Two-piece wheels offer a rewarding compromise between monoblock wheels and three-piece wheels. They provide the affordability of the monoblock wheels, while still offering the customizability of three-piece wheels. Brands like BBS Wheels, Rotiform, AG Forged, Brixton Forged, and HRE Forged come on top of mind.

Unlike the other wheel types, two-piece wheels are relatively easier to repair. They’re easier to fix than three-piece wheels because they have fewer parts; and they’re easier to repair than mono-block wheels because they can still be disassembled. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the two-piece options out there for the tuner scene.

Two-piece wheels under $4,000

Yes, $4,000 is expensive for a set of wheels. It’s a lot to pay for anything, really. But it’s a matter of getting what you pay for, and for these wheels, you really do get the best bang for your buck.

Rotiform

Rotiform is a brand that, since their founding in 2009, has steadily gained market value in the aftermarket scene. A decade after it first entered the market, it’s become a household name, at least in households with car enthusiasts.

The wheel has grown in popularity thanks to the company’s  partnership with Gymkhana legends Ken Block and Travis Pastrana: a partnership that continues to this day, with their lifestyle brand Hoonigan.

Rotiform’s reputation is built on quality and affordability. Well, we say affordable, but we mean that the wheel is relatively affordable. At $4,000, Rotiform is not for the faint of heart, or for those with a light wallet; but the craftsmanship, design, and strength of these wheels make them worth every single dollar.

Rotiform LGB Two-piece

Starts at $3,500 for a set of 4

The LGB is not a wheel I would call strictly retro, or strictly modern. It doesn’t have the angular, sharp-edge design that modern wheels have; nor does it resemble the bulky, heavy design of older wheels. It strikes a unique balance between the two, looking modern to some, and yet retro to others. 

Because of that balance, a wheel like this can be enjoyed by drivers of both older and newer cars. It complements the fluid, hand-shaped lines of older vehicles in the same way it accentuates the computer-designed figure of modern automobiles. It’s a universal design for two-piece wheels; and coming in at $3,500 for a set, it’s still affordable.

I say it’s affordable, but perhaps only in relation to the wheels we will introduce later in the article.

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Rotiform BM1 Two-piece

Starts at $3,500 for a set of 4

Whereas the LBM is a more universal wheel, this particular set of wheels is designed with one vehicle in mind – the BMW M1. The design of the BM1 wheels are nearly identical to the original BMW M1 wheels, a design which never really saw production in other BMW cars of the time. 

The BMW M1 is considered the holy grail of BMW M Cars, as it is the first wheel to bear that iconic M Badge. Among collectors, the M1 is the unicorn that most never get to touch. 

Obviously, not everyone owns a classic BMW, so it would stand to reason that the BM1 would be a rare sight; but, strangely, the opposite is actually true.

The BM1 is a very popular wheel. This is partially due to the reemergence of the ‘80s synthwave and vaporwave culture, and this wheel suits the aesthetic style of those movements.

The location of the slats on the wheel and its overall symmetry is consistent with a vaporwave and synthwave aesthetic. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise: The ‘80s never truly died, they just needed to take a rest.

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BBS Wheels

If Rotiform is the newcomer that’s taking the aftermarket scene by storm, BBS is the tried and true industry leader, having been around for 50 years.

In that time, BBS Wheels have carved out a place for themselves both on the track and on the streets. For years, BBS Wheels have been used in countless racing series - CanAm, IMSA, SCCA, and many others. The end result: BBS Wheels can be found on cars from just about any era and design, and in nearly every type of usage you can imagine.

For example, the BMW 5 Series has been sporting the BBS wheels since the beginning, from the old BBS Mesh wheels to the present-day G30 5 Series. BBS has become very popular with the JDM scene as well, finding their way onto cars like the RX-7 and RX-8.

Because of this long history, BBS Wheels have found a groove that works for everyone. Today there is a BBS style that suits the tastes of nearly every car owner, regardless of the make, model, or year of their car.

BBS LM Two-piece

Starts at $3,500 for a set of 4

The BBS LM is a mesh-inspired design by BBS that evokes the vintage BBS Mesh wheels commonly found on old, modified Porsche 911s and BMWs. These cars are actually inspired by the BBS wheels used by Le Mans racers from the ‘70s, as they were designed to provide as much strength as possible with as little material as possible. 

Given today’s manufacturing techniques, however, BBS can provide the same level of strength with even less material. Yet the LM still mimics that early design, if only for aesthetic purposes.

BBS LM has found a place in just about every corner of the car enthusiast market. From the budget-conscious to the top of the heap, the LM fits just as well aesthetically on a BMW M3 as it does on a Nissan 370Z.

Although there are some affordable outliers in this market segment, the majority of the two-piece wheels available are quite expensive. These wheels are designed to suit a particular purpose; therefore, they are more valuable.

Many consider these wheels to be too expensive; but others consider this purchase an investment. Car enthusiasts who appreciate the exquisite quality and strength of these wheels realize that it’s the only reasonable choice.

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Two-piece wheels over $4,000

Now the reader may see why I referred to this $4,000 wheel as “affordable.” Although brands like Rotiform and BBS may seem expensive to some, they’re bargains compared to the rest of the brands on this list.

Those who purchase these wheels are not the kind of car enthusiasts who focus on cost; they are focused on quality, and buy the best possible wheel for their car. These buyers want a stylish, sturdy wheel that will set their car apart from the rest.

Avant Garde Forged

With over 40 years of experience in the wheel manufacturing sector, Avant Garde Wheels present an aftermarket wheel that is on par with more established brands in terms of quality and design. The artists who crafted these wheels focused on getting every detail right.

AG Forged F140 2P

Starts at $5,200 for a set of 4

The AG Forged F140 2P is a mesh-like design inspired by racing mesh wheels of old, bringing the retro to the forefront with loud colors that reflect the taste of a new generation of enthusiasts. Even when the loudest color for wheels was gold, AG Wheels offered an assortment of colors and tints, from the conservative black and silver to bright neon colors like purple and green.

Like the BBS LM, and essentially every other mesh-inspired design on the market, the F140 pays homage to the old designs which were engineered to be as strong and as light as possible. The engineers achieved this combination of strength and lightness by using spokes and support to form the “mesh” design.

Thanks to new manufacturing techniques and more refined materials, the design is more form than function today. Still, the design of the F140 does not disappoint.

The retro-racer look of the F140 appeals to those who remember old race cars taking the Mulsanne Corner at Circuit de la Sarthe. Because they only pay homage to the olden days of Le Mans racing, it may not please those who missed this part of racing history. Yet, with all the color options available, most car enthusiasts will find a F140 wheel that matches their favorite color, and more importantly, one that suits the build of their car.

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Brixton Forged

As one of the newest companies to hit the streets, Brixton Forged has been making stylish wheels since 2013 for the aftermarket scene. In that short time, they’ve been able to get a strong foothold in the market, proving that their newcomer status isn’t a disadvantage to them.

With out-of-this-world designs and technology backing their products, Brixton Forged offers wheels that give customers real bang for their buck, even if it takes a few extra bucks to get that bang.

Brixton Forged PF9

Starts at $8,500 for a set of 4

The PF9 from Brixton Wheels is the type of wheel you might see at the Gumball Rally. It’s definitely eye-catching. If getting people’s attention is your goal as you pull up outside the VIP Club, these wheels should definitely be on your list.

The split, 5-spoke design of the PF9 is Brixton’s play on the aesthetically pleasing 5-spoke wheel. The 5-spoke design is nothing new; but Brixton has created a unique design.

The extreme offset of the wheel itself lends itself to the deep-dish look that enthusiasts go absolutely gaga over; and their color selections also accentuate the individuality of each set of wheels they make.

Yes, they’re expensive, but Brixton believes you can’t put a price on quality and style; and while many will not agree with that, there will always be some who do, and those are the customers who will see the PF9 and think, “Where have these been all my life?”

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HRE

Finally, we get to arguably one of the most well-known brands of wheels in the aftermarket.

Since its inception in 1978, HRE Wheels has ruled the aftermarket scene. It has also been a OEM supplier for many supercar manufacturers. From the mind-blowing Saleen S7, the record-shattering SSC Ultimate Aero, or even the woefully unreliable Vector W8, HRE wheels are the go-to wheel choice for high performance, all-American automobiles.

The connection between San Diego-based HRE Wheels and high-performance, American muscle cars runs deep. 

HRE isn’t just designing new wheels, they are also reintroducing popular old designs. For this reason, they reach a wide audience. Today it’s impossible to go to a meet, or a track day, and not see at least one set of HRE wheels.

While their catalog is full of all the things you want, if we had to choose one, it would be this one.

HRE Forged 305 FMR

Starts at $8,700 for a set of 4

As Brixton puts their own spin on the 5-spoke design, HRE has decided to not fix what isn’t broken.  

The 305 FMR is the quintessential 5-spoke wheel. The timeless shape of the 305 fits well with any and all brands and models, from the humble Japanese sports car to the German high-performance supercar. And don’t think that this design only works on new cars, because the 305’s proportions can also be used with cars of an older generation.

Yes, it’s the most expensive set of wheels in our lineup. Is it worth it? We can’t answer that for you. What we can tell you is that it’s worth every dollar, like every other choice we’ve put before you.

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Buying Two-Piece Wheels

When it comes to furniture, there’s one name that is instantly recognizable: IKEA.

IKEA has been a cornerstone of the furniture industry for a very long time. They remain on top because they specialize in multi-purpose furniture items, which are essential to minimalist design: a table isn’t just a table, it has to also be a workbench, a computer desk, or a food preparation surface. It’s a combination of four different types of tables, all rolled into one. This is what makes IKEA furniture a go-to product for young adults looking to start fresh.

If you’re wondering what any of this has to do with wheels, well, just like IKEA furniture, two-piece wheels bring together the best aspects of the aftermarket scene, and neatly package it for anyone to afford. Most people only go for mono-block wheels or three-piece wheels, sometimes forgetting that the two-piece construction is a viable option.

However, there are a few disadvantages to buying two-piece wheels: first, two-piece wheels are harder to find, and therefore can cost more than mono-block wheels. Second, they are heavier than mono-block wheels (which are still the gold standard).

Buying two-piece wheels should be a decision people make after exploring all their options. Two-piece wheels are by no means the only — or the cheapest — choice. But those who do buy these beauties find themselves part of an elite group of enthusiasts who recognize their own, even in a crowd.