Parcours Launches New FKT Gravel Wheelset

Parcours has launched its latest wheelset dubbed the FKT (Fastest Known Time), claiming to be the first “aero-optimized” set of hoops aimed specifically for gravel riding. 

Like the boutique brand’s other wheelsets, the FKT features a matte carbon finish with a mix of raised and black accents that include the Parcours and FKT logos, along with a new Frontier Workshop graphic located on the valve end that signifies its off-road use. 

Aside from aesthetics, the FKT comprises a 47mm deep tubeless, hookless rim with an internal width of 27mm that’s designed around a 40mm gravel tire, specifically Panaracer’s Gravel King X1.

Why the Panaracer?

According to Parcours, when wind tunnel tested with Schwalbe G-One RS Evo Race, WTB Riddler and Pirelli Cinturato RC X tires, there was an increase in drag when compared to the GravelKing X1, resulting in 10.0 watts, 14.1 watts and 15.3 watts respectively at 48km/h.

However, while the FKT is optimized for 40mm tires, Parcours points out, that riders can opt for tires ranging from 35mm to 45mm without much of an aero penalty.

Elsewhere, the FKT is fitted with hubs from Parcours’ road variants, featuring a 6-pawl freehub running on a 44T ratchet ring.

More specs: 

• The FKT’s rim design uses a hybrid truncated virtual foil to simulate airflow conditions around a much deeper NACA-based airfoil.
• Unlike Parcours #thinkwider road rims, the FKT wheelset uses a symmetrical front/rear rim design as our real-world wind data collection process showed a significantly reduced difference in yaw conditions for gravel racing environments and speeds.
• The FKT has a hookless rim with a 27mm internal width and so is ETRTO compliant from a 35mm tire width upwards.
• FKT utilizes the same IMPACT+ technology as seen in existing Parcours Alta rims, with a more flexible resin used at the rim edge – increasing durability and impact resistance meaning racers can be confident, whatever the terrain.

All in, Parcours claims the FKT hovers around 1500 grams, an impressive feat for any tubeless wheelset, let alone one that’s aimed squarely at gravel duties. 

The FKT wheelset is priced at $1,599, which can be order direclty from Parcours with deliver times scheduled for August.