With the rising enthusiasm for gravel and adventure riding in the UK cycling community, Fulcrum has introduced an upgraded version of its Racing 7 Disc wheels, specifically tailored to meet the demands of this burgeoning market.
The revamped Racing 7s feature wider rims to comfortably accommodate larger tires, ensuring enhanced performance both on and off-road.
These wheels are designed to offer versatility without compromising on competitive pricing and weight, making them an attractive option for gravel and adventure cyclists.
However, there are other technical features that make it a top choice for some gravel enthusiasts. Is this one for you? Find out after reading all its features in detail.
Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc Wheelset Key Features
Here’s a table describing the key features of the Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheelset:
| Key Features | Description |
| Disc Brake Compatibility | The Fulcrum Racing 7 wheelset is designed specifically for disc brakes, providing reliable and consistent braking performance. This compatibility ensures optimal stopping power and control, especially in diverse terrain and challenging weather conditions encountered during gravel and adventure riding. |
| Versatile Rim Width | The Racing 7 wheelset boasts a wider rim, allowing for the use of larger tires. This feature enhances traction, stability, and comfort, providing riders with improved control and confidence on various surfaces, whether it’s smooth pavement, rough gravel roads, or off-road trails. |
| Sturdy and Lightweight Construction | Crafted with a focus on durability and weight optimization, the Fulcrum Racing 7 wheelset offers a balance between strength and lightness. The wheels are constructed using high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance without compromising agility or maneuverability. This design choice provides riders with a reliable and efficient wheelset that can handle the demands of both on and off-road adventures. |
| Smooth Rolling Bearings | The Racing 7 wheelset features high-quality bearings that contribute to smooth and efficient rolling. These bearings minimize friction, allowing riders to maintain momentum with ease, resulting in a more enjoyable and efficient riding experience. |
| Tubeless-Ready Technology | Fulcrum has incorporated tubeless-ready technology into the Racing 7 wheelset, enabling riders to experience the benefits of tubeless tires. Tubeless setups offer lower rolling resistance, increased puncture resistance, and the ability to run lower tire pressures for improved comfort and traction. With this feature, riders can further enhance their gravel and adventure riding experience. |
| Reliable and Easy-to-Maintain Hubs | The hubs of the Racing 7 wheelset are designed to be reliable and easy to maintain. They provide smooth rotation, ensuring consistent performance over time. Additionally, the hubs are designed for easy maintenance, allowing riders to perform regular upkeep without hassle. This feature contributes to the longevity and reliability of the wheelset, providing a hassle-free riding experience. |
| Competitive Price Point | Fulcrum has engineered the Racing 7 wheelset to offer a competitive price point without compromising quality or performance. This makes it an appealing choice for riders seeking a versatile and reliable wheelset suitable for both on and off-road adventures, while ensuring affordability. |
Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc Wheelset Review
Fulcrum was not toying around while ensuring maximum quality within the value for money region. Once you check the features you’ll understand.
Exceptional Build Quality and Compatibility
The Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheels are built with exceptional quality, ensuring durability and reliability during long-distance rides. However, it’s important to note that their tubeless compatibility is limited, as they can only be used with Schwalbe’s Pro One tire.
This limitation may disappoint riders who desire off-road knobbly tires, as they are not an option with the Racing 7 wheelset. Despite this limitation, the Racing 7 wheels still perform admirably across various terrains, making them well-suited as winter training wheels for road riding.
The 19mm internal rim width, coupled with a 23.6mm measurement across the outer rim face, provides ample versatility for tire options ranging from 28mm to 62mm. This allows riders to choose tires that suit their preferred terrain and riding style.
Innovative Spoking Pattern for Enhanced Strength
Fulcrum has employed a unique spoking pattern in the Racing 7 Disc wheelset to optimize strength and balance. The asymmetrical rim design offsets the spoke bed from the center, aiming to equalize the dishing as much as possible.
On the rear wheel, the drive-side spokes have a shallower angle compared to the non-drive side, which helps create a more balanced wheel build for enhanced strength.
A similar approach is taken with the front wheel, where the asymmetrical rim design offsets the dishing of the spokes on the disc side. This innovative spoking pattern contributes to the overall strength and durability of the Racing 7 Disc wheelset.
High-Quality Hubs, Bearings, and Axles
The Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheelset is designed to be compatible with 12mm thru-axles, which have become the accepted standard for road disc brake bikes.
However, Fulcrum provides various adaptors that allow the wheels to accommodate different rear widths, such as 135mm or 142mm, as well as quick-release skewers.
Thanks to Fulcrum’s decision to adopt the Centerlock standard, fitting disc rotors from major manufacturers is a breeze.
The sealed cartridge bearings in the Racing 7 Disc wheelset have proven their durability, even when subjected to harsh conditions such as water, grit, and mud. As a result, the wheels continue to spin smoothly and silently, and if any debris does manage to find its way in, it can be easily disassembled and rebuilt.
Impressive Performance and Durability
Weighing in at 1,740g, the Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheelset offers a respectable weight for its price range. On the road, these wheels excel in speed and exhibit excellent stiffness, enabling efficient acceleration and out-of-the-saddle climbing.
While the rim depth of 22mm may not prioritize aerodynamics, once the wheels are up to speed, they maintain an effortless rolling motion.
When it comes to rough terrain, the Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheels prove their durability. They handle the challenges presented by off-road riding, demonstrating their capability and reliability. These wheels are clearly built to withstand demanding conditions and provide consistent performance.
FAQ
#1. Do Fulcrum wheels have wear indicators?
Ans: Fulcrum’s Racing 7 wheels feature a durable aluminum rim, measuring 24mm in height, with an aerodynamic profile and machined braking surfaces.
Notably, these wheels are equipped with wear indicators, ensuring reliable performance and longevity over time.
#2. Are fulcrum wheels carbon?
Ans: Fulcrum offers a diverse range of road bike wheels catering to various conditions, courses, disciplines, and budgets. Their lineup includes lightweight and dependable wheelsets, encompassing professional-grade full carbon aero wheels as well as high-performance aluminum options, allowing riders to find the ideal match for their performance needs.
#3. Is a Fulcrum an axle?
Ans: No, a Fulcrum is not an axle. It is a type of lever where the effort arm can rotate fully around the fulcrum, which is positioned at the center of the axle. When force is applied to the wheel’s outer edge, it creates a greater force on the rope wrapped around the axle.
Final Thoughts
The Fulcrum Racing 7 Disc wheelset presents a compelling option for riders seeking a reliable and versatile wheelset for both on and off-road adventures. While the tubeless compatibility is limited to Schwalbe’s Pro One tire, the build quality, innovative spoking pattern, and high-quality components make these wheels a solid choice.
The Racing 7 Disc wheels offer impressive performance, durability, and versatility, making them suitable for various riding styles and terrain types.
Fulcrum has once again delivered a wheelset that exceeds expectations and stands as a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality cycling components.
