Fulcrum Speed 42 & 57: A New Era Begins

With the new Fulcrum Speed 42 and 57, Fulcrum enters a new era with an unprecedented dimension, where form and function are the fundamental concepts.

The Speed 42 and 57 wheels are the culmination of a process that required more than 4000 hours of testing in wind tunnels, laboratories, and on the road, during which seven versions of the rim were tested in multiple configurations. The objective was to achieve the best performance in terms of aerodynamics, rolling resistance, lightness, and handling, without any compromise on safety.

An uncompromised evolution: the new rims (taller, wider, lighter, and more aerodynamic), new hubs, and new spokes form a perfect wheel system that weighs only 1,410 g for the 42 mm version and 1,495 g for the 57 mm version. The graphics have also been completely redesigned to interpret the new Form Function Fulcrum identity, with a clean and refined design that integrates all technical product information thanks to a new iconographic chart.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

THE RIM
The new Speeds are available in two depths: 42 mm and 57 mm, replacing the previous 40 mm and 55 mm profiles, while the internal width (hook to hook) increases from 19 to 23 mm. The rim profile is also widened with a 9.5 mm radius.

The new wider rims, combined with 28 mm tires, guarantee a high-performance combination, without compromise, in which aerodynamic penetration, rolling resistance, and comfort are optimized. Indeed, the average aerodynamic advantage, measured in the wind tunnel in a headwind, is 10% greater than that of a 19 mm internal rim.

Despite a deeper profile, handling is also considerably improved. Specific research conducted by Fulcrum has made it possible to define a formula that takes into account the energy dissipated by the wheel during a change of direction and the flexural deformation as a function of roll and lean. The data obtained show that the improvement in handling of the new Speeds can reach 17% compared to the previous generation.

The rim bed has no holes thanks to MOMAG assembly technology, which allows for a 2-WAY FIT™ rim without the need for rim tape, and with traditional rim hooks, which ensures maximum compatibility with all tubed and tubeless tires on the market and optimal safety for the cyclist.

The absence of holes in the rim bed allows for the same stiffness around the entire perimeter and offers greater impact resistance. The spoke nipple seats, made in the mold without having to drill the rim, also contribute to this. This is indeed an operation that, in traditional rims, weakens the structure due to the cutting of the carbon fiber.

The rim is made with resins and fibers treated according to Fulcrum specifications where, unlike previous versions, a new FF100 high-modulus unidirectional fiber composite blend is used for the Speed 42 and 57. Thanks to numerous experiments, we have obtained the perfect blend of fibers, which, combined with the correct positioning of the fibers and extremely precise resin control, allows for the creation of a product that operates within the correct elastic range, ensuring the best performance in its category and an optimal riding feel.

The patented DRSC™ system is also used: a specific plastic support embedded in the carbon, interposed between the nipples and the rim, which provides greater robustness and increased durability to the system, by distributing the nipple tension over a wider surface, more homogeneously, and avoiding potential galvanic corrosion situations.

The internal finish of the rim is made using C-LUX™ glossy technology, to ensure easy and perfect assembly with the tire, while the matte external finish of the rim benefits from DIMF (Direct Inmould Matte Finish) technology, made directly in the mold. The result reveals the rigor of the positioning of the underlying fibers on which the new graphics are applied thanks to the use of laser directly on the fiber and the new minimalist metallic stickers.

THE SPOKES
For the Speed 42 and 57 wheels, 24 aerodynamic flat spokes of Ø 2/1.6/2 mm and 2/1.7/2 mm are used. They have been specifically designed for this wheel and assembled using the Two-to-One™ system, which consists of doubling the spokes in the areas most exposed to mechanical stress to avoid energy dispersion and counteract torsional force. The front wheel therefore has 16 spokes on the disc side and 8 on the opposite side, while the rear wheel is built in the opposite way to counteract the forces developed by the drivetrain. This specific construction, as well as the perfect spoke tension, gives the wheel a torsional stiffness that allows for maximum force transfer. Considering the deformations (flexion & torsion) generated during leans and accelerations, the new Speeds improve performance by about 10% compared to the previous generation.

The spokes are perfectly aligned between the hub and the rim, so they never touch, to improve performance and increase the longevity of the wheel. This is one of the key points of Fulcrum’s product philosophy, which applies to all wheels of the brand.

THE HUB
The hubs have been completely redesigned to accommodate a more precise freehub mechanism than the previous one, while reducing weight.

The reduction in hub dimensions is evident: 40% on the flanges and 10% on the central body compared to the previous generation, so as to give the wheel more strength and reduced aerodynamic impact, without altering torsional stiffness.

The bearings used for the Speed 42 and 57 wheels are cone-cup type and feature the USB™ (Ceramic Ultra Smooth Bearings) system with ceramic balls, which guarantees incomparable smoothness.

The axle, made of aeronautical aluminum alloy, slides along its entire length, allowing the hub/axle system to operate with hundredth-of-a-millimeter tolerances, ensuring performance and longevity.

Fulcrum wheels are designed to meet a very specific use and function. They therefore do not provide for adapters or additional spacers on the axle, as is often the case in other products, which allows for a solid system that always operates in perfect alignment.

The freehub body has been reinforced and oversized to now accommodate 36 teeth. The wheel is available in versions with Campagnolo N3W, Shimano HG, and Sram XDR bodies.

FULL CARBON AERO PROFILE: 42/57 mm
2-WAY FIT™ TUBELESS – UNDRILLED RIM
23 mm INTERNAL RIM WIDTH
USB™ – ULTRA SMOOTH CERAMIC BEARINGS
DESIGNED IN ITALY – MADE IN THE EU
1,410 g SPEED 42
1,495 g SPEED 57
1,460 g SPEED COMBO

Price: €2265 per pair

Contact: fulcrumwheels.com

Source: Press Release

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