First Look: Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Disc Brake Wheelset

A new set of carbon hoops have just rolled into the RBA office, and may we say first impressions leave us anxious to mount some tires. The Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon DB C19 has a 30mm deep profile, 26.5mm external width, and a 19mm internal width. Our test set hit the scales at 1488g with tubeless valves and lockrings for the rotors.

They feature 21 aluminum spokes in the front and rear in a two to one pattern. For the front you get 14 spokes on the rotor side while the rear has the 14 spokes on the drive side. Each spoke hole in the rim has an additional carbon reinforcement on the exterior that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing too.

The front hub has a carbon and aluminum shell and can be fitted for 12X100mm or 15X100mm thru axles as well as QR.

The carbon rims are tubeless ready with no spoke holes on the rim bed. The only hole is for the valve, and this is also where a nipple can be fed through if a replacement is needed. The rims are compatible with clincher and tube type tires. With an internal width of 19mm, they would pair well with 25mm to 45mm tires, making this a very versatile wheelset.

The rear hub is all aluminum and both front and rear use USB ceramic bearings with cup and cone design. Both front and rear also use the center lock rotor style. The rear will fit QR, 12X142 and 12X135 with a choice of HG11, Campy or XDr freewheel.

Overall we hope these wheels will perform as well as they look and feel. The handbuilt quality is evident and mate perfectly to the evolving and expanding road market. The cup and cone bearing design is a big plus for many but can mean more attention is needed to preserve the proper bearing tension. These wheels will most likely hold up to gravel abuse as well as deliver stiff and responsive characteristics on the smooth tarmac. For the full review make sure you subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.

Stats

Price: $2529
Wheel Weight:

• Front 683g
• Rear 805g
• Total 1488g

Rider weight limit: 240lb
www.fulcrumwheels.com