Fulcrum Racing 3

Price Paid:  $950.00 at parkers, Perth Weste

Favorite Ride:
Hills (mostly down!)

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR1 (Aluminium frame) Ultegra group set, Vittoria Rubino pro, 120 psi rear, 110 front.

Summary:
Felt fantastic straight out of the box. Rear non drive side spokes rotating and now wheels are out of true! Very disapointed. Heavy rider 112kg/194cm and have had a lot of trouble with spokes and rims (open pro 32's/DT/Siapem/Ultegra). I know, loose some weight yah fat bugger!!
Was 'promosed' by the shop that these wheels were the strongest around.

Strengths:
Stiffness

Weaknesses:
rotating non drive side spokes/out of true after 500 k's

Similar Products Used:
Macis open pro 32/Swiss DT/Ultegra

Price Paid:  $395.00 at online in Italy

Favorite Ride:
out my back door

Bike Setup:
06' Trek Madone SL - Ultegra - SMP Stratos saddle - Bon RXL carbon bar

Summary:
I am 44; 165 lbs; ride 2 - 4 times/wk; always in the hills or mountains.

I loved these wheels as soon as I put them on. Before these, I had only ridden on the Bontrager Race Lites that came on my Madone. So, although I don't have much to compare them to, I do know that the Fulcrums made me a better rider the first day out.

I'm a bit obssisive about research, so I spent hours reading and talking with riders. The Fulcrum campaign was helped by the fact that I live in Italy and was able to find a killer deal... under $400! If the exchange rate were better they would truly be a steal. Not sure how I would feel if I had to fork out $550 or $600.

The first few days out three things stood out. First; the hubs may be the best part of these wheels. They are wonderfully smooth. Second; they are so solid without feeling heavy or sluggish. I guess its from the stiffness. They certainly feel stiffer than the Race Lites I was on. Anyway, because of this I feel far more confident on the mountain roads I regulary ride. Third; I go faster. How's that for science. Seriously though, I simply gain speed more quickly and hold it more easily.

I have upgraded several other parts on my bike over the last couple of years. Nothing has yielded the results that these wheels have. I am already wondering what the Racing 1's or even the Zero's would do for my riding next summer. I know. It's not the bike... It's the wheels!

Strengths:
Hubs are fantastic - the same hubs are used on the racing 1 and racing zero!
stiff and solid
great looking
yes, they do sound cool

Weaknesses:
a touch heavy at 1605 g
maybe a bit spendy in the U.S.

Price Paid:  $289.00 at Jedi Sports.com

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
TCR C1, Ultegra Shifters, 105 F&R Derrailleur, FSA SLK Crankset

Summary:
I researched alot before purchasing these wheeels, I am 96kg so needed something strong. These wheels certainly live up to my expectations, they are incredibly stiff, the feedback from the road is intuitive and precise without being chattery (paired with Conti GP 4000s tyres) and they corner like on rails. When I get out of the saddle and sprint they are very complient and I can feel my input translated into forward motion, unlike my previous Shimano wheels that felt like sponges under me compared to these. I am an aggressive rider, even though I am only commuting, I push hard usually averaging 40kph+ on the flat, there aren't many hills in Singapore.
I can not reccomend them enough for those heavier riders out there, reasonable light, incredible strong and look great, I love the angry wasp sound eminating from the rear, its the sound of quality.
There are some good deals if you shop around online. The price (Euro)and service at Jedi is excellent, I highly reccomend www.jedi-sports.de/ the owner Symen replies promptly to emails and is extremely helpful.

Strengths:
Strong, light, smoothe, great value, less common + the bling factor

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Shimano R500, Xero XR1

Price Paid:  $750.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Pinarello 3:13, Ultegra, Fulcrum Racing 3, Selle SMP Saddle, Ritchey Carbon WCS bars

Summary:
These wheels are awesome. I am a road racer and have put 5000 miles on them through all sorts of crazy terrain and descents. I have hit potholes at high speeds and even a sewer grate that gouged out a good long scrape on the side of my rear wheel, but these have stayed true all along and no broken spokes. Fulcrum's bearing technology is fantastic, and these wheels spin amazingly fast and long. This is no surprise as Fulcrum is basically Campy for Shimano riders. I highly recommend these.

Strengths:
Very durable, very stiff, holds lines thru corners, very fast. Great looking wheels.

Weaknesses:
Somewhat pricey but in the ball park for a superb wheelset.

Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Mavic

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Terry hamond cycles

Favorite Ride:
Chelsea to Sorento

Bike Setup:
FELT F35 Carbon - Kinesium
Dura-ace 7800 group set
FSA K-Force bars - stem - cranks - post
Fulcrum racing 3's
GP4000's

Summary:
Being 195 cm and 95 kg's I have discovered that I am pretty good at damaging wheels.
In the past I have had Mavic Aksiums and Cosmic Elites. The Aksiums split and were to flexy. The Cosmics were strong enough but heavy and still flexy and didn't roll that well.

Since I purchased the Fulcrum racing 3's it feels like I'm on a different bike. The wheels just roll and roll and roll. They are super stiff and a great weight. The spin up very well. My usual ride of 80 kmh just seems so much easier and the power transfer has improved greatly. The only regret I have is that I wasted money on two sets of Mavic wheels before I got these. If you are looking for a reasonably light strong set of wheels at a great price. Look no further that the Racing 3's.

Strengths:
Light and Stiff and just roll forever. Adjustable hub bearings.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Similar Products Used:
Mavic Cosmic Elite
Mavic Aksium