There doesn’t seem to be any debate to the merit of tubulars on the pro tour. They’re lighter and offer a better ride but the pros also have pro mechanics. For most of us, that isn’t the case. That’s the argument Fulcrum is making for the launch of their newest clincher, the Speed 40. The wheel includes much of the tech found in the tubular version of the wheel, but in a clincher version for the every day rider. According to Fulcrum this is every bit of a high end wheel, just with tires that are a little easier to mount…
A big part of what makes this wheel possible is what Fulcrum refers to as their MoMag construction. The process of laying up and molding the carbon fiber into the final rim shape results in a wheel that comes out of the mold without any need for drilling out spoke holes and with a solid tire bed. Fulcrum says that drilling into the carbon to create spoke holes after the fact would weaken the structure and their MoMag tech results in a stronger rim. The rim construction also includes their 3Diamant braking surface for improved wed ant dry braking and a 3k carbon finish. The rims are not certified tubeless compatible, but with a sealed rim bed we wouldn’t be surprised to see people try to make a conversion work.
Measuring 40mm tall and 24.2mm ext/17mm int., the rim is laced to a smaller 28mm carbon front hub that is lighter and more aero, with an aluminum rear hub both with USB cup and cone bearings. Spoke lacing is radial for the front and their Two to One 7/14 spoke pattern for the rear with spokes threading into DRSC nipples which supposedly spread the stress of the spoke over a wider area. Weights are a claimed 621g F/799g R for a total 1420g weight. Wheels will be available in either black or red, and pricing is TBA.
The new Speed 40C wheels are now available in mid October 2016, and will retail for 1922€.
