Reactivity and resistance are the key words of Fulcrum’s return to the MTB arena. These two concepts have guided the development of the new Red Zone Carbon, a wheel that can handle challenging off-road terrain for demanding riders.
Red Zone Carbon is Fulcrum’s new formula for modern MTB use, with all our experience distilled in each component. A functional and unique design is married with a new matt finish straight from the mould (DIMF), with all the specifications that a rider expects from an XC/Marathon or Down Country wheel: inner rim width of 28 mm, light and extremely smooth rolling rim in a wheel fully-produced in Europe, with the majority of parts manufactured in Italy.
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• Nip(ple)Force double asymmetry profile carbon rim
• Tubeless-specific non-drilled bridge: 2 Way Fit™
• 26 mm high profile with a hookless system
• Wide inner rim width of 28 mm
• Direct Inmold Matt Finish (DIMF)
• Cup and cone bearings guarantee exceptional smoothness
• Weight: 1.445 g
The new NipForce (short of Nipple Force) asymmetric profile is one of the most evident key technologies of this wheel.
A wheel that provides a homogenous, uniform and reliable feel and greater resistance to lateral stresses. This is achieved with a double asymmetry of 6 mm, which alternates at every spoke with one of 3.5 mm.
The first is designed to optimise the dish of the spokes on the side that is most affected by the torsional stresses (disc side on the front and freewheel on the rear), to rebalance the tensions of the spokes and achieve a similar angle of the spokes on the right and left side. The second, on the opposite side, is used to achieve a spoke pull that passes as close as possible to the centre of the geometric section. For large channels, such as those found on MTB wheels, in fact, excessive asymmetries can render the forces applied (spoke pull) misaligned in relation to the geometric centre of the section, generating a rotation moment that stresses the structure of the carbon. This second asymmetry is therefore specifically designed to decrease this twisting moment typical of asymmetric MTB rims.
The design of the rim has been studied to maximise the balance, lateral stiffness and vertical absorption
Key characteristics for a high-level MTB wheel, but which are not always compatible with each other.
Finding the right balance between these aspects required as much laboratory testing as field testing, to reach the final solution from over 12 different prototypes tested.
The design of the rim is completed with a profile height of 26 mm and an inner rim width of 28 mm, hookless: the ideal formula for tyres between 2.2” and 2.4”. The inner channel doesn’t have any holes on the bridge (MoMAG technology) to guarantee an immediate, safe and comfortable tubeless use, as well as resulting in a stronger structure compared to a drilled rim.
Thanks to the double asymmetry of the rim (flipped front and rear), which uses 1.6 mm butted spokes (24 front and 28 rear)
The overall architecture of the Red Zone carbon has been designed to provide a perfect ride feel and reliability on the most difficult terrains.
The conical hubs have the flange sunk in the body of the hub, in order to achieve the best possible seating for the spokes and maximise the bending resistance.
The flanges are also geometrically linked so that all the spokes are the same length, resulting in fewer spare parts. The hubs are finished with our refined cup & cone system that guarantees a high level of smoothness.
Tyre Type: 2-Way fit™
Weight: 1.445 g
Rim height: Front and rear 26 mm, asymmetric
Rim width: 33 mm
Inner rim width: 28 mm
Spokes: Steel double butted, Straight pull
Bearings: Cup & Cone
Freewheel body: XDr, HG11, ms12
Fill in your details for a chance to win a set of Red Zone Carbon, specifically developed for MTB use with the best technology from our top of the range wheels
Fulcrum’s second MTB wheel is the result of the experience learned in the development of the Red Zone Carbon. It is designed for a wider range of riders looking for a tough and reliable product for off-road fun and performance.
Amongst the technical specifications derived directly from its older sibling, we find the hubs and the spoke count of 24 on the front and 28 on the rear. The CNC machined aluminium rim has a profile of 19 mm and an inner rim width of 25 mm. The Red Zone 3 are an all-purpose wheel, which is extremely versatile and suited to multiple uses: training wheels, sturdy race wheels or the perfect base for adventure bikes (gravel bikes with Boost spacing).
mud-splattered
victories
From Absalon to Dahle Flesjå:
our MTB adventure includes unique champions
and iconic products
Let’s take three world championship winning mountain bikers: Julien Absalon, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå and José Hermida. What do they all have in common apart from class, hunger for victory and an enviable palmarès? Wheels. All three of them have used Fulcrum wheels during their extraordinary careers.
