Fulcrum are launching a Racing Zero Nite aluminium clincher wheel which they say provides better braking than the existing Racing Zero.

The structure and design of the wheel is mostly the same as that of the Racing Zero but a completely new treatment process has been applied to the rim. It’s this new process, Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, that is said to improve braking performance.

“The Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation process both hardens the metal, increasing its resistance to wear, [and creates] a surface that improves braking performance in both wet and dry conditions,” say Fulcrum.

The Racing Zero Nite has been developed for use with Fulcrum carbon-specific red brake pads, so you can race with carbon wheels and train with aluminium without swapping the pads.

The front hub has also been modified and lightened slightly with a slimmer and smaller profile. As before, the front rim is 26mm deep while the rear one is 30mm.

Fulcrum say that the Fulcrum Racing Zero Nite will be available shortly with both Shimano and Campagnolo freehub bodies, although they don’t give an exact date. The original Racing Zero will remain available in 2015 at a more accessible price, although we don’t yet have that price, or the price of the Fulcrum Racing Zero Nite.