Fulcrum 2:1 spokes, fashion or function?

The Rookie

To quote from some of Fulcrums PR about their technologies

• 2:1 Two-to-One™ :The 2:1 Two-to-One™ system has been used for all the rear wheels and for the first time Fulcrum® has also extended their advantages to all the front wheels fitted with disc brakes. The doubling of the spokes on the critical side makes it possible to reduce the unit load borne by each spoke as the spokes themselves are no longer subject to the mechanical stress resulting from the different disc. Overcoming this drawback the spokes will be able to transfer the forces exerted at the rear by the pedalling traction and at the front by the torsion torque of braking, and give the front wheel previously unknown stability.
• Oversize: The hubs designed for Fulcrum® wheels employ a generously dimensioned design for both the central body and for the rotation axis. The diameter of the latter, 20 mm for all the models with disc brakes, guarantees high resistance to transverse and torsional stresses. A contribution is also made to this result by the mechanical architecture of the hub which, in the AFS™ version, is provided with bearings with a double ball-bearing race positioned outside the flange, so that it is aligned with the disc on the respective side.

Now my take on this is fashion, unless the hub is twisting - they claim it's "generously dimensioned" to "give a high resistance to torsional stresses" thus making it mutually exclusive - then the brake or drive force acts equally both sides of the hub into the spokes, so putting twice as many on one side to help react it I would call BS on, however I would say if the dishing is heavily offset then having extra spokes on the side where the spokes are at less of an angle side MAY (just may) be an advantage.

Others thoughts?

Simon

cooldad

No idea but I bought some cheap from On One, have been perfect. I'm a bit chunky and they get well hammered.
They look good as well.

But you expect a sensible discussion in cruddie?

May it end here.

The Rookie

Not sure if I expect a sensible reply in here, nowhere else to post it really though!

Good they are robust as the lad is looking at a set!

Simon

cooldad

Fulcrum is part of Campagnola, to give them a Shim Sram compatible lineup, named as such so Campag whores don't burn the factory down.
So it's not a rubbish no name brand.
Does seem like some spares (freehup etc) are quite pricy, and adjustment needs some googling and youtubing, but I'm happy with mine.

The Rookie

OK, didn't realise they wer Campga getting dirty under a pseudonym, I know they are a respected brand, the way the lad rides though, cheap (relatively) spares are a must - he subscribes to the 'bulldozer' school of riding - ride through anything!

Simon

cooldad

Suppose it depends what/if goes wrong. Wheel bearings are just standard as far as I know, and mine are still perfect without being touched after a year. But someone on here had a freehub bearing go - I think it was cheaper to replace the freehub.
They seem fairly tough though, not made of cheese.

Andy

The Beginner wrote:

Not sure if I expect a sensible reply in here, nowhere else to post it really though!

Don't be such a moron.

DCR00

cooldad wrote:

Suppose it depends what/if goes wrong. Wheel bearings are just standard as far as I know, and mine are still perfect without being touched after a year. But someone on here had a freehub bearing go - I think it was cheaper to replace the freehub.
They seem fairly tough though, not made of cheese.

That was me

I really liked mine, but got rid when i got the new forks

Parts are not cheap, and some are not standard

The main challenge is the lack of after-sales support should you need it

cooldad

I remember now. As mine cost a whole £89 and have lasted a year with no issues I'm not too fussed. Still look and feel new.

spongtastic

cooldad wrote:

I remember now. As mine cost a whole £89 and have lasted a year with no issues I'm not too fussed. Still look and feel new.

same here, apart from the relective stickers my overly cautious dayghter stuck on the rims.

Dave_P1

I'm running a set on my Lapierre and so far so good. There still dead true after everything from road riding to jumps / drops.

kenan

The spokes hurt when you slip changing a tyre, but they work well.