Forge + Bond 30 EM Fusion Fiber Wheels Review - Striking a Balance [Employee Review]

Words by Jared Erickson / Photos by Liam Woods

Introduction

Carbon wheels continue to remain somewhat polarizing among riders, since their pricing is usually prohibitive and they can often cost as much as an entire entry level bike themselves. With that said, some brands have more to offer than others when it comes to their features and value propositions. Enter the Forge & Bond Fusion Fiber wheels. With a lifetime crash replacement warranty and a unique design and construction, the F+B 30 EM wheelset promises serious performance with a sustainable twist. Let's dive into the details and see if they're all they're cracked up to be.

First off, one of the standout features of these wheels is their design. Specifically engineered to handle the rigors of enduro racing and aggressive trail riding, the wheels are stiff in all the right places yet not so much so that they rattle your teeth out. With an outer rim width of 38mm and an inner width of 30mm, these wheels strike a balance between stability and traction, that have a wide rim lip to prevent pinch flats. The 22mm rim depth further enhances their robustness and impact resistance while still having ride compliance. The unique carbon fiber layup further contributes to the durability and performance of these wheels, embodying the adage, 'more where you need it, less where you don't.

One thing that many people will appreciate is the fact that these wheels are almost entirely made in the USA - the hubs come from Industry Nine in Asheville, NC and the rims are made in F+B's own facility in Utah. Additionally, the innovative use of FUSIONFIBER—a long-chain polymer-based thermoplastic that does away with the toxic epoxies and resins typically found in carbon fiber—makes the F+B 30 EM wheelset a refreshing, sustainable option in the sea of traditional carbon wheels. Not only does this material and process reduce weight while increasing strength and performance, but it also comes with the added benefit of being fully recyclable—a testament to Forge and Bond's commitment to sustainability. 

Ride Impressions

Having put the Forge and Bond Fusion Fiber Wheels to the test on some grueling trails and all day sufferfests, I can confidently say that they've designed some great wheels in more ways than one. It may sound cliche at this point, but in my experience, the F+B 30 EM wheelset delivers an optimal balance of stiffness and compliance that I noticed right away. They remain responsive and provide great feedback when pushing into turns all while damping trail chatter and braking bumps. The equipped Industry Nine Hydra hub provided exceptional engagement as always and was a great complement to the F+B rims. As a whole, the wheels are also very aesthetically pleasing on the bike and the unique rim design is sure to grab some attention on the trail.

While my experience aboard the Forge and Bond wheels was mostly uneventful in a good way, I unfortunately did manage to crack a rear rim while riding a trail in Squamish, BC. Fortunately, the tire didn't even lose any air and the wheel held up for the rest of the day, instead of leaving me stranded trailside. Forge and Bond was extremely quick to warranty the rim and it was swiftly replaced, getting me back on the trail in no time. Kudos to their team for backing up their no BS crash replacement promise.

Conclusion

The Forge and Bond F+B 30 EM Wheels provide a well-thought-out, environmentally friendly, and performance oriented solution to aggressive trail and enduro riding. Whether it's their impressive damping and compliance, their unique carbon fiber layup, or their innovative use of Fusion Fiber, these wheels have proven to be a contender in the world of high end mountain bike wheels.