Fulcrum have a new range of road wheels for 2012 called Red Wind, made from a combination of carbon fibre and aluminium – and we’ve got hold of one of the first sets for testing.
The outer part of the rim, including the braking surface and rim bed, is aluminium, along with the hub. But the deep-section wall of the rim is carbon. Fulcrum say the combination creates an extremely stiff, durable and responsive wheel. Braking should be significantly improved over all-carbon rims.
The model shown here is the Red Wind 50 clincher, with a 50mm-deep rim. 80mm versions are also available, along with a top-end Red Wind XLR set, with a choice of 50, 80 or 105mm rim depths. The XLR is available in standard clincher and 2-Way Fit (tubeless) versions, with a choice of steel or ceramic bearings.
Our Red Wind 50s weigh 1,860g a pair, without skewers – 100g heavier than Fulcrum's 1,755g claimed weight. The 80mm version is said to weigh 1,950g, while claimed weights for the XLR models are 1,590g (50mm), 1,790g (80mm) and 1,998g (105mm).
All models are compatible with Shimano and Campagnolo cassettes. Prices and availability to be confirmed. A cyclo-cross version will also be available, called the Red Wind XLR CX, with a double bearing seal for improved performance in wet and muddy conditions.
