Road bike wheel set

brasshead

I'm looking for a budget price wheel set for my Felt Z100 bike. I have been looking at Fulcrum Racing 5s and they seem good. Anyone have any experience of using them?

Also, are there any others which I should look at in or around the Fulcrum price range? Wiggle have a few deals on wheelsets at the moment so I'm hoping there are some bargains to be had

Paul Kiernan

I don't like Fulcrums because they're supposedly difficult to get the tyres on and off, a major consideration if you're in the depths of Wicklow in a blizzard.

Merlin have the 5's for £162 delivered though. They also have the Shimano RS10's (cheap but good value) for £90 and the Ultegra's (a far better wheelset and again great value) at £207.

I have a couple of sets of Planet-X wheels and they've been brilliant, very light and roll really well. The Model-B's are £145 delivered and the newer AL30's are £20 dearer. The sealed hubs aren't serviceable, like the Shimanos, but they're so well sealed it isn't really an issue.

letape

I have used Fulcrum 7s and 3s, but not 5s. Personally I am a big fan of Fulcrums. I use Michelin Pro 3 tyres on both and have never had an issue removing or fitting them on the rims.

Like all Campagnolo wheels, the hubs and bearings are serviceable. I have found the rims bullet proof on these wheels and have never had a buckle or broken spoke and they seem to wear well. It is also fairly cheap and very easy if you want to change the freehub between Campagnolo or Sram/Shimano compatible ones.

Lumen

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

I don't like Fulcrums because they're supposedly difficult to get the tyres on and off, a major consideration if you're in the depths of Wicklow in a blizzard.

Why would you cycle into the depths of Wicklow in a blizzard?

Paul Kiernan

Lumen wrote: »

Why would you cycle into the depths of Wicklow in a blizzard?

Unfortunately, in one of the many quirks of misfortune that have blighted my life, I was born without the ability to predict the future. Thus, leaving the Dublin suburbs in blazing sunshine, I have been surprised by wind and snow and punctures and no phone signal leaving me to rue the fact that I was born at all.

Hungrycol

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

I don't like Fulcrums because they're supposedly difficult to get the tyres on and off, a major consideration if you're in the depths of Wicklow in a blizzard.
.

I can get Conti GP4000s's off and on Zero's without any levers!

Paul Kiernan

Hungrycol wrote: »

I can get Conti GP4000s's off and on Zero's without any levers!

Have you hands like shovels? Perhaps, TBH, I'm talking a load of sh**e! I've never actually had Fulcrums so I don't really know. I think I just read it somewhere and am attempting to perpetuate the myth. I heard the same about Mavic rims!

dave_o_brien

I have 2 sets of Racing 7's and a set of Racing 3's and I could not recommend them more; they are excellent wheels. I haven't used a set of 5's myself, but I imagine they're in line with m experience of the other wheels. In my experience, getting tyres on and off is not a problem really; Krylion Carbons and Gatorskins were a bit tough, but I don't believe that has anything to do with the wheels, more the big thick bead of wire around the edge. Michelin Pro 3's, Panaracer Extreme Evo's, Maxxis Zenith Hors Categoire, Conti GP4000s, Schwalbe Ultremo's and a few others have all been put on and taken off without issue.

Tonyandthewhale

I have fulcrum 3's, love them, have had no issues getting tyres on or off. Never used fulcrum 5's but I'm sure they're grand since the rest of the fulcrum range has a great rep.

brasshead

Thanks guys. This is very helpful. Decided to go with a set of Fulcrum 7s. Here's hoping I won't be cursing them next winter when I'm trying to get the tyre off on the side of the road!

Paul Kiernan

brasshead wrote: »

Thanks guys. This is very helpful. Decided to go with a set of Fulcrum 7s. Here's hoping I won't be cursing them next winter when I'm trying to get the tyre off on the side of the road!

Judging by what's happening outside my window, you won't have to wait 'til next winter:pac:.