CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We could obtain a fee for those who purchase merchandise utilizing our hyperlinks.
Farsports launched their new C and S Collection wheels a couple of months in the past. I obtained their C5 for testing with a be aware that these wheels are game-changing. As at all times, I used to be skeptical as a result of corporations prefer to make robust claims, however the actuality is usually completely different. However what in regards to the C5? I concluded in-house testing and rode them for a while to check them with the competitors.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Farsports C5 wheels present among the best price-to-weight-to-performance ratios. The common weight all through their lineup decreased by about 200g. The identical might be mentioned in regards to the worth. They slashed it from $1899 to $1299 (S Collection) and from $1290 to $1099 (C Collection). Upon utilizing them for round 500 km, I can say they completely mix using consolation, stability, and stiffness.
They really feel only a bit much less stiff and agile than carbon-spoked wheels, however in a blind take a look at, it could be fairly tough to note this distinction. The variations really feel marginal to me. I didn’t encounter any manufacturing defects or failures, so I can totally advocate them. You should buy them right here or proceed studying for more information.
My C5 wheels scoring at a look:Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 4/5 | Driving Consolation 5/5 | Pace Upkeep 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 5/5 | Spoke Pressure 5/5 | Dishing 4/5 | Worth 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5More about this street wheels scoring.
Farsports C5 Most important Options
Here’s a fast abstract of the options and specs of the Farsports C5 wheels.
Most important Options
Glorious worth/weight ratio
UCI-approved
Comfy and secure in crosswinds
They really feel like they’ll’t preserve pace in addition to heavier wheels (primarily on flats)
They really feel nearly as stiff as carbon-spoked wheels
Tubeless tape isn’t included, however as a result of rim design, it’s not wanted
Tubeless valves are included
Primary wheel baggage are included
Spare spokes aren’t included
2-year guarantee
Technical Specification
Kind: Disc, clincher (tubeless-ready)
Weight:
Entrance Wheel: 602g
Rear Wheel: 726g
Measured weight: 1328g
Claimed weight: 1330g (±5%)
Measured rim width:
Inside: 24.2mm
Exterior: 30.4mm
Rim depth: 50mm
Spokes: Alpina Ultralite Metal Spokes
Hubs: Farsports hubs
Rider’s weight restrict: n/a
Farsports 2025 Wheels: What’s New?
In brief, Farsports improved its wheelset line-up by decreasing weight and worth. On paper, the specs are superb, beating principally most Chinese language and Western rivals for a fraction of the worth. The next desk supplies extra particulars, or you possibly can learn this text summarizing the Farsports 2025 wheels lineup.
Farsports WheelsSS EVOCC EVO
Rim depths35mm50mm58mm35mm50mm58mm35mm50mm58mm35mm50mm58mm
Weight1130g 1230g 1330g1090g 1190g 1290g1210g1330g1430g1150g 1270g 1370g
Exterior rim width28mm30mm30mm28mm30mm30mm28mm30mm30mm28mm30mm30mm
Inside rim width21mm24mm24mm21mm24mm24mm21mm24mm24mm21mm24mm24mm
SpokesCarbon5mm, bladedCarbon5mm, bladedSteelAlpina UltraliteSteelAlpina Ultralite
HubsRatchet System, Farsports In Home DesignRatchet System, Farsports In Home DesignCeramicspeed or metal bearingsRatchet System, Farsports In Home DesignRatchet System, Farsports In Home DesignCeramicspeed or metal bearings
Weight limit120 kg120 kg120 kg120 kg
Worth$1299$1699¹$1499²$1099$1599¹$1399²
BuyBUY S SeriesUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFFBUY S SeriesUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFFBUY C SeriesUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFFBUY C SeriesUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF
This desk compares the Farsports 2025 S and C Collection wheels.¹Ceramicspeed bearings²Steel bearings
As you possibly can see from the desk, the rim width follows as we speak’s normal. The query is whether or not they’re future-proof sufficient as a result of wheels like these from Reserve or ENVE are even wider to raised match 30mm and wider tires. I’ll discuss this a bit extra later on this assessment.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Not like the primary two Farsports wheel unboxings I’ve achieved (Farsports Ventoux S and Farsports Wave), the wheels got here in a black field this time. Black appears to be like extra premium. I might even guess who’s behind this determination, however I gained’t spoil it.
I used to be shocked that the wheels had been packaged in easy wheel baggage. This isn’t frequent. I’ll positively hold them, for instance, for transporting wheels by automotive. It makes certain the edges don’t get scratched. The bundle contains tubeless valves however no tubeless rim tape. That is as a result of design of the edges. They don’t have holes for spokes, so the tape isn’t wanted.
Straight out of the field, the wheels really feel gentle and well-made, and they’re accented with silver matte hubs and orange freehub dots.
In-Home Exams
As at all times with street bike carbon wheels, I concluded the next checks earlier than I began utilizing the wheels:
Lateral and Radial Trueness
I checked each wheels’ lateral and radial trueness on a truing stand. They turned out advantageous. Solely in a single place on the rear wheel, I noticed a deviation of lower than 0.5 mm.
Spoke Pressure
The spoke pressure was attacking perfection, particularly the rear wheel. On the entrance wheel, I encountered 3 spokes outdoors the 5% restrict from the typical, however they nonetheless simply met the ten% restrict. See the next charts for additional reference.
Rim Centering (Dishing)
The dishing (how well-centered the hub is) was most stunning, nevertheless. The rear wheel hub was not fairly effectively centered. The hole between the dishing pin and the hub finish cap is clearly seen within the picture and reaches nearly 1mm. This doesn’t have an effect on the using traits. I simply needed to show that even in Farsports, they aren’t excellent.
A Look Inside
Subsequent, I additionally used the endoscope to look inside the edges. They regarded clear and easy. I discovered no epoxy residue, wrinkles, or the rest. Once more, you possibly can see the detailed pictures beneath.
The Issue of Placing the Tire On
C5 wheels are tubeless-ready and don’t want tubeless rim tape. So, as at all times, I attempted to place on Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28mm tires—this time model new ones. I didn’t want tire levers for the rear wheel when placing them on the edges, however I wanted them for the entrance wheel. I can’t clarify this as a result of each wheels have the identical rim width and profile. Possibly a nasty tire tolerance?
Contemplating the 24-mm inside rim width, I anticipated points when seating them utilizing an everyday ground pump. And I used to be proper; I couldn’t seat them with it, and I had to make use of an air compressor. All the things went easily with it.
Driving Expertise
The primary time I rode a C5 was in Italy at Lake Como. The plan was for a couple of two-hour trip, which ended up stretching to over 4 hours. Our vainness failed us, and as an alternative of turning round on the finish of the asphalt part of the native hill, we continued on the gravel street up into the clouds.
I wasn’t alone. I went with a good friend from Belarus, who sadly didn’t have a restore equipment, so when he received a flat, I lent him my RideNow inside tube. “These are Tufo Comtura 4 TR tires. I can’t get a puncture!” I bragged to him as he fastened his puncture. After the restore, we determined it could be wiser to show round and return. Drunk with confidence in my tires, I pushed the descent and received a puncture 500m later. Nonetheless, I couldn’t repair it as I didn’t have extra spare tubes, so I started probably the most intense wheel take a look at I had ever undertaken.
I rode fastidiously on an empty rear wheel for about 10 km, about 4 km of which had been on gravel. The tire stayed on, so the edges didn’t contact the street. I risked damaging them, however I believed nothing would occur to them. And the end result? Other than a couple of scratches, no main injury or cracks. I feel that claims lots in regards to the sturdiness of those wheels.
By way of dealing with, they’re snug even on worse roads, particularly together with 28mm and wider tires. I used to be shocked, nevertheless, that the C5s are fairly stiff regardless of their light-weight and Alpina Ultralite metal spokes. In a blind take a look at, I might in all probability be unable to find out if I trip metal—or carbon-spoked wheels. That’s how marginal the variations really feel (a minimum of to me as I solely weight round 68 kg).
I “loved” greater than sufficient crosswinds throughout this fall. Nonetheless, these wheels are secure and behave predictably. The identical is true at larger speeds (60 km/h and extra).
What strikes me is the progress from the Farsports Ventoux S that I examined about 2 years in the past. These had been Farsports flagship wheels. Their design is about 3-4 years previous. C5s price about $700 much less however present equally good, possibly even higher using traits. The market has progressed extremely.
Nonetheless, I’m certain you’re concerned about comparability with the Elitewheels DRIVE wheels, which price equally and are considered one of my favourite wheels for climbers. So, what’s the decision? I nonetheless discover DRIVE a bit extra agile. I don’t know the way it’s doable they achieved such a low inertia, however the acceleration on them remains to be higher. I discover it most on steep climbs or at intersections.
We’re nonetheless speaking about marginal variations that you’ll discover when using the wheels aspect by aspect. The variations between Chinese language wheels are steadily blurring. Most established Chinese language manufacturers already produce first-class wheels, and the distinction is seen extra in buyer help and repair.
Actually, there’s not a lot to fault about these wheels—oh wait, I’ve a couple of. They only don’t really feel that they’ll preserve momentum in addition to different, heavier wheels. Once more, it’s only a feeling, and we’re speaking about marginal variations. This could be a drawback for those who reside in a rolling terrain, so the pace you acquire from the brief descent gained’t final as lengthy while you begin climbing once more.
One other factor is the outer rim width, which is 30.4mm. The development for street wheels in 2024 appears to be 30mm or extra. For instance, the Reserve or ENVE bikes utilized by Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE Workforce Emirates are even wider. Due to this fact, the query arises whether or not Farsports wheels are “future-proof” sufficient. In my view, sure, however in 2 years, I could say in any other case. We’ll see the place the market goes from right here.
It might even be good to see an aerodynamic comparability with different Western or Chinese language wheels, however I perceive it prices some huge cash. So, it’s higher to have a less expensive wheelset than to have these checks mirrored within the remaining worth. The variations are within the orders of magnitude of decrease watts anyway.
Farsports C5 Alternate options
Beneath are a couple of examples of Farsports C5 wheels alternate options:
Farsports S are lighter and have carbon spokes however are additionally costlier.
Elitewheels DRIVE are lighter, extra agile, and extra secure in crosswinds however slower on flats and have decrease high quality bearings. You’ll be able to study extra in my Elitewheels DRIVE assessment.
Lún HYPER 3 are a bit heavier and stiffer, however costlier. You’ll be able to study extra in my Lún HYPER 3 assessment.
Up-vine Professional+ are a bit heavier and costlier, however have carbon spokes, so they’re stiffer. They’re additionally a bit wider (particularly the entrance wheel). You’ll be able to study extra in my Up-Vine Professional+ assessment.
You can even try the wheels within the following desk, which reveals the person standards of all wheels I examined and my ranking.
Reviewed WheelsetAverageScoreCrosswind StabilityStiffness & ResponsivityRiding ComfortSpeed maintenanceTire On¹Lateral andRadial TruenessSpoke TensionRim CenteringPriceRim depthWeight (F | R | Pair)Rim Width (I | E) Notice Purchase
YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO4.343454555450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Verify Worth
Lún HYPER 50mm4.035355444350mm650g, 779g, 1429g19mm26mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too secure in crosswinds.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Elitewheels DRIVE 45mm Disc4.055343445345mm562g, 718g, 1280g21.4mm28.8mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too quick on flats.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF
Farsports Ventoux S4.055453444245mm637g, 755g, 1392g19.2mm25.5mmStiff, responsive, and premium wheels appropriate for many terrains.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF
YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO 20224.143444545450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts however with too loud hubs.Verify Worth
Trifox WT113.842545433450mm769g, 874g, 1643g18.4mm25.1mmAffordable and comfy, however not effectively assembled.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 8 % OFF
Farsports Wave4.253455543445/50mm736g, 880g, 1616g21.0mm28.7mmAffordable, easy-to-service, unique-looking wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB50 to get 50 USD OFF
Superteam All-Carbon Extremely 20234.644555555350mm633g, 769g, 1402g21.3mm28.7mmNot overly stiff, however responsive. Secure in crosswinds and perfect for many terrains, questionable reliability.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 5% OFF
Lún HYPER SE 20234.345355554346/54mm654g, 803g, 1457g21.3mm27.9mmBetter than HYPER 2020 in all points. I consider they supply higher worth for cash than HYPER 23.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Lún MEGA4.155255554146/54mm616g, 782g, 1398g20.8mm28.1mmThe stiffest wheels I examined. Ultimate for easy roads or racing, however they aren’t snug.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Elitewheels EDGE3.843433354550mm633g, 720g, 1353g21.2mm28.9mmComfortable, light-weight however comparatively mushy in comparison with carbon-spoked wheels.Verify Worth
Elitewheels ENT3.842443444550mm828g, 950g, 1778g20.0mm28.4mmHeavy and mushy however snug and good on flats and regular efforts.Verify Worth
Lún HYPER 34.155353555246/54mm598g, 766g, 1364g23.2mm28.6mmBetter crosswind stability and luxury than HYPER 2023, however a lot larger worth and no butterfly-weave end.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Up-Vine Professional+4.255452555250mm661g, 768g, 1429g23.5mm29.1mmGreat steadiness between stiffness, using consolation, and stability.Verify Worth
Farsports C54.254543554350mm602g, 726g, 1328g24.2mm30.4mmGreat steadiness between stiffness, using consolation, and stability.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF
My scoring of the Chinese language carbon street bike wheels with a be aware and different technical particulars.The dimensions for every characteristic is 1-5 factors, the place 5 is the perfect. The ranking might be retrospectively adjusted primarily based on the comparability with different wheelsets (extra about this scoring).SCROLL HORIZONTALLY FOR MORE INFO.¹How tough it’s to place a Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28mm tubeless tire on and correctly seat it.
My Verdict
For a very long time, nothing new appeared to occur within the carbon wheel market. We had been attending to a worth level of round $1500 for carbon-spoked wheels weighing round 1350g at 50mm deep. Nonetheless, Farsports have pushed the restrict a bit of additional. Their new lineup supplies unbelievable specs at a really reasonably priced worth.
The trip traits of the C5 wheels are nice and can go well with a variety of riders. They’re snug, secure in crosswinds, and nearly as stiff as carbon-spoked wheels. In a blind take a look at, I in all probability wouldn’t be capable of inform, however keep in mind, I solely weigh 68 kg, so I can’t push the wheels to their limits.
I see their disadvantages as not with the ability to preserve pace on flat and rolling terrain. However once more, we’re speaking about marginal variations. Additionally it is a pity that they aren’t a bit wider, which might make them extra future-proof. In spite of everything, we are able to count on that 30, possibly even 32mm, shall be thought of the usual tire width on street bikes in a yr or two. From that viewpoint, it’s maybe a missed alternative.
Anyway, I hope you discovered this assessment helpful. For those who resolve to buy, please use the low cost coupon and hyperlink beneath. It’s one of the simplest ways it can save you and help this web site. Thanks lots.
Farsports Wheels FAQ
The product for this assessment was kindly offered by the producer. This didn’t affect my total verdict or my opinion in regards to the product. You’ll be able to study extra about how I strategy opinions right here.
Browse Extra Chinese language Carbon Wheels Opinions
