New Fulcrum Wind 42-57 wheels: ultimate versatility

With the new Wind 42 and 57, Fulcrum continues its evolution towards the future: in its three-word definition – Form, Function, Fulcrum – form and function represent concepts that are inextricably linked.

Source: Press Release – Photos: ©chiara_redaschi

The Wind 42 and 57 were designed to find the optimal balance between performance and comfort, in order to create a versatile product with fluid handling. The new Wind wheels are not only suitable for road use, but also for light all-road use (ASTM 2 usage category), to offer the pleasure of cycling even off busy roads. This project responds to the increasingly diverse uses of road bikes.

The Wind 42 and 57 inherit many Fulcrum proprietary technologies from the Speed range, the top of the line for road wheel performance, to ensure a superior riding feel compared to the previous generation. Improved handling can reach 22% and reactivity 10%* on this versatile and comfortable product, intended for the modern cyclist. Among the most remarkable aspects, the rim depth has increased to 42 and 57 mm with an internal width of 23 mm, while the completely new graphics follow the new Form Function Fulcrum stylistic canons, with a clean and sophisticated design that integrates all technical product information thanks to the new iconography.

The Rim

The Wind rims have gained in depth and width compared to the previous generation. At the same time, the total weight has been reduced thanks to the use of a new carbon fiber blend and their new arrangement in the mold. The 40 and 55 mm versions are replaced by 42 and 57 mm profiles, with an internal width of 23 mm to better support more generous tires that have also proven themselves on the road and ensure better performance in terms of rolling efficiency and comfort.

While the rim design is identical to that of their big sisters Speed 42 and 57, the fiber blend used is different. Indeed, the Wind wheels are made with the FF80 blend, which has saved an average of 100 grams per pair compared to the previous generation. The 42 mm Wind wheels weigh 1,510 g and the 57 mm Wind wheels weigh 1,585 g.

The lower rim bridge has also been widened and now has a radius of 9.5 mm, which improves aerodynamic performance and overall handling. The patented DRSC™ system is used for rim construction: it is a specific plastic insert embedded in the carbon near the nipples, which improves robustness and extends the life of the system, by distributing the nipple tension over a wider surface and avoiding potential galvanic corrosion. The rim bed has no holes thanks to MOMAG assembly technology, which allows for a 2-WAY FIT™ tubeless-ready rim from the factory, without the need for rim tape, and with traditional hooks, ensures maximum compatibility with all tubed and tubeless tires on the market and optimal safety for the cyclist.

The inner finish of the rim is made using C-LUX™ technology and is therefore shiny, to ensure an easy and perfect fit with the tire thanks to the hundredth-of-a-millimeter tolerances on the rim bed geometries that this technology allows to achieve, while the outer finish of the rim is matte. Part of the graphics, made with laser for a more modern look, is completed by reflective stickers that ensure increased visibility in low light conditions.

Tire-to-rim coupling is, of course, at the user’s discretion and varies depending on the bike configuration and the type of route chosen. The new Wind wheel family offers a wide choice and guarantees compatibility with a range of tires from 25 mm to 45 mm. Fulcrum recommends 28 to 30 mm tires for exclusively road routes and 32 to 35 mm tires for mixed routes.

Spokes and Hubs

Double-butted stainless steel spokes with a round section of Ø 2.0, 1.8, and 2.0, coupled with self-locking aluminum nipples, are used to ensure consistent performance over time. The lacing is done according to the Two-to-One™ scheme: the spokes are doubled in the most stressed areas to prevent energy dispersion and counteract torsional force. The spokes are crossed on both sides and never touch each other, to avoid friction and deformation and to maintain mechanical characteristics intact over time.

The hub is made of forged aluminum to offer greater mechanical resistance to the forces acting on the hub. The sealed bearings run on an integral axle that allows them to be adjusted by means of the provided preload ring to minimize wear and ensure optimal rolling efficiency.

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.

The Wind family, with the brand new 42 and 57 versions, is, in summary, Fulcrum’s proposal for a modern user looking for a versatile and high-performance wheel to enjoy an exclusive riding experience.