Fulcrum

The Fulcrum range spans from the top of the range to the most affordable: Racing Zero (USB ceramic bearings, machined rim, 1,490 g), Racing 3 (CNC finish, 1,570 g), Racing 5 (24 mm asymmetrical profile, 1,660 g) and Racing 6 (entry-level versatility, 1,760 g). The Racing Zero is the benchmark of the aluminium range with its Two-to-One construction (21 rear spokes in a 7+14 pattern) and ultra-smooth ceramic bearings. The Racing 3 stands out for its CNC finish, stiffness and value for money. The Racing 5 and 6 are designed for versatile training. All recent versions come as standard with 2-Way Fit (inner tube or tubeless).

Yes, quietness is one of the most universally praised features of the Fulcrum Racing Zero DB in customer reviews. Customers who have fitted them after standard wheels or Mavic Aksium wheels confirm the total absence of unwanted noise when standing up on the pedals and during accelerations. The Cult ceramic bearings (on the Competizione version) are extremely smooth, according to several reviews. The only recurring downside: the stickers on the rim sides are easily damaged when fitting tyres. The Racing Zero Disc wheels are appreciated for their lightness (1,590 g), stiffness and responsiveness on climbs.

The Fulcrum Racing 5 DB and Racing 6 DB wheels use the Centerlock standard for disc mounting. According to Matériel Vélo’s customer service, there is no Centerlock-to-6-bolt adapter: if you have 6-bolt discs, you must purchase Centerlock-compatible discs. These wheels use the HH12 thru-axle standard (12x100 mm at the front, 12x142 mm at the rear). They are compatible with Shimano HG11, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W cassettes, depending on the freehub body chosen.

No, the latest Fulcrum Racing 3 C17 wheels use MOMAG technology, which produces a smooth rim base with no visible spoke heads, making the installation of additional rim tape unnecessary.This information was confirmed by Matériel Vélo’s customer service team to a customer who was unsure whether a rim tape was required (having previously used Mavic wheels). The 2-Way Fit technology on recent wheels allows for direct tubeless-ready fitting. A dedicated tubeless rim tape may nevertheless be recommended to optimise the seal during the first few inflations.

No, Fulcrum road wheels (Racing Zero, Racing 3, 5, 6) are in 700c format (equivalent to 29 inches), which is the universal standard for adult road bikes. A customer’s query asking whether the Racing 3 C17 are 28-inch wheels was answered by Customer Services: the wheels are indeed 700c (diameter 622 mm according to the ETRTO standard). The recommended tyre widths range from 25 to 38 mm (Racing 3) or 28 to 62 mm (Racing 5, 6, 7 DB) depending on the model. The internal rim width of 17 to 20 mm, depending on the model, determines the minimum recommended tyre width.

Yes, all Fulcrum freehub bodies are replaceable and available in Shimano/SRAM, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo N3W versions. To order the correct freehub body, please contact Matériel Vélo customer service on 04.74.694.694 with the exact reference number of your wheel. The procedure requires the appropriate tools. Recent Fulcrum wheels such as the Racing Zero DB or Racing 5 DB come with a Shimano/SRAM body as standard, compatible with Shimano HG or SRAM 10-11-speed and 12-speed cassettes. For Campagnolo or SRAM XDR cassettes, changing the body is essential.

Yes, the Fulcrum Racing Zero is designed for cyclists of standard to heavy weight. Fulcrum does not specify an official weight limit for this range in the available product specifications. Heavier riders use them successfully in cyclosportives. However, regarding tyres, a rider weighing 89 kg (e.g. a customer enquiring about the Zonda) will need to adjust the tyre pressure (6.5 to 8 bar for 700x28) and opt for 28 mm or wider tyres for comfort and to protect the rims. The Campagnolo Zonda models (part of the same group as Fulcrum) are also recommended for this profile.

Fulcrum is a brand owned by the Campagnolo Group, founded in 2004 as a brand dedicated to road bike wheels. Unlike Campagnolo, which is part of a long-standing tradition of high-quality components, Fulcrum was created to offer a more accessible range of wheels focused on pure performance, particularly in competition. The two brands share common technologies (freewheel body systems, hub standards) but the designs and ranges are distinct. This affiliation with the Campagnolo Group guarantees Italian manufacturing quality and a well-structured after-sales service.

Yes, customers who have made this switch confirm that the Fulcrum Racing 5 DB represent a significant upgrade over the Mavic Aksium Elite UST Disc, offering greater lightness and responsiveness. The switch from the Aksium Elite to the Racing 5 or Zero is unanimously praised in reviews. The Racing Zero DB (1,590 g, ceramic bearings) offer an even more pronounced difference in terms of smoothness and quietness. The Mavic Aksium Elite UST Disc remain excellent training wheels, but the Fulcrum Racing Zero or Racing 3 represent a real step up for high-quality rides and competition.