Fulcrum

Racing Zero Carbon Wheelset - Clincher

The Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon Clincher Wheelset builds on the stiffness and general efficiency of the original aluminum-rimmed Zero with an upgrade to carbon fiber for improved responsiveness and speed off the line. Utilizing a technology Fulcrum dubs Momag, the Zero Carbon rims feature a uniform upper bridge surface free from holes. This is achieved through a process that sounds maddeningly finicky to us: guiding spoke nipples into place from the valve hole via magnets. It does eliminate the need for the additional holes found in most rims, though, so the tire beds are solid and don't require rim tape or strips. The unbroken surface also increases the rim's durability and stiffness for an enduringly confident ride.

To address the issue of braking confidence on carbon rims in varying weather, Fulcrum utilizes its 3Diamant braking surface treatment to provide powerful stopping in both wet and dry conditions when paired with Fulcrum's carbon-specific brake pads. By shaving away imperfections and resin in the braking surface with diamond-tipped tooling, Fulcrum creates a braking surface that allows the brake pads to fully and directly contact the carbon for enhanced braking across ever-changing conditions.

Fulcrum builds the Zero Carbon with 30mm carbon fiber rims — just deep enough to garner some aerodynamic advantage and just shallow enough to snap up to speed and tackle climbs with ease. The rims incorporate Dynamic Balance technology, which is a closely guarded method of tweaking the carbon lay-up opposite the stem valve hole to balance the rim's rotational weight.

At the center, Fulcrum laces the Zero Carbon rims to its aluminum hubset with silky smooth ceramic bearings. These hubs boast oversized aluminum flanges that better angle the spokes to improve strength and rigidity for a snappy, responsive ride. A two-to-one spoke lacing pattern on the rear wheel utilizes seven spokes on the left side and 14 on the right to create an exceptionally strong wheel that resists flex when under the load of hard gear changes or powerful accelerations. As an added bonus, external spoke nipples at the rim make for easy service and maintenance.