Test long life of Fulcrum Sharq wheels

In June 2024, Fulcrum unveiled a remarkable new product: the Sharq wheels. Presented as the first wheels Allroad of the brand, they aim to redefine performance standards on mixed terrain, from smooth asphalt to more rugged gravel paths. With their innovative design and advanced technical features, the Fulcrum Sharq are aimed at both competitors and demanding amateurs looking for versatility and speed. But how are they really worth in use? Answer after a test spread over a little over 1500 km.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: ©3bikes.fr/DR

Launched after more than 4 hours of research and development, the Sharq were testlaunched on the ground by riders like Mattia De Marchi, who took 5th place at the 2024 Unbound Gravel with a prototype. This launch coincides with the 20th anniversary of Fulcrum, a brand that, despite being under the Campagnolo umbrella, claims its own identity.

Entirely designed in Italy and assembled in Europe, These wheels embody meticulous craftsmanship and a desire to push the boundaries of innovation., even if here it is the search for versatility which dominates.

=> Buy the Fulcrum Sharq for €2099 instead of €2460

The 2-Wave Rim

The most striking feature of the Fulcrum Sharq at first glance is its unique rim profile., dubbed 2-Wave Rim. This design combines a symmetrical wave near the spokes with an asymmetrical wave on the sidewalls, creating a rim height ranging from 42 to 47 mm. This choice is not purely aesthetic: Fulcrum claims that this shape reduces instability caused by crosswinds by 21% for angles of 0 to 10° and up to 30% between 10 and 20°, compared to a traditional rim of the same height.

These figures, taken from tests in the wind tunnel, position the Sharq as a response to the aerodynamic challenges of varied courses, in order to provide more stability without sacrificing speed.

Made from carbon with a proprietary blend of FF100 fibers and resins, the rims are considered lightweight and responsive, despite an internal width of 25 mm. They are like this compatible with tires from 30 to 65 mm, in order to widely extend their field of action, routes traditional for endurance use up to the most rugged gravel paths.

Fulcrum also continues its tradition with an undrilled rim (Mo technologyMag), making the montage native tubeless and eliminating the need for rim tape, while integrating mini-hooks for optimal safety with or without an inner tube.

A3RO spokes: an aerodynamic innovation

To complement this rim profile, Fulcrum has developed the A3RO spokes, a new addition to its range. These flat stainless steel spokes, measuring 3 mm wide and 0,8 mm thick, are designed to optimize aerodynamicsTheir attachment to the hub has been redesigned with a specific interface: two additional notches and a flattening at the base prevent any rotation, guaranteeing constant alignment.

With 24 spokes per wheel, arranged in a 2:1 pattern (more spokes on the side subject to the highest stress), the Sharq avoid any contact between them, a feature which maintains tension over the long term and reduces maintenance requirements.

High-end hubs for exemplary fluidity

The Sharq hubs are not left out. Fulcrum has opted for its cone and cup system equipped with USB ceramic bearings, reconnaked for its softness and precision. This choice, inherited from the brand's other high-end models, allows for fine adjustment of the preload and ensures increased durability, even on demanding terrain. The aluminum hubs, compatible with Centerlock standards for disc brakes, are available with several freewheel body options: Shimano HG, Microspline, SRAM XDR or Campagnolo N3W.

Lightness and versatility

Weighing in at 1g per pair, the Sharqs are average for carbon wheels in this category, but they shine with their versatility.. Classified in ASTM category 2, they are designed to resist impacts while absorbing the roughness of the terrain, an essential quality for gravel outings or routes degraded.

More When we talk about versatility, we inevitably make compromises.The wide rim imposes the montagand a wide tire (30 mm here), and in tubeless version the Michelin Pro 5 still weighs 325g on the scale. Weight to which must be added that of the preventive liquid. This results in approximately 365 g for the running gear. Compared to the Mavic Cosmic carbon SLR in 45 mm With the Continental tubed tires that equipped my bike until now, the weight increase is about 100g on the wheelset, all other things being equal. And for an equivalent price.

This translates into a little less responsiveness during restarts and changes of pace. On normal courses, this is noticeable. Fortunately, The Fulcrum Sharqs demonstrate sufficient rigidity for the bike to retain its usual characteristicsClimbing hard or sprinting hard never poses any handling problems. But the Sharqs aren't too stiff, and they remain dynamic enough that you don't feel like you're struggling with the bike's stiffness.

Comfort, yes, but…

This mytagThe tire is normally designed for endurance. And endurance means resistance of the casing, and comfort for the cyclist. In both cases, I was not totally convinced. Firstly because of several punctures (see here), then because I never found the necessary dynamism with the inflation pressure normally recommended for this type of tire. I therefore had to inflate a little more strongly to feel a little performance, while losing quite a lot of comfort.

In short, I expected a silky and responsive touch on the route, like with tires with cotton sidewalls, and ultimately I was disappointed on that side. The Fulcrum Sharq probably deserves better on the route, in any case to compete in terms of performance with carbon wheels in this price range.

But of course, their stability with crosswind, superior to that of many models with such a rim height, raises the level. Because more stable wheels, less subject to gusts of wind, reduce fatigue at the end of the ride and ultimately improve the general feeling of comfort.

Add to this the quality of the bearings, the fluidity of the freewheel and the total absence of parasitic noise, to conclude that in this area, the results are generally positive.

Off the beaten track

Leaving the route, the Sharq are back in their prime. For wheels that can be used on rough paths with large tires inflated to around 2 bars, their weight becomes an asset. Because few gravel-specific wheels are this light, especially with this rim profile. An interesting profile on rolling paths, but which does not handicap the Sharq too much when the travel speed is lower.

By borrowing singletracks a bit technical and littered with roots, I didn't feel any significant difference in inertia compared to the wheels with a 32 mm deep rim that I usually use for gravel. On the other hand, it seemed to me that on the fast sections, I picked up more speed, and above all that I could maintain it more easily. But honestly, I can't say if the aerodynamic efficiency with a 40 mm section tire with knobs is really there.

Despite a few tough outings, the wheels did not suffer. They confirm their adaptability, even if, in gravel more than on the route, it is often the tire that makes the difference.

Price and availability

The Fulcrum Sharq is available for €2, a price that places them in the segment premium, in competition with models like the Zipp 353 NSWThey come with tubeless valves and carrying cases, ready to be mounted on any bike, from route or gravel… or both.

Promise kept?

With the Sharq, Fulcrum makes a remarkable entry into the wave-profile wheel category, joining pioneers like Zipp and Princeton CarbonWorks. Their stability in windy conditions, their careful construction and their adaptability make them an attractive option for cyclists looking for versatile and high-performance equipment. It isan interesting high-end pair of wheels for those who refuse to choose between asphalt and trails.

More These wheels also have the defects of their qualities. Good everywhere, they are not exceptional in any area, except in their ability to move from one terrain to another without flinching. In the same price category, we find lighter, more aerodynamic, more explosive.

Their good behavior, whatever the terrain, will also depend on the right choice of tires. On the route, in any case they deserve light and high-end tires to offer maximum pleasure.

=> Buy the Fulcrum Sharq for €2099 instead of €2460

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