FULCRUM new Rapid Red Carbon: discover new horizons fast

Win a GO3 Camera by Insta360 this issue in our FREE subscriber prize draw.

The Rapid Red family of wheels now boasts a set of wheels dedicated to those who want to discover new terrains and new trails, with a touch of extra speed. Fulcrum has applied the technological knowhow from their top of the range wheels to develop the reactive, light and reliable Fulcrum Rapid Red Carbon, for gravel (and for whatever gravel means to you).

Lightness and reactivity are guaranteed by the S-Shape asymmetrical profile carbon rim. This technology improves the balance between the tension of the spokes, decreasing the difference in the dish angle between the spokes on both sides of the wheel. This difference is due to the presence of the disc on the front and the cassette on the rear, along with the chain pull. The optimised balance ensures long term performance levels. Moreover the unique shape of the rim profile increases stiffness by 2.5% compared to a traditional U-shaped profile.

To achieve the maximum performance with tubeless tyres, the Rapid Red Carbon feature a tubeless- specific non-drilled bridge: 2-Way Fit. This practical, reliable and weight saving solution lets you fit tubeless tyres without rim tape. The non-drilled bridge has a C-Lux Finish, a mirror-like finish that makes it easier to install the tyreThe wheel assembly is completed with Fulcrum’s patented Mo-Mag technology, which uses a simple and ingenious solution to seat the nipple on the rim hole with a magnet.

The rim has a 30 mm high profile with a mini-hook system that extends its compatibility with a wider range of pressures (the only limit is the one given by the tyre). This solution increases the choice of tyres that you can use, seeing that not all tyre manufacturers are hookless compatible. Similarly to hookless technology the mini-hooks ensure lightness and stiffness as well ease of installation, which is further aided by the humpless design. This design ensures the perfect linearity of the rim/tyre bead support surface.

Moreover Fulcrum’s dimensional precision guarantees greater safety against the tyre rolling off the rim at low pressures, thanks to the larger support surface available with the wider inner rim width of 25 mm.

And as you’ve come to expect from #fulcrumfast, we have also employed functional solutions that marry aesthetics and performance. At a glance you will immediately notice the new Direct Inmold Matt Finish (DIMF). Today, thanks to the refinement of the process and materials used, we can achieve a matt finish on the rim directly from the mould, similar to the polished finish that you could always find on Fulcrum’s products. A finish that has never required painting. The use of extremely high quality resins and unidirectional carbon fibres lets us mould the rim with extreme precision without requiring any cuts (nor holes for the nipples), with a consequent improvement in the structural strength of the rim.

As far as the hubs are concerned, we have opted for a straight-pull setup to optimise weights and obtain the perfect radial assembly of the spokes. By creating the holes for the nipples directly in the mould and perfectly angled with the hub, thanks also to the S-Shape technology, we achieve the optimal alignment with the hub. Last but not least, the cup and cone bearings guarantee better smoothness and allow you to check for any play. Moreover the performance can be further enhanced with a replacement kit of ceramic coated bearings.

Not only fast, the new Rapid Red Carbon are also a reference point in terms of reliability. Fully aware of the stresses that a wheel undergoes for this type of use, we have tested the Rapid Red Carbon in all the typical conditions that you can come across with a gravel bike. This to ensure that they meet the quality standards that we have always maintained. Mud, dust and severe weather conditions won’t affect the wheels and will only remain part of the adventure.

After rigorous tests in the lab and on our regular routes, the wheels were tested at the beginning of September in the Gorafe and Tabernas deserts at this year’s Badlands.

Of the 8 riders who took part in the unsupported ultracycling gravel event on Rapid Red Carbon wheels, testing them over the 746 km route and 16,216 m of climbing, Mattia De Marchi (Enough Team) won first place overall and Marion Dziwnik (Votec Team) was the first placed woman. The wheels passed with flying colours!