Fulcrum Speed ​​25, the return of the low-profile wheel

After the years of high wheels at all costs, we are witnessing the return of medium and low profiles. The will of further lowering the weight on bikes with disc brakes and the search for maximum responsiveness even for the lightest riders, are factors to consider and that precisely with the rlow profile wheels find positive feedback. There is also a strong connection with the range MTB and gravelLet's go into the details of the new Fulcrum Speed ​​25.

Fulcrum and low wheels

Remaining in the category of carbon wheels low circle, the call of the Racing Light It's strong. In a certain sense, the Speed ​​25 is the new generation of those wheels so loved by climbers (and not only). The Fulcrum Speed ​​25 is native for disc brakes, has a height of 26 millimeters with the two wheels differentiated in the shape of the rim.. The front one is symmetrical, the back one is asymmetricalThe first has the task of being as aerodynamic as possible, the second of supporting the forces of thrust, traction and acceleration. The inner channel of the rim is 21 millimeters wide, for a total width of 27,3. The declared weight is 1.285 grams per pair for a list price of less than 2.200 euros (2.186 with Shimano body, 2.195 with Sram XDR and 2.191 euros with Campagnolo N3W).

2Way-Fit tubeless rim

The Speed ​​25 have a full carbon rim with tubeless tire compatibility and adopts the 2Way-Fit technologyThe circle is built thanks to the UD carbon fiber and has a DIMF matte finish without paintingThis allows it to be long-lasting in all its parts and has a positive effect on the life of the product. Furthermore, it also adopts the C-Lux solution, accomplice in the ease of tire engagement and some sort of additional rim protection.

24 spokes front and rear

The spokes are made of steel, they have a flat profile and are double-thick and are inserted into the rim via the external nipples. There are no internal holes and the rim does not need tubeless tape. Still on the subject of the circle, adopt the concept MoMag, which thanks to a magnet, allows you to remove the internal bushing (from the valve hole) that blocks the nipples, in case of maintenance. Returning to the rays: for the On the front wheel, they are crossed on the disc side, and radial on the opposite side. On the rear wheel, they are crossed on both sides.

The hubs are made of aluminum

They are completely in alloy and they have the CenterLock headquarters for the discs. The internal mechanism has 36 teeth, with a'10° inclination, developed for maximum speed of engagement. The spheres are the USB Ceramic (sphere/cone/cup system) and the preload is adjustable, in pure style Fulcrum. The body is compatible with Sram XDR, Shimano and also Campagnolo H3W.

Impressions and considerations

We have used them during the BCA days, already in March. The first thing that strikes you is the responsiveness, uphill, but also on flat and hilly routesThe ease of relaunching this wheelset is surprising, as is its smoothness and fluidity. And then the driveability and the ability to change direction without forcing, aspects that we forget (not infrequently) in favor of aesthetics.

The Fulcrum Speed ​​25 does not dress the bicycle like a high profile wheel, but from a performance point of view, on technical routes, with lots of uphill and downhill sections, they can make the difference, even with regards to long-term comfort. When you push the bike forward in a peremptory manner, The wheels are perfectly balanced, with exemplary traction. This aspect also emerges when climbing, when the relaunches occur at slower speeds. The Fulcrum Speed ​​25 also fits 28" tires.

Fulcrum