Fulcrum Unveils Lightweight Speed 25+ Wheelset
BIKE NEWS 

Fulcrum Unveils Lightweight Speed 25+ Wheelset

Michael 253 Views

Italian company Fulcrum introduces Speed 25+, a new benchmark in low-profile, lightweight wheelsets, boasting a weight just shy of 1,300g.

Defying the idea that climbing wheelsets are obsolete, Fulcrum has launched its latest creation: the Speed 25+. Touted as the lightest low-profile disc wheelset available, it weighs a mere 1,270 grams. This is slightly lighter than its predecessor, the Speed 25, by about 15 grams. While there might be other wheelsets with lower claimed weights, Fulcrum’s Speed 25+ stands out with its unique features, which we’ll explore in more detail.

The Speed 25+ represents the pinnacle of Fulcrum’s offerings. It boasts a novel carbon construction, high-end ceramic bearings, and a newly designed freewheel body.

In terms of dimensions, the Speed 25+ maintains the 26mm rim depth and 21mm internal width seen in the Speed 25 model. These tubeless-ready wheels come with a hooked rim profile and an undrilled rim bed, eliminating the need for extra rim tape.

Fulcrum has incorporated its exclusive FF100 resin blend in the rim, finished with a Direct In-mold Matte Finish. The wheels also feature laser-etched graphics. While the Speed 25 utilized Ultra Smooth USB ceramic bearings in the hub, the Speed 25+ upgrades to Fulcrum’s Ceramic Ultimate Level Technology (CULT). This technology uses a cup and cone system with ceramic-treated surfaces for enhanced smoothness.

The redesigned freehub body in the Speed 25+ reduces both weight and friction. It incorporates USB ceramic bearings and is compatible with SRAM, Campagnolo, and Shimano cassettes through XDR, N3W, and HG versions. The wheelset also includes 24 aerodynamic straight pull spokes on both the front and rear, along with thru-axle compatibility.

Fulcrum seems to define low-profile wheels as those under 30mm. While lighter climbing wheelsets exist, such as Roval’s Alpinist CLX II and Black Inc’s 28/33 models, these have rim depths over 30mm. In the current market, carbon rims under 30mm are increasingly rare, as manufacturers focus on all-rounder road bike wheels that combine low weight with aerodynamic benefits.

The Fulcrum Speed 25+ is priced as follows:

  • $2,967.00 / £2,309.00 (XDR version)
  • $2,955.00 / £2,299.00 (HG11 version)
  • $2,965.00 / £2,299.00 (N3W version)

Shop more here: Fulcrum Speed 25+

Michael

a 35-year-old web developer and cycling coach based in Boulder, Colorado. Over the past ten years, my passion for cycling has transformed from a casual hobby into a way of life. As a lover of all things cycling, I am thrilled to share my journey with others who share the same enthusiasm for this incredible sport.