Fulcrum Racing 5 Wheelset - By Steve Cooper
- Oversized Hubs with sealed high quality bearings.
- Bladed spokes 20 front wheel and 24 in the rear
- 2 to 1 spoke ratio on the rear wheel
- Dynamic balance
- Weight - 1755 grams for the set
- MSRP - $495
Intro
What should you expect from a mid level clincher wheelset like Fulcrum’s Racing 5? Don’t plan on drooling stares from a gram conscious weight weenie. Nor will the gear snobs on your Sunday ride be duped into thinking you’ve hit the lotto. And although the wheels look sharp, they’ll likely look a little downtown on that TdF team poser bike at your local post-ride coffee joint. But if you’re like me and none of those things matter because you’re simply looking to put in lots of real world training miles on a tough set of wheels, expect Racing 5’s to fill the bill.
Solid, durable, medium-weight and bargain priced; they incorporate some cool design features that trickle down from Fulcrum’s top of line models, like dynamic balancing and 2:1 aero spoke lacing. Available from both online and brick and mortar retailers, a set of Racing 5’s can be scored for a deep deal if you’re willing to do a little digging.
The wheels are decaled with racy red, black and white graphics that, depending on your perspective, occupy the pleasing middle between garish and subdued. The medium profile rim, flat black bladed spokes, gloss black hubs, and clean internal cam quick releases scream functional with just enough form to complement most any mid to upper level frameset and build kit. And if you’re interested in practical training wheels to use day to day, mount up a pair of Racing 5’s and save your expensive uber-light wheels for race day. At 25 mph, no one will be the wiser.
Tech Details
Fulcrum’s website lists Racing 5, without quick releases, as 776 grams up front, and 980 grams at the rear. Those numbers don’t add up to a light weight wheel, but are spot-on for a medium weight training wheel. Listed as Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo compatible, the SRAM 1070 cassette used during this review fit perfectly. The hub uses sealed bearings in a one piece aluminum body that incorporates the freewheel body and pawl.
