Fulcrum Speed 42: A Revolutionary Work of MoMag Technology

As Campagnolo’s sister brand, Fulcrum holds a unique position in the carbon wheel market—it inherits Campagnolo’s precision craftsmanship while attracting cyclists with more competitive pricing and bolder innovative designs. As Fulcrum’s aero flagship, the Speed 42 is equipped with the industry-exclusive MoMag magnetic ratchet technology, making this wheelset stand out among a sea of carbon wheels.

Product Specifications

Item	Specification
Rim Depth	42mm
External Rim Width	26.5mm
Internal Rim Width	19.5mm (2-Way Fit)
Weight (Front + Rear)	1,430g (Disc Brake Version)
Hub	Fulcrum In-House Hub
Ratchet Technology	MoMag Magnetic Ratchet
Spokes	Straight-Pull Aero Spokes
Spoke Count	Front 21 / Rear 24
Compatible Tires	2-Way Fit (Tubeless / Clincher)
Suggested Retail Price	NT$55,000-68,000

MoMag: A Magnetic-Driven Revolution

MoMag (Magnetic Engagement) is Fulcrum’s most significant innovation in the hub domain. Traditional hubs use mechanical contact from pawls or ratchet rings to transmit power, while MoMag uses magnetic repulsion to achieve engagement:

How It Works

Inside the hub, a set of magnetic rings is installed between the freehub body and the hub shell. When pedaling, the repulsive force of the magnets pushes the pawls into the engagement position; when coasting, the attractive force of the magnets retracts the pawls.

Advantages of MoMag

1. Zero Mechanical Friction: Magnets replace springs, resulting in almost no resistance when coasting
2. Extremely Quiet: No traditional “click-click” sound from pawls; nearly silent when coasting
3. Maintenance-Free: Magnets do not wear out, greatly reducing service needs
4. Rapid Engagement: Magnetic response is extremely fast, with minimal engagement lag
5. Long Lifespan: Magnetic force does not degrade, performance remains consistent over time

Limitations of MoMag

• The magnetic system adds a slight amount of weight
• Magnetic force may be affected under extreme low temperatures (rarely an issue in Taiwan)
• Proprietary technology; servicing can only be done at the factory

2-Way Fit Rim System

Fulcrum’s 2-Way Fit system allows the Speed 42 to be compatible with both Tubeless and Clincher tires. The inner rim bed is specially treated, and with the dedicated valve, Tubeless tires can be installed directly without the need for additional rim tape.

Rim Design

The 42mm rim depth of the Speed 42 is Fulcrum’s golden ratio designed for all-around use. The rim profile incorporates aero development shared with Campagnolo, rigorously tested in the wind tunnel at Politecnico di Milano in Italy.

However, it is worth noting that the 19.5mm internal rim width is indeed on the narrower side by today’s standards. Compared to Zipp’s 25mm and ENVE’s 25mm, Fulcrum’s narrower rim design is better suited for 25c tires; when paired with wider tires of 28c and above, aero efficiency will be compromised.

Real-World Riding Experience

The Riding Feel of MoMag

The most noticeable sensation when first riding a wheelset equipped with MoMag is the silence. There is no “humming” or “clicking” sound when coasting—it feels like riding on a fixed gear. When you resume pedaling, the power engagement is smooth and natural, without the “biting” sensation of traditional pawls.

Acceleration Performance

The 1,430g weight paired with the 42mm rim depth gives the Speed 42 a solid, middle-of-the-road acceleration performance. It is neither the lightest climbing wheel nor the fastest aero wheel, but it strikes a good balance between the two.

Comfort

The vertical compliance of the rim is commendable. When paired with 25c Tubeless tires, it delivers a comfortable ride on typical roads in Taiwan. However, if you are accustomed to wider tires of 28c and above, the 19.5mm internal rim width may result in a less-than-ideal tire profile.

Braking Performance

The disc brake version of the Speed 42 performs excellently in braking. The carbon rim does not have to endure braking heat, ensuring durability and safety.

Comparison with Campagnolo Bora WTO 45

As sister brands, a comparison between the Speed 42 and the Bora WTO 45 is inevitable:

Feature	Fulcrum Speed 42	Campagnolo Bora WTO 45
Rim Depth	42mm	45mm
Weight	1,430g	1,450g
Internal Rim Width	19.5mm	23mm
Ratchet	MoMag Magnetic	N3W Instant Drive
Spoke Pattern	Traditional	G3
Price	NT$55,000-68,000	NT$65,000-80,000

The Speed 42 has an advantage in price, and MoMag technology delivers a unique riding experience. However, in terms of internal rim width and overall aero design, the Bora WTO 45 is more advanced.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

• MoMag magnetic ratchet delivers a unique riding experience
• Extremely quiet coasting performance
• Excellent 2-Way Fit tire compatibility
• More affordable than the Bora WTO
• Italian-made quality
• Nearly maintenance-free hub

Cons

• 19.5mm internal rim width is on the narrower side, not ideal for wide tires
• MoMag servicing can only be done at the factory
• Brand recognition is not as strong as Campagnolo
• Aesthetics are not particularly striking
• Weight is on the heavier side within its class

Purchasing Advice in Taiwan

Fulcrum shares its distribution channels with Campagnolo in Taiwan and can be purchased through Campagnolo’s Taiwanese distributor. It is recommended to choose a bike shop with Campagnolo/Fulcrum service capabilities to ensure proper aftercare for the MoMag system.

Who Is It For?

• Cyclists interested in hub technology and seeking a unique experience
• Cyclists who prefer a quiet riding environment
• Cyclists with a budget between the Zipp 303 and the Bora WTO
• Cyclists using 25c tires who do not need an ultra-wide internal rim width

Conclusion

The biggest selling point of the Fulcrum Speed 42 is the MoMag magnetic ratchet technology. This original design gives it a distinct character and a unique riding experience among a sea of carbon wheels. Although it is not the most cutting-edge in terms of internal rim width and overall specifications, the quiet, smooth, and maintenance-free advantages brought by MoMag are absolutely worth experiencing for cyclists seeking a distinctive ride.

Related Reading

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