Forge+Bond, previously part of CSS Composites, has rebranded as F+B Sports and is now manufacturing high-end pickleball paddles using their proprietary FusionFiber material, after CSS Composites ceased operations. The move ensures the continuation of FusionFiber technology, despite the company's shift from mountain biking components to pickleball equipment, with paddles priced at around $200.
CSS Composites, a manufacturer of high-end thermoplastic carbon rims for bike brands, went out of business unexpectedly, leaving warranties and supply chains in limbo. Remarkably, its Forge+Bond brand and IP have re-emerged less than a month later as F+B Sports, a pickleball paddle company using the same FusionFiber technology, operating from the same facilities, under the umbrella of Future Comp and the Christensen family's network of companies.
Chris King has launched a new carbon fibre road wheelset, the ARD44, built around the brand's R45D hubset. The wheelset uses a carbon fibre rim developed with Utah-based CCS composites and its FusionFiber technology, which allows them to manufacture rims that are superior to regular carbon fibre ones in terms of impact resistance and noise reduction, as well as being recyclable. The ARD44 wheelset is aimed at serious cyclists who desire all-out speed on flats, climbs and through corners, and has a 44mm deep rim laced onto Chris King R45D (disc) hubs, making for a claimed 1525g overall weight.
Chris King has launched the ARD44 all-road wheelset, featuring recyclable thermoplastic rims made from FusionFiber, a nylon-carbon composite material that is fully automated and results in zero waste. The carbon footprint of the rims is 30% lower than standard epoxy-based carbon rims, and the material is quieter, more impact-resistant, and fully recyclable. The wheelset is designed for both road and gravel use, with a hookless bead and a 25mm internal rim width. The ARD44 wheels turn on Chris King R45D hubs and come with a lifetime warranty.
Forge+Bond is a US-based carbon manufacturing company that aims to create sustainable products that stay out of landfills. They use a process called FusionFiber, which is 100% recyclable and made in the USA. Their wheelsets are made with NXS Design, a layup process that reduces weight while increasing strength and performance. The initial offering includes two wheelsets, the F+B 25 GR and the F+B 30 EM 29", both utilizing FusionFiber and NXS Design. The wheels are available online and will soon be at select dealers in the US and Canada.
