Developing a carbon fibre clincher rim that can withstand the forces of an inflated tyre and the effects of heat from braking was no mean feat for Campagnolo when it released the Hyperon Ultra wheel a couple of years ago. The Fulcrum Racing Light tested here is essentially the same wheel, so aside from the label on the side, what do you get compared to the cheaper (by £320) product from Campagnolo?
Both have a cassette lockring, angular contact bearing hubs, Sapim Lazer aero elliptical spokes with a single plain gauge spoke opposite the valve hole to equalise the balance, and both have special brake blocks. >
Both also have a two-year warranty. One crucial difference is that the Hyperons have weight-saving carbon hub shells. >
So what are they like to ride? They're adequately stiff, not flexing to rub against the brake blocks when climbing in a small gear, and they feel faster on climbs than Mavic Ksyriums. Although we didn't have them for long I know from other virtually identical samples that the design is reliable, and they remain true for the long term. >
Even though these Fulcrums come with dedicated carbon compatible brake blocks, aluminium rims provide more progressive braking control and better heat dissipation (from braking). So, even if the Fulcrums are discounted down to £1,099, the more affordable Mavic R-Sys wheelset (see C+200) that weighs within a whisker of this set, would still be my choice over these when looking for a top end clincher rim. >