Fulcrum XLR Red Wind Dark Label
The wheels are all hand-built in the Fulcrum factory near Vicenza, Italy. Each wheel is laced and tensioned by a technician. Machines are used only to confirm that the each wheel is evenly tensioned for maximum strength. Each wheel is uniquely tagged with a scannable code and includes a build card signed by the wheelbuilder at the Fulcrum factory.
Build quality is just as, if not more important than the quality of the raw materials when ensuring maximum wheel life. Thus, it’s reassuring that Fulcrum invests so much time in the build process for wheels that cost well over £1,000 a set. Our experiences with their aluminium wheel sets in both road and cross racing, suggest these wheels will stay strong and true for quite some time.
Our wheelset also includes the Fulcrum CULT (Ceramic Ultimate Level Technology) bearings. These are Campagnolo’s ceramic bearing offering: They add a significant cost to the wheelset compared to the standard bearing set, but Fulcrum claims wheels equipped with these bearings will spin 9 times longer than the standard less-expensive standard cartridge system. Knowing Campagnolo’s reputation for incorporating amazing bearing surfaces into their products, we’re very interested in testing these ceramic offerings.
The XLRs were finished off with “dark” labels, a black and gray design. A more colourful “light” option in red and white is also available. We were a little surprised that the decals were applied over the top of the carbon clearcoat rather than underneath, but this does mean the stickers can be easily replaced if they are scratched or scuffed during travel. Another nice touch: Fulcrum includes a set of well-constructed red wheel bags to protect the wheels during travel.
We’ll be testing these wheels over the coming weeks, both out training and racing. Look for our full review soon.
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