What do 3K,12K, and UD mean?
These are regular carbon fiber weaves. The terms 3K, 12K, and UD are commonly used in the bicycle and carbon fiber industries to describe the weave, appearance, and finish of carbon fiber materials.
  • "3K" means 3,000 filaments per fiber bundle.
  • "12K" means 12,000 filaments per fiber bundle.
  • UD (Unidirectional) means all carbon fibers are aligned in one direction, with no visible weave.
Weight
Woven carbon fiber patterns involve overlapping fibers, which is why they are typically slightly heavier than unidirectional (UD) carbon. That said, the difference is minimal — around 10 grams per rim — well within the industry-standard tolerance of ±15g. For most riders and applications, this difference is negligible.

Construction & Performance Characteristics
**3K Weave
The 3K carbon weave features a tight, web-like structure, much like a spider’s web. We often apply a 3K layer inside the rim channel to help balance the carbon-to-resin ratio and filter excess resin, leading to a more stable layup. The tiny gaps within the 3K structure also help minimize the risk of cosmetic surface defects. Additionally, the 3K layer offers added protection against spoke hole tear-out during the drilling process.
**12K Weave
The 12K carbon weave has the widest fiber pattern among our offerings. It results in a stiffer feel compared to 3K while being slightly more cost-effective to produce. Its broader weave contributes to a solid structure without significantly increasing weight, making it a popular choice for riders prioritizing strength and value.
**UD (Unidirectional) Fiber
UD carbon fibers are laid in a single direction, providing maximum tensile strength along that axis. By orienting fibers at specific angles across multiple layers, we achieve a well-balanced structure with enhanced torsional stiffness and impact resistance. The UD finish also offers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic favored by many modern cyclists.



Twill Carbon Fiber

Twill (e.g., 3K Twill,12K twill), a weave pattern where the carbon fibers cross over each other in a diagonal pattern (like& denim). offers a smoother and more flexible texture. Visually attractive, often used for aesthetic purposes.


Painted 12K



UD Marble Carbon Fiber

Carbon fibers are arranged in a way that creates a random, marbled visual texture. Gloss and semi-gloss look better than full matte.



UD Bow-knot Carbon Fiber




UD Satin Fiber

UD satin carbon fiber is made of short carbon fibers laid randomly. This kind of textured carbon fiber is more suitable for making a glossy finish.



Ice cracks Carbon Fiber

This is a spray paint process, not a carbon fiber texture.



Different Finish of UD Paintless

Paintless rim we just have UD finish. These kinds of rims are not painted, and the glossy ones are coated with resin and polished on the outside of the rims. According to the degree of polishing, it can be divided into glossy, semi-glossy, and matte.




Choose Your Finish. Define Your Style.
From bold, high-gloss options that turn heads to subtle, matte finishes for a stealthy look — we offer a range of surface treatments to match your brand and your build. Not sure which is right for you? Our team is here to help you make the perfect choice.