Fulcrum has teamed up with Polartec to launch a waterproof wheel bag for its Sharq aero carbon gravel/all-road wheels, producing a Sharq Polartec Edition with special graphics to mark the collaboration.
The Polartec Power Shield Pro wheel bag, made from fabric usually reserved for high-tech waterproof clothing, is aimed at riders who want to keep their Fulcrum Sharq wheels in pristine condition – at least until they hit the trails.
The wheel bag is made from Biolon nylon with PFAS-free DWR waterproofing and a ‘monolithic membrane’ – no, we don’t know what one of those is either, but according to the dictionary, it’s made from a single large block of stone, which doesn’t sound right. It’s claimed to be breathable and weatherproof, however.
- Read more: Fulcrum Sharq wheelset review
A bold fashion accessory
The brands say the new wheel bag is "engineered to protect the wheel rim and spoke while not in use". They reckon the wheel bag "cleverly becomes a bold fashion accessory" too, while "reflecting the companies' commitment to sustainability and long-term resilience".
To reinforce the message that your wheels aren’t run-of-the-mill alloy, there’s a matching Polartec cycling cap thrown in with your wheel bag purchase.
Made from the same Power Shield Pro fabric, it’s said to be both breathable and quick-drying, so you’re protected from sun and rain on your gravel rides.
Aside from the über-engineered wheel bag and the special graphics, you’re getting the Sharq wheels’ asymmetric wavy rims with 25mm internal width.
Fulcrum says these are aero optimised for 30mm to 42mm tyres, with the Fulcrum 2-Way Fit non-drilled rim bed and a claimed weight of 1,440g. They’re laced to hubs with Fulcrum’s USB ceramic bearings.
With the Polartec x Fulcrum Sharq wheels carrying a £2,289 / $2,807 / €2,460 list price (the same as the standard Sharq wheels), including the limited-edition Polartec bag and cap, we’d guess there’s some incentive to keep them out of harm’s way.
So is this the strangest cycling collab of 2025? Possibly. But that honour may still belong to Castelli and SpongeBob SquarePants.
