Fulcrum wheels get stiffer and lighter for 2014

Fulcrum’s Racing 5 and 7 wheelsets have been updated for 2014, with changes focused on weight reduction and improving stiffness, achieved with revised rim profiles and updated hubs.

The £239.99 Racing 5 wheelset now weighs a claimed 1,690g, a 115g saving over the previous wheelset. The £159.99 Racing 7 wheels, meanwhile, are now 1,894g, a 91g saving. Both weights are for Shimano/SRAM compatible freehubs.

Both wheelsets feature a new 27.5mm asymmetrical rear rim, combined with a new rear hub featuring taller flanges and straight pull spokes, changes which Fulcrum claim have improved the wheel stiffness. The redesigned hubs also have a single-piece body integrating the freewheel body and pawl carrier which saves some weight.

Aluminium spoke nipples further contribute towards the weight reduction, and both models now have 18 front spokes and 20 at the rear. Both wheels are available in a CX version, which feature double lip seals for greater bearing protection.

The new Racing Speed XLR 35 wheels are now available, which we covered when they launched back in June. They have a 35mm tubular rim made from carbon fibre that is essentially the same as Campagnolo’s Bora 35 wheels. All-up weight is just 1,230g.

Fulcrum wheels are available in the UK through www.i-ride.co.uk.