Fulcrum

Racing Zero Dark Clincher Wheelset

Flying under the radar, in terms of aesthetics, reliability, and overall versatility, is what Fulcrum's new Racing Zero Dark Clincher Wheelset is all about. The Zero has been a trusted companion for many a racer and cycling enthusiast over the years due to its low weight and smooth ride characteristics, and it continues this tradition with an updated rear hub flange and new stealth-black graphic treatment. The next chapter in the Racing Zero has arrived, and it's even better than before.

Starting with the hubs, Fulcrum revamped its oversized flange design at the rear, which results in a claimed 8% increase in torsional rigidity out back. The carbon hub shells synonymous with the Zeroes are back in full force, along with their smooth-running USB ceramic bearings to keep friction minimized. 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 Zero Dark Clincher Wheelset is perfect 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 Zero includes two re-designed skewers that offer greater clamping force and more security. The freehub body is available in Campy and Shimano/SRAM, and both are 10- and 11-speed compatible.