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Fulcrum Racing 4...

Wondered if anybody new anything more about these? I've got a set on my Tarmac SL3 and am thinking of upgrading, but want to get a slightly clearer understanding of where I'm starting from (ideally without removing tyres, tubes, cassette etc. and weighing them!).
From simple observation, they appear to be very similar to Fulcrum Racing 3s, but with a higher spoke count (20 front / 24 rear); they have the same milled rims (no differentiated rim height though) and don't use the spokes to balance the wheel (Dynamic Balance?) like the 5s.
The hubs have appear to be aluminium (like the 3s) as opposed to plastic (5s) but do they use cartridge bearings or cup and cone?
What I'm trying to ascertain is, ideally, the weight of the wheels and the quality of the hubs....any help greatly appreciated  39

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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700c | 10 years ago
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I'm sure the FR4's would be good but note that lots of people on here are v happy with the FR3's and campag Zonda (same wheels just a different spoke pattern on rear). The spokes used (as well as spoke pattern and amount) may well be different which has a bearing on stiffness. Hubs on the FR3/ Zonda very smooth and trouble free, IME.

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badkneestom | 10 years ago
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I think your last line summed it up. If you're upgrading, you'd better be happy with the level you're going to

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badkneestom | 10 years ago
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I think your last line summed it up. If you're upgrading, you'd better be happy with the level you're going to

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badkneestom | 10 years ago
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If you're at four, go to threes. They're great so far for me.

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Al'76 replied to badkneestom | 10 years ago
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Hi badkneestom,
Glad to hear you're enjoying the threes. KiwiMike's post makes me wonder if I would notice a significant difference between the fours and the threes; granted there is the weight saving from the lower spoke count..but the weight that really matters is in the rim. Guess it's also worth considering the benefit of higher quality bearings, but the fours spin pretty smooth.
I'd be gutted to spend the cash and then wish that I'd spent a bit more to get a bigger performance increase  20
What d'ya reckon?

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KiwiMike | 10 years ago
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A friend has a set - they were made just for Specialized: http://specialized.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/516163-fulcrum-raci...

"The Fulcrum Racing 4 consists of the rim of the 3 and the spokes and hubs of the 5"

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Al'76 replied to KiwiMike | 10 years ago
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Thanks KiwiMike.

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