Which Fulcrum wheels?

Keanocp

I can't decide between the Racing 3 and Racing 5 Evolution wheels and would really appreciate any advice, especially if you've tried both.

I ride up to about 60 miles most weekends and intend to build up my mileage and attempt a few sportives this year. Looking to replace the Shimano WH560's I have at present and have narrowed it down to these 2.

Can pick up the Racing 3's for about £300 and wondered if it's worth paying twice the price of the 5's? I realise the 3's are a bit lighter and the extra stiffness (if noticeable) of the non-drilled rims also appeals, but is it worth the extra?

I realise Fulcrum/Campag wheels are notoriously difficult for tyre fitting, but does the absence of rim tape make the 3's any easier for tyre fitting?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated, bearing in mind I'm currently 85kgs :oops:

Slow Downcp

If you're looking to do sportives, I'd go with the 3's between the two. The weight saving may be minimal but you'll notice it over a number of climbs.

peanut

fulcrums are bascically campagnolo9same company) The Racing 5 and 7 hub is to all intents and purposes the same as the Khamsins and Vento
Fulcrum is a way Campag can offer a Shimano compatable wheel and freehub.
I would buy the cheaper set and change them after a couple of years
They have cartridge bearings in the hub and freehub so you can change them when they wear

turkeytickler

peanut wrote:

fulcrums are bascically campagnolo9same company) The Racing 5 and 7 hub is to all intents and purposes the same as the Khamsins and Vento
Fulcrum is a way Campag can offer a Shimano compatable wheel and freehub.
I would buy the cheaper set and change them after a couple of years
They have cartridge bearings in the hub and freehub so you can change them when they wear

i thought you could buy some of the higher end campag wheels with a shimano freehub (e.g. zondas)?

redddraggon

turkeytickler wrote:

i thought you could buy some of the higher end campag wheels with a shimano freehub (e.g. zondas)?

You can, but they just don't look right on a Shimano bike.

dbg

Do not buy the evo 5, you can't get tyres on or off them without explosives, tbh I don't think the 3's are worth the money and would look elsewhere. I bought some easton tempest II's from America - fantastic wheels v.light & £320.

Keanocp

Thanks for all your comments so far.

I narrowed it down to either Campag or Fulcrum (their sister comp) after reading feedback on here and several other sites and I hardly came across a negative comment about them, other than tyre fitting. Does anyone know if the 3's are any easier?

I'm not too keen on the G3 spoke pattern with the Campag wheels, although I do like the Neutron Ultras with their more conventional pattern and they appear to be very highly regarded, but cost more again. However, they don't appear to be available in the UK with Shimano freehubs, unless you can tell me otherwise, but I did find them here http://www.jedi-sports.de/js-shop/produ ... Ultra.html

Think I might also struggle to convince the wife of the benefits of £400+ wheels over ones at £150

aracer

What's actually wrong with your WH560s?

huwy

I have R3's great wheels but are utter **** to get the tyres off....

SteveR_100Milers

I have same problem with R3's getting the tyres on and off is damn hard. Great wheels if your a big heavy rider though...