon vs T1000. The rims are rated for 90kg rider weight (not system load limit) and have passed 95J impact testing.
238g hubs (20/20H) carbon spokes 3.2mm, This setup comes in at 982g total weight , which is impressive.
And they do hidden carbon spoke nipples I like! ;D
In total agreement with you. Any price quote on this build yet? I wonder if we'll see a Lunar New Year discount next month.
Quote from: h0ldb88r on January 06, 2026, 04:07:06 PM
In total agreement with you. Any price quote on this build yet? I wonder if we'll see a Lunar New Year discount next month.
Yep all depths are $899usd not sure there will be any discounts at that price considering the larger Chinese brands sub 1000g wheels are $1799usd.
DFS Carbon R2 Hub 55/55mm Wheelset – 1097g Actual | Unboxing + 415km clocked up on the wheels already
Back in November I ordered a new set of DFS Carbon 55/55mm wheels with the R2 hubs, mainly because I wanted to try this hub. They arrived in the UK on January 3rd, I picked them up on the 5th, and then flew to Dubai on the 16th Jan
Unboxing & First Impressions
The R2 hub looks fantastic in person — titanium‑coloured, beautifully machined, very premium.
Build quality is excellent: spoke tension feels perfect, UD paint‑free glossy rims look top‑tier.
Weight: 1097.3g on my scale. Ridiculously light for a 55mm deep wheelset with carbon spokes.
Wheelset Specs
Rims: 55mm F/R, UXL profile (100kg Rider limit)
Profile: U/V
Finish: UD paint‑free gloss
Widths: 25mm internal / 32.2mm external
Spokes: bladed 3.2mm carbon
Hub:
THR Industries R2 titanium‑colour
Asymmetric, 2:1 lacing
90g front / 195g rear (283g total)
Steel bearings
72T ratchet
Spoke count: 21F / 24R
Lacing: 2:1, 3‑cross DS
Tyres, Tubes & Extras
Tyres: Maxxis High Road SL 28mm
Tyre Measured on the Rim: 30.45mm front / 30.44mm rear
Tubes: RideNow TPU (19g)
Rotors: Glafer Wave CL 160/140mm
Lockrings: Titanium from RhinosWorkshop
415km of Riding in Dubai on the Al Quadra Cycle track
The R2 hub is smooth, fast, and trouble‑free.
If you like a loud, crisp freehub, the 72T ratchet is perfect. If not, 45T is available.
Stiff under power, stable at speed, and effortless on flat roads.
Zero issues so far — But honestly I did not expect any.
Also for the brits lay off the DFS jokes no they dont also have sofas on sale
I also picked up a set of carbon Cranks from DFS 286g 165mm 24mm Titanium Axle, will use these on my up an coming Quick Pro ER:ONE build.
Links to my Facebook posts on the wheelset with a shed load more photos including the cranks
https://www.facebook.com/groups/975602387895509/permalink/1168074138648332/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/975602387895509/permalink/1179322977523448/
Do they do more budget steel spoked builds aswell?
Where do i best contact them?
Thanks in advance
https://dfscarbonwheels.myshopify.com/pages/about-us
whatsapp +8618850007287
wechat 18850007287
I use whatsapp.
Yes, they can do things cheaper than what Sander ordered and do steel spokes, though I would get the R2 hub.
Quote from: casper.f on January 27, 2026, 01:39:13 PM
Do they do more budget steel spoked builds aswell?
Where do i best contact them?
Thanks in advance
As above website is not great 👎🏻
I contacts over WhatsApp
Angler Wang +86 188 5000 7287
I have sold a could of set of wheels to get a set for my Quick Pro ER One
This time I'm going 65/65mm with THRs RX HUB
Received my DFS order the other day. Talked with Angler Wang on whatsapp, very good communication. Prices might change, all in usd, but I paid 899 for the wheels, 404 for the crankset+spider+chainrings, 150 for the axels, and 85 for shipping to Canada. Then he gave me an special order now price of 1500usd for everything ::)
Ordered Jan 14, it was shipped out Jan 30, and I received them Feb 11. Ordered their 'ultralight' wheelset with carbon spokes, 25/32 profile, and 45mm depth. The CT1 crankset + carbon spider + chainrings (just passquest rings), and the dfs carbon axels. Will not have a chance to ride anything outdoors for another few months but initial impressions are very positive! Wheelset is incredibly light at 948g. Mocked up on the frame in the stand and they all seem perfectly trued. The CT1 cranks were the slightly budget option and look great, still very light as well.
https://imgur.com/a/tU5mOt4
Quote from: zaphodbeeblebrox on February 12, 2026, 02:56:26 PM
Received my DFS order the other day. Talked with Angler Wang on whatsapp, very good communication. Prices might change, all in usd, but I paid 899 for the wheels, 404 for the crankset+spider+chainrings, 150 for the axels, and 85 for shipping to Canada. Then he gave me an special order now price of 1500usd for everything ::)
Ordered Jan 14, it was shipped out Jan 30, and I received them Feb 11. Ordered their 'ultralight' wheelset with carbon spokes, 25/32 profile, and 45mm depth. The CT1 crankset + carbon spider + chainrings (just passquest rings), and the dfs carbon axels. Will not have a chance to ride anything outdoors for another few months but initial impressions are very positive! Wheelset is incredibly light at 948g. Mocked up on the frame in the stand and they all seem perfectly trued. The CT1 cranks were the slightly budget option and look great, still very light as well.
https://imgur.com/a/tU5mOt4
$85 shipping is cheaper than I'd expect, did you have to pay any tolls/taxes/etc?
Quote from: carbonMad on February 13, 2026, 05:02:42 AM
$85 shipping is cheaper than I'd expect, did you have to pay any tolls/taxes/etc?
Nope! Oddly it seems they paid for the local China shipping via stamps, or some equivalent. There were like 25 full size pages of what look like stamps in the packing slip lol.
Quote from: Sander2177 on January 27, 2026, 05:40:43 PM
This time I'm going 65/65mm with THRs RX HUB
How do the RX compare to the R2?
Lighter and pricier, probably. But bearings and otherwise similar?
Quote from: jamez on February 13, 2026, 01:47:47 PM
How do the RX compare to the R2?
Lighter and pricier, probably. But bearings and otherwise similar?
I originally ordered the RX hubs (~205 g) because the weight is impressive, but once I started running the spoke and rim calculations, the build stopped making sense for my use case.
The rims i have chose are 65 mm deep, 25 mm internal, 32.4 mm external, 425 g each, with a 100–110 kg load rating. I'm 78 kg, ~85 kg with bike and kit, so I'm well within the limit but not by a huge margin. On a deep 65 mm rim, lateral stiffness and spoke strength matter more than chasing the last 70–80 g in the hub.
The spoke data is what really pushed me away from the RX:
2.3 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 280–300 kgf
• Outgoing Inspection: 180–200 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 80 kgf
3.1 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 350 kgf
• Outgoing Inspection: 280 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 80 kgf
3.95 mm / 5.1 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 500 kgf
Outgoing Inspection: 320 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 115 kgf
The RX hub only accepts steel or carbon spokes up to 2.3 mm. That caps both the tensile margin and the lateral rigidity before failure at 80 kgf. For a 65 mm rim under an 80+ kg system, that was simply not enough margin.
There is a carbon spoke that fits the RX, but it's almost 5 g per spoke—so to make the RX work, I'd have to use heavier spokes that completely erase the hub's weight advantage.
By contrast, I already have an R2 wheelset on 55 mm rims using 3.2 mm spokes, and that setup works extremely well. The R2 geometry clearly supports larger‑section spokes without issues, and the stiffness difference is obvious on the road. That real‑world experience made the decision even clearer.
So I switched to the THR R2 hub (285 g pair):
• 7075‑T651 shell, TC4 Ti axle
• 2:1 rear lacing with 3‑cross on the drive side
• Asymmetric flange layout for better tension balance
• Accepts 3.95 mm spokes without restriction
With the 3.95 mm spokes, I get:
• A huge tensile margin (500 kgf vs 280–300 kgf)
• Higher safe build tension
• A major jump in lateral rigidity failure (115 kgf vs 80 kgf)
• Better stability on a deep 65 mm rim
• A safer structural margin given my system weight
Once you compare the full system:
RX + thin spokes → low stiffness, low margin
RX + heavy carbon spokes → kills the weight advantage
R2 + 3.95 mm spokes → similar total weight, far better stiffness and durability
It becomes obvious that chasing the lightest hub is the wrong optimisation. Spokes and geometry dominate how the wheel actually performs.
That's why I cancelled the RX (also nearly $1000 USD) and went with the R2 + 3.95 mm spokes.
I still have time and I am looking at other spoke options, but the direction is clear: prioritise spoke section, stiffness, and safety margin over saving a handful of grams in the hub.
Quote from: Sander2177 on February 16, 2026, 03:20:12 AM
I originally ordered the RX hubs (~205 g) because the weight is impressive, but once I started running the spoke and rim calculations, the build stopped making sense for my use case.
The rims i have chose are 65 mm deep, 25 mm internal, 32.4 mm external, 425 g each, with a 100–110 kg load rating. I'm 78 kg, ~85 kg with bike and kit, so I'm well within the limit but not by a huge margin. On a deep 65 mm rim, lateral stiffness and spoke strength matter more than chasing the last 70–80 g in the hub.
The spoke data is what really pushed me away from the RX:
2.3 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 280–300 kgf
• Outgoing Inspection: 180–200 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 80 kgf
3.1 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 350 kgf
• Outgoing Inspection: 280 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 80 kgf
3.95 mm / 5.1 mm spokes
• Tensile Force In Destructive Testing: 500 kgf
Outgoing Inspection: 320 kgf
• Lateral rigidity failure: 115 kgf
The RX hub only accepts steel or carbon spokes up to 2.3 mm. That caps both the tensile margin and the lateral rigidity before failure at 80 kgf. For a 65 mm rim under an 80+ kg system, that was simply not enough margin.
There is a carbon spoke that fits the RX, but it's almost 5 g per spoke—so to make the RX work, I'd have to use heavier spokes that completely erase the hub's weight advantage.
By contrast, I already have an R2 wheelset on 55 mm rims using 3.2 mm spokes, and that setup works extremely well. The R2 geometry clearly supports larger‑section spokes without issues, and the stiffness difference is obvious on the road. That real‑world experience made the decision even clearer.
So I switched to the THR R2 hub (285 g pair):
• 7075‑T651 shell, TC4 Ti axle
• 2:1 rear lacing with 3‑cross on the drive side
• Asymmetric flange layout for better tension balance
• Accepts 3.95 mm spokes without restriction
With the 3.95 mm spokes, I get:
• A huge tensile margin (500 kgf vs 280–300 kgf)
• Higher safe build tension
• A major jump in lateral rigidity failure (115 kgf vs 80 kgf)
• Better stability on a deep 65 mm rim
• A safer structural margin given my system weight
Once you compare the full system:
RX + thin spokes → low stiffness, low margin
RX + heavy carbon spokes → kills the weight advantage
R2 + 3.95 mm spokes → similar total weight, far better stiffness and durability
It becomes obvious that chasing the lightest hub is the wrong optimisation. Spokes and geometry dominate how the wheel actually performs.
That's why I cancelled the RX (also nearly $1000 USD) and went with the R2 + 3.95 mm spokes.
I still have time and I am looking at other spoke options, but the direction is clear: prioritise spoke section, stiffness, and safety margin over saving a handful of grams in the hub.
It's worth noting that tensile strength and stiffness are not necessarily related (especially if you're e.g. comparing carbon to steel spokes). Tensile strength tells you when something will break, but it does not tell you how much it has deformed at that point (i.e. the stiffness). You can have spokes that might have higher tensile strength than other spokes, but still be less stiff and build into a softer wheel. So it's important to know whether the concern is if the wheel or spokes will actually break, or whether the concern is that it's stiff enough during acceleration, hard cornerning, etc.
Quote from: Sander2177 on December 03, 2025, 08:39:44 AM
Very Short Video Popped up on YT for DFS
https://youtu.be/4FJpWMH1QN0?si=22NtfSMJy8IV_Zjn
Bit short but something!
Looks very amateur.. :O
Quote from: wanted100 on February 16, 2026, 08:58:22 AM
Looks very amateur.. :O
Very amateur compared to what?
what does a non amateur operation look like?
Looks like videos and pictures of any OEM I have seen pretty standard stuff
Quote from: mtm on February 16, 2026, 07:18:54 AM
It's worth noting that tensile strength and stiffness are not necessarily related (especially if you're e.g. comparing carbon to steel spokes). Tensile strength tells you when something will break, but it does not tell you how much it has deformed at that point (i.e. the stiffness). You can have spokes that might have higher tensile strength than other spokes, but still be less stiff and build into a softer wheel. So it's important to know whether the concern is if the wheel or spokes will actually break, or whether the concern is that it's stiff enough during acceleration, hard cornerning, etc.
That's true tensile strength and stiffness aren't the same thing. Tensile strength is just how much load a spoke can take before it snaps. Stiffness is how much it flexes under normal riding forces.
In my case, the issue isn't mixing those two together. It's that the RX hub limits me to very thin spokes, and thin spokes are both:
less stiff (so the wheel flexes more), and
weaker (so I can't tension the wheel as high or keep as much safety margin).
The R2 hub lets me use much thicker spokes, which means:
the wheel is stiffer in real riding — sprinting, cornering, climbing, etc.
and the spokes have more strength in reserve, so the wheel can be built to a safer tension.
So I'm not saying "higher tensile strength = stiffer wheel."
I'm saying the RX's spoke size limit forces compromises in both stiffness and strength, while the R2 avoids those compromises entirely.
For a deep 65 mm rim and an 80+ kg system, that difference matters more than saving a few grams in the hub, and it has also saved some $$$$ :D
I'm pretty sure the THR hubs could be drilled for regular carbon spokes as well, unless it was just the RX hub
Quote from: toxin on February 16, 2026, 10:09:29 AM
I'm pretty sure the THR hubs could be drilled for regular carbon spokes as well, unless it was just the RX hub
No they RX hub not suitable for wider than 2.3x2mm carbon spokes and at $1000usd not worth asking for them to be drilled.
The R2 hub is ok will accept steel spokes and wider carbon spokes as well.
Does anyone have any input about their Ghost series? I'm looking at 50mm, 985g, 25mm internal, 32mm external, 110kg system weight limit... Sounds insane and a bit too goo to be true? Please share your opinions. Thanks
Quote from: Lekishima on April 01, 2026, 10:08:33 AM
Does anyone have any input about their Ghost series? I'm looking at 50mm, 985g, 25mm internal, 32mm external, 110kg system weight limit... Sounds insane and a bit too goo to be true? Please share your opinions. Thanks
Limits 100kg?
Why too good to be true there are a load of Sub 1000g or close to 1000g 50mm wheelsets on the market at the moment
9Velo
Avians
Zen Carbon
Nextie
Overfast
Brisk
Brisk
Quote from: Sander2177 on April 01, 2026, 01:47:50 PM
Limits 100kg?
Why too good to be true there are a load of Sub 1000g or close to 1000g 50mm wheelsets on the market at the moment
9Velo
Avians
Zen Carbon
Nextie
Overfast
Brisk
Brisk
I think non of these have sub 1kg wheels that are also this wide. And except Zen carbon, but Zen carbon comes with a heaftier price tag if i am not mistaken?
No ZEN has similar price tag, but 90kg system weight limit I believe for ultralight versions. Superlight are 110kg system weight limit, but are a tad heavier.
Quote from: Sander2177 on April 01, 2026, 01:47:50 PM
Limits 100kg?
Why too good to be true there are a load of Sub 1000g or close to 1000g 50mm wheelsets on the market at the moment
9Velo
Avians
Zen Carbon
Nextie
Overfast
Brisk
Brisk
I also found Monokeros on Cyclegears - https://cyclegears.net/products/monokeros-ares-wheelset
Anyone heard anything about these? Can only find their IG and FB posts. 0 customer reviews anywhere...
Quote from: Sander2177 on November 11, 2025, 09:29:38 AM
Long-Term Review – DFS Carbon 60/65mm Wheelset
After 6/7 months of consistent use it's time to share a proper long-term review. I bought these back in April
Specs
Rims: T1000 UXL
Front: 60mm – 400g
Rear: 65mm – 423.6g
25mm inner / 32.4mm outer width
UV profile
Hubs: H-Works SR270 – 276g 20 spoke holes from and rear
Spokes: 5.1mm wide bladed carbon,
Actual Weight: 1231g (vs 1256g estimated) — This was light when I bought them now these are likley considered heavy afet only 6 monts l :lol:
I bought direct from DFS Carbon after chatting with Angler Wang, the owner. He was persistent in saying he had a quality product — and to be fair, he backed it up. Super responsive, answered all my questions, and gave me confidence to go ahead.
I paid via bank transfer (better rate, no PayPal fees) — and yeah, I did wonder if anything would actually turn up . But everything arrived perfectly packaged and bang on time
......
Hi Sander
What's your opinion on how the 25mm internal U/V rims handle crosswinds, and, is there a material benefit in going with the R2 hub vs the H-Works 270? I've been eyeing up a set of wheels with similar specs to yours, albeit currently speced with the U-shaped 25mm internal with Zara at Zen. My decision is coming down to whether the U-shaped rims are an improvement over the U/V shaped in crosswinds (always seems to be windy in SW London) and if the R2 is worth the extra dosh over the 270. I'll be getting in touch with Angler too hence posting here.
First post so apologies if I've messed up the formatting with included your original comment quoted! Sorry if this is already covered somewhere and if so feel free to point me there, but I've read all comments on this thread and those for Zen and XMCS so my brains a bit frazzled!
Cheers
Liam
Quote from: fomjl on April 11, 2026, 11:55:17 AM
Hi Sander
What's your opinion on how the 25mm internal U/V rims handle crosswinds, and, is there a material benefit in going with the R2 hub vs the H-Works 270? I've been eyeing up a set of wheels with similar specs to yours, albeit currently speced with the U-shaped 25mm internal with Zara at Zen. My decision is coming down to whether the U-shaped rims are an improvement over the U/V shaped in crosswinds (always seems to be windy in SW London) and if the R2 is worth the extra dosh over the 270. I'll be getting in touch with Angler too hence posting here.
First post so apologies if I've messed up the formatting with included your original comment quoted! Sorry if this is already covered somewhere and if so feel free to point me there, but I've read all comments on this thread and those for Zen and XMCS so my brains a bit frazzled!
Cheers
Liam
Hey Liam
To be honest I don't pay a lot of attention to profiles and crosswind stability. At the end of the day, a 55mm rim is a 55mm rim — physics is what it is, and if it's blowing hard, the wheel's going to move.
That said, the data suggests U-shaped rims tend to be more stable in crosswinds, while U/V shapes are slightly faster in straight-line conditions, if I'm not mistaken.
Regarding the R2 hub, it offers improved lateral stiffness and helps balance spoke tension better. Overall, it's a higher-quality hub in terms of materials and design.
That said, the SR270 is proven and does the job well.
If you want, drop me a private message with your number. I'm working in London and picking up my SL8 from Ryan at Rhinos Workshop in Kingston upon Thames on Monday, so I can swing by and let you take a look at the wheels.
Hey, i got the following data from +86 188 5000 7287 via whatsapp.
R280 (285g) Basic Model with Pillar 1420 and XL RIM for only $ 449 Seems great value, competing with the real budget brands, but I see little info about the R280 and R240 hubs. Anyone that can give more info?
# | hub | rim depth | XL RIM Sapim cx-ray Weight (±30g) | UXL RIM Sapim cx-ray Weight (±30g) | XL RIM 1423 spoke Weight (±30g) |
1 | R280 (285g) | 30 | 1235.4 | 1105.4 | 1340.4 |
2 | R280 (285g) | 35 | 1255 | 1120.4 | 1360 |
3 | R280 (285g) | 40 | 1295 | 1150 | 1400 |
4 | R280 (285g) | 45 | 1325 | 1170 | 1430 |
5 | R280 (285g) | 50 | 1365 | 1190 | 1470 |
6 | R280 (285g) | 55 | 1445 | 1240 | 1550 |
7 | R280 (285g) | 60 | 1495 | 1290 | 1600 |
8 | R280 (285g) | 65 | 1520 | 1350 | 1625 |
9 | R240 (240g) | 30 | 1190.4 | 1060.4 | |
10 | R240 (240g) | 35 | 1210 | 1075.4 | |
11 | R240 (240g) | 40 | 1250 | 1105 | |
12 | R240 (240g) | 45 | 1280 | 1125 | |
13 | R240 (240g) | 50 | 1320 | 1145 | |
14 | R240 (240g) | 55 | 1400 | 1195 | |
15 | R240 (240g) | 60 | 1450 | 1245 | |
16 | R240 (240g) | 65 | 1475 | 1305 | |
17 | R1 (275g) | 30 | 1220.4 | 1090.4 | |
18 | R1 (275g) | 35 | 1240 | 1105.4 | |
19 | R1 (275g) | 40 | 1280 | 1135 | |
20 | R1 (275g) | 45 | 1310 | 1155 | |
21 | R1 (275g) | 50 | 1350 | 1175 | |
22 | R1 (275g) | 55 | 1430 | 1225 | |
23 | R1 (275g) | 60 | 1480 | 1275 | |
24 | R1 (275g) | 65 | 1505 | 1335 | |
25 | R2 (285g) | 30 | 1230.4 | 1100.4 | |
26 | R2 (285g) | 35 | 1250 | 1115.4 | |
27 | R2 (285g) | 40 | 1290 | 1145 | |
28 | R2 (285g) | 45 | 1320 | 1165 | |
29 | R2 (285g) | 50 | 1360 | 1185 | |
30 | R2 (285g) | 55 | 1440 | 1235 | |
31 | R2 (285g) | 60 | 1490 | 1285 | |
32 | R2 (285g) | 65 | 1515 | 1345 | |
# | HUb | Spokes | Rim | PRICE $ | Freight |
1 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Pillar 1423 | XL RIM | 399 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
2 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Pillar 1420 | XL RIM | 449 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
3 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 489 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
4 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 569 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
5 | R1(275g) | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 599 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
6 | R1(275g) | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 679 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
7 | R240 (240g) | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 649 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
8 | R240 (240g) | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 729 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
9 | R2 (285g) Premium Model | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 769 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
10 | R2 (285g) Premium Model | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 849 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
Quote from: casper.f on May 15, 2026, 08:25:59 AM
Hey, i got the following data from +86 188 5000 7287 via whatsapp.
R280 (285g) Basic Model with Pillar 1420 and XL RIM for only $ 449 Seems great value, competing with the real budget brands, but I see little info about the R280 and R240 hubs. Anyone that can give more info?
# | hub | rim depth | XL RIM Sapim cx-ray Weight (±30g) | UXL RIM Sapim cx-ray Weight (±30g) | XL RIM 1423 spoke Weight (±30g) |
1 | R280 (285g) | 30 | 1235.4 | 1105.4 | 1340.4 |
2 | R280 (285g) | 35 | 1255 | 1120.4 | 1360 |
3 | R280 (285g) | 40 | 1295 | 1150 | 1400 |
4 | R280 (285g) | 45 | 1325 | 1170 | 1430 |
5 | R280 (285g) | 50 | 1365 | 1190 | 1470 |
6 | R280 (285g) | 55 | 1445 | 1240 | 1550 |
7 | R280 (285g) | 60 | 1495 | 1290 | 1600 |
8 | R280 (285g) | 65 | 1520 | 1350 | 1625 |
9 | R240 (240g) | 30 | 1190.4 | 1060.4 | |
10 | R240 (240g) | 35 | 1210 | 1075.4 | |
11 | R240 (240g) | 40 | 1250 | 1105 | |
12 | R240 (240g) | 45 | 1280 | 1125 | |
13 | R240 (240g) | 50 | 1320 | 1145 | |
14 | R240 (240g) | 55 | 1400 | 1195 | |
15 | R240 (240g) | 60 | 1450 | 1245 | |
16 | R240 (240g) | 65 | 1475 | 1305 | |
17 | R1 (275g) | 30 | 1220.4 | 1090.4 | |
18 | R1 (275g) | 35 | 1240 | 1105.4 | |
19 | R1 (275g) | 40 | 1280 | 1135 | |
20 | R1 (275g) | 45 | 1310 | 1155 | |
21 | R1 (275g) | 50 | 1350 | 1175 | |
22 | R1 (275g) | 55 | 1430 | 1225 | |
23 | R1 (275g) | 60 | 1480 | 1275 | |
24 | R1 (275g) | 65 | 1505 | 1335 | |
25 | R2 (285g) | 30 | 1230.4 | 1100.4 | |
26 | R2 (285g) | 35 | 1250 | 1115.4 | |
27 | R2 (285g) | 40 | 1290 | 1145 | |
28 | R2 (285g) | 45 | 1320 | 1165 | |
29 | R2 (285g) | 50 | 1360 | 1185 | |
30 | R2 (285g) | 55 | 1440 | 1235 | |
31 | R2 (285g) | 60 | 1490 | 1285 | |
32 | R2 (285g) | 65 | 1515 | 1345 | |
# | HUb | Spokes | Rim | PRICE $ | Freight |
1 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Pillar 1423 | XL RIM | 399 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
2 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Pillar 1420 | XL RIM | 449 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
3 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 489 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
4 | R280 (285g) Basic Model | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 569 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
5 | R1(275g) | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 599 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
6 | R1(275g) | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 679 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
7 | R240 (240g) | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 649 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
8 | R240 (240g) | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 729 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
9 | R2 (285g) Premium Model | Sapim cx-ray | XL RIM | 769 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
10 | R2 (285g) Premium Model | Sapim cx-ray | UXL RIM | 849 | To USA and Europe $105 included tax others contact me |
What do you want to know. Another genric 20/20 spoke carbon hub 235g DT Swiss style ratchet
I've been trying to understand wheels and hubs, and spent some time with Angler discussing some of the updates to the R2 hub. Here is my take on their hub portfolio:
R280/R290 hub: entry-level hub similar to H works or generic hubs that look similar, made primarily from 6061 aluminum, smaller bearings, uses the 36t, 54t generic, 2-piece, 2 spring ratchets. Preload is DT Swiss style: requires enough tension via the thru axle.
R240: An R280 they machined the heck out of to reduce weight. Same materials, same bearings. Preload is DT Swiss style: and requires enough tension via the thru axle.
R1: Entry-ish level hub, but larger flanges on differential between DS and NDS, larger bearings, and AL7075 with a unique 60t ratchet. The point of this change is to provide more equal spoke tension, which should result in a wheel that is both easier to true and more likely to stay true. I believe the current R1 dimensions are similar to those of the previous-gen R2. This is probably a hub similar in quality and build to what you would expect from a major brand's mid-range carbon wheelset. Similar price to the R240. Preload is DT Swiss style, and requires enough tension via the thru axle.
R2: Performance hub. Angler considers this to be DFS's highest-performance hub. These are apparently designed to offer near equal spoke tensions with symmetric rims, so much so that asymmetric rims shouldn't be used. Larger bearing size, different ratchet system, and manually adjustable preload. This is probably the hub to get if you do a lot of miles and want the most reliable hub. IMO these are probably as good as what you see on the flagship wheels raced in the WT. Yes the spoke counts are higher, but that's one of the tradeoffs for paying sub-DT Swiss 350 prices for a hub this nice.
My R3 hubs have been very reliable, and in retrospect, I recognize that I probably should have been less of a weight weenie and bought the R2 hubs. If you are using carbon spokes or another internal spoke arrangement, the geometry of the R2 hub should result in a more reliable wheel over time. Less time on the trueing stand. More time riding. If you can afford it, its probably worth paying up for the R2.
I've just been speaking to Angler at DFS Wheels. He's asking me (persistently) for payment, based upon an email conversation. So whilst we've discussed my requirements, he's not quite confirmed what I'm paying for. Just checking that was everyone's experience and to ensure that I'm not getting scammed.
Quote from: NWA-Tri on May 22, 2026, 12:44:28 PM
I've just been speaking to Angler at DFS Wheels. He's asking me (persistently) for payment, based upon an email conversation. So whilst we've discussed my requirements, he's not quite confirmed what I'm paying for. Just checking that was everyone's experience and to ensure that I'm not getting scammed.
Get Him to confirm on DM
WhatsApp
+86 188 5000 7287
Quote from: NWA-Tri on May 22, 2026, 12:44:28 PM
I've just been speaking to Angler at DFS Wheels. He's asking me (persistently) for payment, based upon an email conversation. So whilst we've discussed my requirements, he's not quite confirmed what I'm paying for. Just checking that was everyone's experience and to ensure that I'm not getting scammed.
It's not a free advice service ;D
and they are no doubt dealing with hundreds of similar conversations at the same time. You'll find a similar approach from all direct to consumer Chinese brands.
FWIW ordered a set of wheels and paid via bank tfr on 14th April - received today exactly as described. All correspondence via WhatsApp. He's legit.
DFS Ghost Evo 50/55 moulded spoke-hole wheelset
A few months ago DFS sent me a set of their newer Ghost Evo moulded spoke-hole wheels to test. I went with the 50 mm front / 55 mm rear configuration, using the 3.2 mm bladed carbon spokes with hidden nipples.
When I was originally speaking to DFS about sending out a set of wheels there was no 60 mm option available, which is why I chose the 50/55 combination. Ironically, shortly after these arrived DFS released a 60 mm version, and having been impressed with this first set I ended up ordering a 60/60 wheelset myself. That gives me a useful opportunity to compare not only the different depths but also the 24-spoke rear on this set against the 20-spoke rear on the new wheels.
The wheelset uses DFS's moulded spoke-hole construction with hidden nipples and carbon spokes weighing approximately 2.1 g each including the nipple. The hubset is quoted at approximately 235 g and my wheels came fitted with TPI ceramic bearings.
Yes, there are other OEMs selling what appears to be the same rim platform including Nextie, Light Bicycle, XYZ and Zen. From what I've been told, the factory producing these rims is run by a former Light Bicycle employee.
The Ghost Evo reviewed here uses the lighter 110 kg rider/system weight limit rims:
Front Rim (50 mm)
Weight: 335 g
Impact Rating: 105 J
Quoted Internal Width: 25.0 mm
Quoted External Width: 30.94 mm
Measured Internal Width: 25.45 mm
Measured External Width: 31.96 mm
Asymmetry: None
Rear Rim (55 mm)
Weight: 355 g
Impact Rating: 100 J
Quoted Internal Width: 25.0 mm
Quoted External Width: 31.4 mm
Measured Internal Width: 25.45 mm
Measured External Width: 32.4 mm
Asymmetry: 2 mm
Wheelset Specification
DFS Ghost Evo
110 kg rider/system weight limit version
20 front / 24 rear spokes
3.2 mm bladed carbon spokes with hidden nipples
Approx. 2.1 g per spoke including nipple
DFS hubset
Approx. 235 g hub weight
TPI ceramic bearings
UD paint-free matte, no logos
Quoted wheelset weight: 1,027 g
130 kg Version Also Available
Front rim: 365 g, 120 J impact rating
Rear rim: 365 g, 115 J impact rating
Tyre Setup
Continental GP5000 with tubes
30 mm front tyre measuring 32.1 mm
32 mm rear tyre measuring 33.1 mm
Typical pressures: 52 psi front / 56 psi rear
I don't think the slightly larger tyre-to-rim transition at the rear is particularly important for me. I'd rather have the additional comfort of the larger rear tyre.
I wasn't completely sure what I was going to think of the moulded spoke-hole design before they arrived, particularly the moulded spoke areas themselves, but in person I actually quite like them. The hidden nipples make the wheels look exceptionally clean.
My only minor gripe aesthetically is the moulded spoke-hole area itself. Because the spoke bed protrudes slightly, if you're really throwing the bike around out of the saddle you can occasionally hear a little noise from the wheel. It isn't a loose nipple rattling around inside the rim. One of the advantages of this construction is that there isn't anything loose inside, and it hasn't caused any actual issue so its not a deal breaker i will probably use some clear silicone
I've now done roughly 600 km on them, yes not mega mile but enough to get a feel for the wheels
One thing people always seem to do with very lightweight rims is the highly scientific "Mickey Mouse test" 😂 and squeeze the sidewalls with their fingers.
These are actually surprisingly solid when you do that. Obviously squeezing a rim tells you very little about how a tensioned wheel behaves under riding loads, but they certainly don't feel paper-thin.
There is also a lot of marketing around T800, T1000 and T1100 carbon. Personally, I wouldn't get too hung up on that. A rim being advertised as T1000 doesn't mean the entire rim is made from T1000 fibre. Higher modulus material may only be used selectively in key reinforcement areas while the majority of the lay-up remains something like T800. As I understand it, these rims are primarily T800.
I was quite apprehensive when the first genuinely sub-1,000 g wheelsets started appearing. When 9velo released theirs last year at around 999g, naturally there were questions about rider limits, durability and how far manufacturers could realistically push rim weights.
That's partly why I wanted to put some actual kilometres into this type of wheel rather than simply admire a scale reading.
The other question people understandably have with these ultra-light wheels and relatively narrow carbon spokes is stiffness. I am 78/80kgs
So far I've had absolutely no issues.
When riding them hard I've experienced, and particularly up any inclines
No tyre rub
No rim contact with the stays
No brake-related issues
No noticeable unwanted lateral flex
The rear wheel on this set uses 24 spokes, which may contribute, but based on my experience so far I still think a properly built 20/20 version would be absolutely fine for me.
One other thing worth mentioning is the slight undulation visible between the spoke areas. Someone commented on a Facebook photo asking whether it was "ripple".
Very lightweight rims can sometimes show slight visual waviness around high-tension areas because there simply isn't the same quantity of material as you would find in a conventional 450-500 g rim. On these wheels there is a subtle shape between the moulded spoke sections which becomes more obvious under certain lighting almost an undlating profile
The ceramic bearings are probably the part I'm least excited about. Personally I've never been a huge fan of lower-cost ceramic bearings, as I've generally found a good quality steel bearing offers better long-term durability. Bearings are consumable though, and I certainly wouldn't buy or dismiss a wheelset purely because it came fitted with ceramics.
And then there is the name: DFS. 😂
Unfortunately, for anyone in the UK, every photo posted online immediately attracts comments about sofas, Christmas sales and "DFS Sale Now On". There's absolutely no escaping it.
But putting the name aside, I've genuinely been impressed by these wheels.
In fact, after the first couple of hundred kilometres I liked them enough that I ordered another set myself, this time 60 mm front and rear with 20 spokes front and rear.
Those were estimated at 1,049 g in UD paint-free matte. DFS sent me photos recently and the finished wheelset came out at 1,052 g, only 3 g above the quoted figure.
That should make an interesting comparison because the construction is fundamentally the same, but I'll be able to see whether going from a 24-spoke rear on this set to a 20-spoke rear makes any meaningful difference to how the wheel behaves under load.
So, around 600 km in, my overall experience has been very positive. They're exceptionally light, the 25 mm internal width works brilliantly with modern 30-32 mm tyres, they've stayed straight, I've had no stiffness concerns whatsoever, and so far there's nothing mechanically that would stop me recommending people at least consider this style of wheel.
Obviously 600 km isn't a long-term durability test, so I'll keep putting miles into them and update the thread again later.
And once the 60/60 20-spoke set arrives, I'll put the two back-to-back and see whether I can actually feel any difference, rather than simply inventing one because the spoke count changed. 😂
I have purchased multiple products from Angler (DFS) including carbon rims and hubs.
My latest issue concerns spoke lengths. Because the rims and hubs were purchased from the same supplier, I specifically asked them to provide the correct spoke lengths for the wheel build. They advised 260 mm and 278 mm, and I ordered the spokes based on that recommendation.
During the wheel build it became clear that the recommended spoke lengths were incorrect. Even with the nipples fully threaded, the spokes remained too loose to achieve proper tension. I measured the spokes to confirm they were the lengths ordered and also verified the dimensions using an independent spoke calculator, which indicated substantially different spoke lengths.
Unfortunately, rather than reviewing the calculation and taking responsibility for the recommendation, the suggested solution was simply to purchase different spokes or nipples at my own expense.
What makes this more disappointing is that this is not the first issue I have experienced. With a previous wheelset, the rim decals were noticeably different in size. Initially I was told this was not possible. After providing photographs, the issue was acknowledged, but no solution was offered.
The products themselves may be good value, but based on my experience, customer support becomes difficult when a problem is identified. In both cases, the issue was eventually acknowledged, but I was left to deal with the consequences myself.
As a customer, I expect not only good products but also support when mistakes happen. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience.
Ive got the ghost evo 50mm with silver hubs. sub 1000g. great wheels. prefer them over my 353 nsw
Quote from: agarabaghi on October 10, 2026, 06:53:17 PM
Ive got the ghost evo 50mm with silver hubs. sub 1000g. great wheels. prefer them over my 353 nsw
I also have the Ghost EVOs. 👍
I was sent a set of 50/55mm wheels (1038g, 20/24 spokes) by Angker at DFS a few months back for testing and review, with hidden spoke nipples.
After just one weekend of riding them, I was impressed enough to order myself a set of 60/60s! 😁
I would have gone for the 60/60s initially, but unfortunately, they didn't have a 60mm rim available at the time. :(
The 50/55s are actually the lightest wheelset I've owned to date, and I'm always a little sceptical of these uber-light wheels. However, I found them plenty stiff enough for my riding, with no noticeable issues whatsoever.
Personally, I don't think I really need 24 spokes in the rear, but that's how the 55mm rim comes pre-moulded, so it is what it is!
Anyway, my new 60/60s arrived on Monday this week! :D
Unfortunately, I haven't even had a chance to try them yet, as I've been ill since returning from holiday. 🤒 Bloody annoying, especially as any decent cycling weather is disappearing fast here in the UK!
one thing i like about the DFS over other ultralights i had, is the full captive spoke hole. Another brand i had the half captive broke off.
Quote from: agarabaghi on October 11, 2026, 04:54:03 AM
one thing i like about the DFS over other ultralights i had, is the full captive spoke hole. Another brand i had the half captive broke off.
I have not seen any Ultralight wheels myself with the non captive hubs
All the ones I have had have all been captive
What would be advantages/disadvantages of DFS wheels compared to Farsports EVO S5 for example? Other then lower weight as advantage and smaller max. rider weight as disadvantage.
I am currently thinking about either DFS or Farsports, DFS for weight and Farsports for looks :D
Quote from: Miko55 on October 11, 2026, 10:07:19 AM
What would be advantages/disadvantages of DFS wheels compared to Farsports EVO S5 for example? Other then lower weight as advantage and smaller max. rider weight as disadvantage.
I am currently thinking about either DFS or Farsports, DFS for weight and Farsports for looks :D
DFS vs Elite Wheels – My Thoughts
DFS wheels are generally lighter and considerably cheaper than Elite Wheels.
The potential disadvantage with DFS is their after-sales support network, which may not be as established as Elite's. However, I've personally owned four sets of DFS wheels and luckily haven't had a single issue.
Another advantage with DFS is that they offer multiple rim layups designed around different rider weight limits. Even some of their more reinforced layups can still produce a lighter wheelset than comparable Elite models.
Elite Wheels, on the other hand, is a more established brand, and you'd naturally expect a more developed after-sales support network.
At the prices Elite charge, I'd certainly expect any warranty or product issues to be handled efficiently and without unnecessary hassle. That's part of what you're paying a premium for.
However, we all know that paying more for an established brand doesn't automatically guarantee a trouble-free experience. You only have to look around cycling forums to see people battling with well-known premium brands when something goes wrong.
Elite wheels are generally heavier and considerably more expensive than comparable DFS options. In my opinion, you're largely paying extra for the brand's reputation, established support network and perceived peace of mind.
Elite have also introduced their own hub and ratchet system, which is interesting, but I do wonder whether there's really a need to reinvent the wheel. 😂
The DT Swiss-style star ratchet system has been around for years, is widely used in various forms across the industry and has proven itself to be reliable. Sometimes there's something to be said for sticking with a tried-and-tested design.
Would I like to try Elite Wheels? Absolutely!
But personally, not at their current prices. There are simply too many other excellent wheelsets available from competing manufacturers at considerably more competitive prices.
I've had four sets of DFS wheels myself, and my experience so far has been positive. That doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience, and I can't personally comment on how DFS would handle a warranty claim because I've never needed to make one.
Maybe I'll give Elite a go in the future. Who knows? 😂
Ultimately, everyone has different priorities. Some people are happy to pay more for an established brand and the reassurance that comes with it. Others, like myself, are more interested in the actual product, its specifications, performance and value for money.
Quote from: Sander2177 on October 12, 2026, 02:40:24 AM
DFS vs Elite Wheels – My Thoughts
DFS wheels are generally lighter and considerably cheaper than Elite Wheels.
The potential disadvantage with DFS is their after-sales support network, which may not be as established as Elite's. However, I've personally owned four sets of DFS wheels and luckily haven't had a single issue.
Another advantage with DFS is that they offer multiple rim layups designed around different rider weight limits. Even some of their more reinforced layups can still produce a lighter wheelset than comparable Elite models.
Elite Wheels, on the other hand, is a more established brand, and you'd naturally expect a more developed after-sales support network.
At the prices Elite charge, I'd certainly expect any warranty or product issues to be handled efficiently and without unnecessary hassle. That's part of what you're paying a premium for.
However, we all know that paying more for an established brand doesn't automatically guarantee a trouble-free experience. You only have to look around cycling forums to see people battling with well-known premium brands when something goes wrong.
Elite wheels are generally heavier and considerably more expensive than comparable DFS options. In my opinion, you're largely paying extra for the brand's reputation, established support network and perceived peace of mind.
Elite have also introduced their own hub and ratchet system, which is interesting, but I do wonder whether there's really a need to reinvent the wheel. 😂
The DT Swiss-style star ratchet system has been around for years, is widely used in various forms across the industry and has proven itself to be reliable. Sometimes there's something to be said for sticking with a tried-and-tested design.
Would I like to try Elite Wheels? Absolutely!
But personally, not at their current prices. There are simply too many other excellent wheelsets available from competing manufacturers at considerably more competitive prices.
I've had four sets of DFS wheels myself, and my experience so far has been positive. That doesn't mean everyone will have the same experience, and I can't personally comment on how DFS would handle a warranty claim because I've never needed to make one.
Maybe I'll give Elite a go in the future. Who knows? 😂
Ultimately, everyone has different priorities. Some people are happy to pay more for an established brand and the reassurance that comes with it. Others, like myself, are more interested in the actual product, its specifications, performance and value for money.
You post a lot about wheels and seem to own many different sets. Do they get any significant mileage before you share those experiences?
Quote from: eins4eins on October 12, 2026, 02:58:49 AM
You post a lot about wheels and seem to own many different sets. Do they get any significant mileage before you share those experiences?
That's a fair question Mate
Honestly, no, I don't tend to do huge long-term mileage on any of my wheelsets. I've always had multiple wheelsets and multiple bikes, so no single set gets particularly heavy use.
I also change equipment quite frequently and rarely keep a wheelset for more than a year.
At the moment I have three bikes, so the mileage is spread across several wheelsets rather than being concentrated on one set. Most of my comments are therefore based on build quality, specifications, initial ride impressions, weights, finish quality and my ownership experience rather than 20,000 km of long-term testing.
That's why I'm careful not to make claims about long-term durability or warranty support unless I've experienced it personally. For example, I've owned four sets of DFS wheels without any issues, but I've never had to make a warranty claim, so I can't comment on how they'd handle one. Likewise, I've generally sold wheelsets before they've accumulated the sort of mileage needed to give a meaningful assessment of bearing longevity or long-term durability.
So I'd say my perspective is more that of someone who has owned and compared a lot of different wheelsets rather than someone who has put massive mileage through a single set.