Fulcrum today announced the "Speed 25," a new wheelset designed to maximize climbing performance. It features a 26mm profile with a symmetrical front and asymmetrical back. According to Fulcrum, this optimizes the sweet spot for light weight and aerodynamics, and the wheelset is said to weigh 1,285g.

According to Fulcrum, the development of the Speed 25 wheelset was inspired by the race-winning Racing Light XLR wheels. Building on this, the brand infused the new Speed 25 wheels with several proprietary technologies to maximize lightness, handling, and smoothness.

Developed for big climbs, the Speed 25 is designed to be as light as possible. Fulcrum says several factors were considered to achieve a weight of 1,285g for the pair, including a 26mm profile and "Direct In-Mold Matte Finish" (DIMF) rims. Fulcrum achieves this by using a special resin that protects the rim directly from the mold.

In addition to this, the minimally designed hubs also contribute to the overall weight reduction of the wheel. According to Fulcrum, the weight of the hub is reduced by optimizing its internal and external sections to be as aerodynamic as possible, while maintaining strength and reliability and withstanding considerable torsional stress.

The low-profile, lightweight Speed 25 wheelset is designed to provide excellent handling and ride feel. According to Fulcrum, this is due to the symmetrical front rim and asymmetrical rear rim, which "ensure excellent aerodynamics and extreme responsiveness. The asymmetrical rear rim design allowed the team to create better dish angles and achieve higher lateral rigidity.

Meanwhile, the 24 flat-blade spokes front and rear used on the Speed 25 also contribute to the aerodynamics of the wheelset. Fulcrum's design philosophy embraces the idea of perfect nipple-spoke alignment, where the spokes do not touch at all, and this has been applied to the racing of the Speed 25. According to Fulcrum, this approach has several advantages, including long-term durability, resistance, and stiffness.

Because the Speed 25 wheelset is designed for climbing, the team needed to minimize rolling resistance. Fulcrum's USB (ultra-smooth bearing) ceramic bearings were used, which are guaranteed to have 50% less rolling resistance than standard bearings.

The wheels also feature Fulcrum's two-way fit profile, which is compatible with both clincher and tubeless tires.

This technology, which Fulcrum describes as "a construction technique based on a single CNC through-axle," is claimed to provide a rigid and solid base for all internal mechanisms, for maximum smoothness and stiffness on the road.

To celebrate the launch, Fulcrum is running a challenge on Strava called the Fulcrum Wheels Peak Conquering Challenge. Over the next 10 days, Strava users will have the chance to win a set of Speed 25 wheels by earning a Fulcrum digital badge and climbing 1,285 meters, the official weight of a Speed 25 wheel.

Join Strava's Fulcrum Wheels Cycling Club. (opens in new tab)

The Fulcrum Speed 25 wheelset is now available in three freehub options: HG11, XDR, and N3W. prices are as follows: