Fulcrum Racing 1

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Pinarello Prince w/Super Record 11
Cervelo SLC-SL w/Super Record 11

Summary:
I've got the 2-way version and run tubeless Hucthinson Fusion 2s. Excellent ride quality, a definite notch above regular clinchers. Tire mounting is fairly easy and the lower riding pressures translates into improved riding characteristics. Not yet at the level of a tubular, but getting closer. No pinch flats are a big plus. Campagnolo internals in the hubs are top notch. I still find that Campy has the best/smootest running hubs out there. DT Swiss 240s a close second. Nice and stiff at a decent weight.

Strengths:
Strong, fairly light and semi-aero (bladed spokes).

Weaknesses:
None really. Good quality wheel for the money.

Similar Products Used:
Campagnolo Shamal Ultras, Bontrager Race X lites, DT Swiss 1450, Bontrager XXX lites, Campagnolo Hyperon Ultras.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at BikeTiresDirect

Bike Setup:
2006 Felt 2C, Dura, FSA SLK crank

Summary:
I got the 2008 model (the ones that require a tube) for a great closeout price. These are very nice hoops -- much better than the Ksyrium SLs they replaced. No noticeable flex (I'm 185 lbs), but the ride is surprisingly smooth, to the point where I now ride on poorly surfaced roads that I avoided with my Ksyriums. The wheels spin up well and are very stable in crosswinds. Mounting tires is a bit hard; I've had to use irons when working with new tires, which wasn't the case with the Ksyriums. I've put on about 1300 miles so far and they've kept absolutely true, despite the railroad crossings and horrible pavement we have here.

Strengths:
Great ride quality and (so far) durability

Weaknesses:
Tires can be a bit hard to mount; expensive at full price

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SL

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
2003 Trek 2300, 2010 SRAM Force, Fulcrum Racing 1's.

Summary:
To say I like these wheels would be a total understatement. They are simply amazing! They are fast, stiff and yet very compliant and comfortable. They dramatically improved the handling of my bike! Even on my aluminum frame, they are not harsh. Quit looking at reviews and go buy them now. You won't be sorry!

Strengths:
Light, stiff, fast, compliant, comfortable, and they look awesome!

Weaknesses:
I found them for half the price just 2 months after buying them.

Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race Lite

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Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Nalshima

Favorite Ride:
Matsuhime Pass

Bike Setup:
Cervelo R3-SL,
Fizik Alliante saddle,
FSA K Wing carbon bars,
Look Keo pedals.
All Shimano Dura Ace 7800, except Shimano Ultegra SL compact crank.

Summary:
At 215 lbs, 6'2" and riding lots of mileage (our typical every weekend ride is 75-125 miles, with at least one or two real climbs), I am very tough on equipment, especially wheels. After many repairs, including many spokes and both rim replacement (but still the original hubs), I finally gave up on my 2004 Mavic SSC SL's early this year and got Fulcrum 1's. I had heard were rock solid. So far, after 5-6 months and lots and lots of miles, I am impressed.

I got the 2009 2-way tubeless version, which cost a bit more but were recommended by the shop (Nalshima), where one of their rider/staff swears by them. They are great wheels and I'm very happy with the tubeless tires, but it did take some effort.

1. It took awhile to get used to mounting the tubeless tires (use plenty of detergent with some water to seal the bead). And follow the instructions very carefully or it will be nearly impossible to get them seated properly and true.

2. My first Hutchinson Fusion 2 tubeless rear tire seemed like it was defective from day 1 -- had a pinhole leak in the side-wall. I'm using IRC tubeless tires and they work great (no sealant needed). I have got a spare of the next generation Hutchinson for when I need a replacement, but I'm happy with the IRC -- no problems the last 1000 miles or more. More selection of tires will help -- look forward to the Specialized Turbo.

3. I bent the rear rim on a descent in June, going over the edge of a bridge/elevated stretch of road. I hit the 2cm (3/4 inch) protruding concrete edge going pretty fast downhill. The tire did not flat (no tube = no pinch flat!), but there was a "womp, womp" sound when I braked and, sure enough, the rim was bent. I fear that the complex shape of the rim needed to accommodate the tubeless system is weaker than an ordinary clincher rim? ... but then again, I break just about everything, and I was going fast when I hit the edge (view obstructed by the rider whose line I was following). In any event, I have a great mechanic and the new rim cost was reasonable, and they are now as good as new.

More on ride quality below.

Strengths:
1. Fast rolling -- I think the tubeless really do have lower rolling resistance. These tires are fast. Very nice Campy hubs. Also reasonably light for climbing.
2. Extremely comfortable on rough pavement and bumps, but excellent "road feel."
3. Great for cornering and descending -- give me lots of confidence.
4. No pinch flats. And when I did get a flat/leak this Spring from some kind of wire, they lost air very, very slowly, even without any sealant.
5. No spoke or other adjustments needed -- rock solid except for the incident mentioned above.

Weaknesses:
1. Tough to get the tires seated until you get used to the road tubeless system.
2. Limited selection of tires.
3. Expensive ... at least in Tokyo, even at 20% off list price. But then again, I could not find anything cheaper that seemed nearly as good.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL, Reynolds Stratus DV Cross tubulars, Mavic Open Pro w/ Dura Ace hubs, others.

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Price Paid:  $1399.00 at Canyon bicycle (Salt

Favorite Ride:
Emigration Canyon

Bike Setup:
Seven Odonata/ID8
Campy super record 11
Fulcrum racing 1 wheels

Summary:
Awesome wheel. I love it. I have been riding Reynold's DV 46c for two years and I am glad to be on these (Reynolds melted rear wheel twice, lousy braking, terrible in crosswind). They ride smooth and quiet and corner like a sports car. They are bombproof and look pretty good. Campy hubs/bearings are excellent. They brake excellently compared to the Reynolds I was on and all around better ride. Recomend without reservation.

Strengths:
Corner excellently
quiet
bombproof
great smooth ride
great power transfer
look good

Weaknesses:
price
Not the lightest wheel on the market but I am not the lightest rider

Similar Products Used:
Reynolds dv46c
Reynolds stratus tubular (46mm)
Rolf Vigor
Ksyrium SL ssc