Fulcrum 7's - Racing and Commuting

[dhd.evans]

Hey hey, i'm in the market to upgrade my wheels on my stock Triban 3A. Current set are mangled and mashed after 1200 miles, too many wheel truing sessions to recount, and on general 'last legs' duty.

My real question is whether or not this deal at wiggle (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/fulcrum-racing-7-clincher-2013-wheel-and-tyre-set/) is good value for money in terms of upgrading and if they'd suit my needs.

I commute 20 miles daily, mostly paths and some road and have put myself in for the Caledonia Etape in May. Does anyone have any advice on these?

Really won't want to spend upwards of £100 on wheels, but this set plus tyres looks flippin' ace for the money.

 

[HLaB]

I'm running the 2014 Fulcrum 7's, they claim to be a whole 90g lighter than last years. Mine are my winter wheels but they've only been on since the 14th Jan (1660miles), however during this time they've stayed perfectly true and I've been impressed with their bearings even though I've done a fair bit of fast night riding, (including hitting a large rock on Tuesday night). IIRC Ribble had 2014 version for the same price or not much more.

 

[dhd.evans]

Tempting, but i'm on a real budget here (told the other half i'd be spending £80 on a wheelset!). The included tyres also piques my interest (currently running Rubino pros which are, after the 1000 mile mark, looking tatty like old socks). Good review of the 2014 set though, will factor it in when they become cheap next year

Also, cheers for the add on Strava - seems we have a mutual acquaintance in Tom Fardon.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I fitted the Fulcrum Racing 7 CX's to my T3 last April (2013 model) and the difference was immediately noticeable. Mine had done a fair few miles as well and despite hitting a really bad pothole (unlit country lane when raining and in the dark) which unseated both me and a water bottle, they have stayed true and been problem free. I went with the CX version because I sometimes use a converted railway which is hardcore but mostly because of the state of the lanes I cycle and live down... thick mud most of the year round and the CX version in theory should have better protection of the bearings... The Fulcrums will come with a spacer which you will need to use behind your cassette because they have an upto 11 speed cassette freehub but its not big deal.

If the budget is seriously tight, then consider the base model Shimano R501's http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/ro...andard-spoke-clincher-wheels-pair/shimwhfr202 at £74.99. I have recently fitted a set to my OH's T3 and they are holding up well. How well is only something time will tell - they are clearly not as good as the Fulcrum's (don't feel as smooth even factoring in how much usage mine have had) and I am glad I have the Fulcrum's but they will do the job and last much better than the stock wheels.

As for the Etape Caledonia - best of wishes. Both wheel sets will be fine for it - I know the roads it runs on very well and will be cycling some of them in less than 3 weeks time...

 

[dhd.evans]

Once my pay is in tomorrow i think i'll get the Fulcrums. They've got enough good cred here for me to warrant it!

I did look at the 501s, they were the initial thought, but double the money and i get tyres too plus what appears to be a better wheelset. Thanks for the update @SatNavSaysStraightOn, i appreciate it from one T3 enthusiast to another.

 

[rb58]

I run Fulcrum 7s as my winter wheel. They're been great - not had to true them at all and bearings have been solid. However, one pawl spring had snapped when I put them on the bike at the back end of last year, so I put new springs in which had the added effect of making the freehub much quieter. As stock, I think Fulcrums are quite noisy.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Not being the fastest of riders, of an age, and 13stone, I put Racing7 wheels and 23mm tyres (they don't take 20mm) on my Hiant SCR3 two summers ago.
Compared to my stock weeks they were excellent and really felt sure when cornering.
Only thing I would say is that the sealed bearings do seem to have a short life as mine need replacing ready for the warmer weather once it comes out of hibernation.
And a friend who bought his the same time as mine had to replace his last year.