Fulcrum Wheels: A Complete Guide to Campagnolo’s Sister Brand

If you like Campagnolo’s quality but find the Bora too expensive, or if you’re running a Shimano drivetrain but want to experience Italian wheels, Fulcrum is your answer. As Campagnolo’s “sister brand,” Fulcrum shares the same production facilities and technical resources, yet positions itself more accessibly for a broader market.

Brand Positioning and History

Fulcrum was founded in 2004 by the Campagnolo Group, with its headquarters also located in Vicenza, Italy. The brand name comes from the physics concept of a “fulcrum”—a small pivot point can move the entire earth, symbolizing how a wheelset, though small, can dramatically influence riding performance.

Fulcrum’s positioning was clear from the start: offering wheels with the same quality as Campagnolo, but natively compatible with Shimano/SRAM freehub bodies (with Campagnolo versions also available), and covering a wider price range—from the entry-level Racing 7 to the top-tier Speed series.

Product Lineup

Speed Series (Top-Tier Carbon)

Model	Rim Depth	Weight (Front + Rear)	Inner Rim Width	Taiwan Price (Approx.)
Speed 25	25mm	1,180g	19mm	NT$105,000
Speed 40	40mm	1,370g	19mm	NT$95,000
Speed 55	55mm	1,455g	19mm	NT$95,000

The Speed series is Fulcrum’s top-tier carbon wheelset, technically nearly identical to the Campagnolo Bora Ultra (including CULT bearings). The Speed 25’s 1,180g weight is remarkably light, making it a climbing weapon.

Wind Series (Advanced Carbon)

Model	Rim Depth	Weight (Front + Rear)	Inner Rim Width	Taiwan Price (Approx.)
Wind 40 DB	40mm	1,520g	19mm	NT$52,000
Wind 55 DB	55mm	1,590g	19mm	NT$52,000
Wind 75 DB	75mm	1,680g	19mm	NT$55,000

The Wind series uses standard bearings rather than CULT, and the carbon rims are slightly heavier than the Speed series, but the price is nearly half. It is Fulcrum’s best-selling product line.

Racing Series (Classic Aluminum)

Model	Rim Depth	Weight (Front + Rear)	Taiwan Price (Approx.)
Racing Zero	30mm	1,506g	NT$42,000
Racing 3	30mm	1,560g	NT$22,000
Racing 5	26mm	1,650g	NT$12,000
Racing 7	24mm	1,850g	NT$6,500

The Racing series is Fulcrum’s most classic aluminum wheelset line, with the Racing Zero being a legend in the aluminum wheel world. The Racing Zero uses an aluminum/carbon hybrid hub and flat aluminum spokes, with a 2:1 front and rear spoke configuration (16 front, 21 rear—14 drive-side + 7 non-drive-side), providing excellent stiffness and acceleration response.

Core Technologies

2:1 Spoke Pattern (2-to-1)

One of Fulcrum’s most iconic technologies. The rear wheel’s drive side uses twice the number of spokes, while the non-drive side uses only half. This configuration makes spoke tension more even on both sides, reducing lateral flex in the rear wheel and improving pedaling efficiency.

CULT vs USB Bearings

• CULT (Speed series): Full ceramic balls + Cronitect stainless steel races, nearly zero friction
• USB (Wind/Racing series): Steel balls + special seals, low friction but not as good as CULT

MoMag Magnetic Coupling System

The newer Speed and Wind series use a magnetic center-lock disc rotor mount. When installing the rotor, magnets precisely position it before tightening with the lockring. This design makes rotor installation easier and more precise.

Fulcrum vs Campagnolo Bora

This is the most frequently asked question. In short:

Comparison	Fulcrum Speed	Campagnolo Bora Ultra
Carbon Rim	Same (shared production line)	Same
Bearings	CULT	CULT
Spokes	Carbon/Steel (varies by model)	Carbon fiber
Freehub	Standard Shimano/SRAM	Campagnolo (interchangeable)
Price	Slightly lower	Slightly higher
Brand Premium	Lower	Higher

In actual riding feel, the difference between the two is minimal. If you use Shimano or SRAM drivetrains, choosing Fulcrum is more convenient. If you’re a full Campagnolo enthusiast, the Bora is the obvious choice.

Racing Zero: King of Aluminum Wheels

The Racing Zero deserves special mention, as it may be the most popular high-end aluminum wheelset on the market.

Why Is the Racing Zero So Popular?

1. Excellent acceleration response: Flat aluminum spokes provide extremely high lateral stiffness, with very direct pedaling response
2. Durability: Aluminum is impact-resistant, giving peace of mind for daily use
3. All-weather capability: Aluminum rim braking surfaces offer better stopping power in the rain than carbon rims
4. Easy maintenance: Spokes can be replaced if damaged, not as delicate as carbon spokes
5. Reasonable price: At NT$42,000, it’s cheaper than most carbon wheels

Who Is the Racing Zero For?

• Riders who want a pair of wheels for “lifetime use”
• Cyclists who frequently ride in the rain
• Climbers/criterium racers who prioritize acceleration and stiffness
• Riders who don’t chase aero gains but want high quality

Taiwan Market Information

Fulcrum is distributed in Taiwan by the same Hsiao Tai Ho Group that handles Campagnolo, sharing the same dealer network. The Racing Zero and Racing 3 have high visibility in Taiwan, with almost every bike shop stocking them.

Recommended Buying Strategy

• Budget under NT$10,000: Racing 7 is the standard upgrade for entry-level bikes
• Budget NT$20,000-25,000: Racing 3 is the best value-for-money choice
• Budget NT$40,000-45,000: Racing Zero is the ultimate aluminum wheel choice
• Budget NT$50,000-55,000: Wind 55 is a great entry-level carbon option
• Budget over NT$90,000: Speed series, enjoy the silky smoothness of CULT bearings

Summary

Fulcrum is the “affordable entry point” into Campagnolo quality. It may not carry the same deep historical prestige as Campagnolo, but it makes no compromises when it comes to product quality. In particular, the Racing Zero is an aluminum wheelset that nearly every road cyclist should experience at least once. If you’re looking for a wheelset that is reliable, performs well, and is easy to maintain, there’s a Fulcrum model in the lineup that will suit your needs.

Related Reading

• Campagnolo Bora Series: The Wheelset Legend of a Century-Old Italian Brand
• Fulcrum Speed 42: The Innovative Work of MoMag Technology
• Deda Elementi Wheelsets: Italian Craftsmanship from Padova
• FFWD (Fast Forward): The Persistence of Handcrafted Dutch Wheelsets