Technique

On test: Fulcrum Racing 1 2010

Details

Parent Category: Technique

Category: Fulcrum

Published on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 07:22

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Continue to be great wheels, sliding, rigid and light

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New Fulcrum Racing 1 occur in 2010 completely renovated. Are now available in two versions, one only for clincher and one for tubeless and clincher. Weight quick release

The clincher version has been completely redesigned. The rim is made with a new production process that has enabled a reduction in weight without reducing rigidity, to the benefit of the reduction of peripheral masses, which are important for improving the responsiveness of the wheel. The wheels are also different in the profile between front and rear: 26 mm in height for the first and 30 mm for the second, to improve the aerodynamics on the front wheel and the stiffness of the back. Both rims, then, have the characteristic toroidal milling Fulcrum between anchor points of the spokes. The gorges of the rims are no holes, which translates into greater torsional rigidity and greater vertical elasticity. The braking track is corrected, for greater modulation of braking. Also new are the hubs, also in aluminum, but lightened and redesigned the new rays to head straight. The bearings are designed and made by Fulcrum, and are characterized by having most of the normal industrial bearings, to achieve greater fluency. The spokes are new, still in aluminum, but with the middle section of 2.6 mm. Compared to the previous versions have a smaller surface, there are 16 spokes for the front wheel arranged radially and 21 for the rear wheel distributed according to the traditional 2:1 Fulcrum, by doubling the spokes, crossed on the cassette side and arranged radially opposite. Aluminum nipples are also, again to reduce the weight of the wheel. The wheels finally undergo a dynamic balance, which makes them stable at high speeds. Again, then, also captures more light. New Fulcrum Racing 1 are available for Campagnolo, Shimano and Sram in all black and aluminum. Fulcrum says a weight of 635 grams for the front wheel and 850 grams for the rear wheel. With Shimano freewheel we found these weights: 640 grams front wheel, front quick release  54 grams, 860 grams rear wheel, rear quick release 62 grams.

Road test

New Fulcrum Racing 1 2010 will immediately recognize from the previous version, if not for the colour, for the new rays, much more flat than the previous version. The two versions are united by the same constructive care, with a nice and precise assembly. Progress has been made even in blocks now aesthetics lighter (even in actual weight) and by the excellent functionality. The new colour schemes, black and aluminum, is elegant, but mostly disappeared over the porosity of aluminum of the old model, now is the circles that the rays have a smoother surface, more beautiful to behold, it gets dirty and is less synonymous with greater care constructive. Actual weight of the wheels is not far from the states and is competitive for the market segment that turns the wheel. Also excellent relief of quick release, which still remain heavier than other competitors (though a few grams). Assembly, both of the wheels of the tires does not create any problems and you can immediately start. Moving contains the characteristic of the "old Racing 1", but with some differences, both positive for the new model. The smoothness of the new wheel is without a doubt been further increased, as is the lateral stiffness. This, coupled with weight reduction, leading to improved performance, the wheels respond more readily, and even uphill. The new profile of the rims, there appears to have negatively affected the speed of turning into the corners, which is good, as the hips adjusted to deliver a flexible and safe braking. Then improved the sensitivity to side wind, thanks to new beams, finer, which are less affected by wind, improving the results in presence of strong crosswind. Where have not improved and comfort is on rigidity, these wheels are still very strict, a well for the performance, then you feel good all the roughness of the terrain, so it is best to supplement these with a pair of high-end tire, a carcass in cotton. A pair of wheels that substantially improves all parts of the old model and constitutes a valid trend, now more competitive with rivals. The list price of around 916 Euros, a bit high, but the network are already far more advantageous tenders (about 600 Euro) wearing the value for money on good values.

Positive aspects

Build quality

Weight

Stiffness

Smoothness

Braking

Negative aspects

Declared weight greater than the real

To learn more:

 Fulcrum
Website: www.fulcrumwheels.com