Fulcrum

Racing 1 Clincher Wheelset

For most of us, owning a full quiver of hoops is simply beyond our means. So in our quest to compete, we search endlessly for a wheelset that strikes a balance between aerodynamics, lightness, durability, and affordability. Such wheels are not easy to find. Enter the Fulcrum Racing 1 Clincher Wheelset. Light enough for race day, yet durable enough to train on every other day, the Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels handle every task they're given with aplomb.

The Racing 1 uses all-aluminum hub shells (in contrast to the carbon and aluminum version on the Racing Zero), but they're lightweight nonetheless thanks to their use of aluminum axles. Smooth-running stainless steel hub bearings keep friction minimized, which nicely complements the Racing 1's aerodynamic advantages. You'll notice that there are no spoke holes drilled into the interior of the rim; Fulcrum uses their Mounting Magnet system to guide each spoke nipple into its slot. With no spoke holes, there's no need for rim tape, and the rim is also stiffer and has greater resistance to fatigue. On the outside, Fulcrum machines excess aluminum from the rims between each spoke to reduce any unnecessary weight; however, they intentionally left the area near the valve stem hole unmachined to counteract the mass of the opposing rim joint. Fulcrum calls this Dynamic Balancing and the result is a wheelset that rolls smoothly at any speed.

The front wheel has a 26mm-deep rim and 16 radially laced spokes. The rear wheel has a 30mm-deep rim and 21 spokes using Fulcrum's Two-to-One pattern. Under this configuration, the non-drive side has seven radial spokes and the drive side uses 14 tangentially laced spokes anchored to the oversized right side flange on the rear hub which ensures a greater transfer of your power input and a better balance of tension in the wheel for greater durability.

The Fulcrum Racing 1 Clincher Wheelset is prime for racing with its semi-aerodynamic profiled rims and bladed spokes, but it's also durable and strong enough for everyday riding and training. The Racing 1 includes two re-designed skewers that offer greater clamping force and more security. The freehub body is available in an alloy Campy version and a steel version for Shimano/SRAM cassettes. Both versions are 10- and 11-speed compatible.