Fulcrum ventures into the Trail with the lightweight and durable Metal Carbon and Metal ALX

The Italian manufacturer Fulcrum is once again delving into the wildest modalities of MTB with the new Metal Carbon and Metal ALX wheels. They offer ultralight and highly resistant models ready to set a new milestone in the trail sector.

New Metal Carbon and ALX wheels, Fulcrum's expertise reaches the Trail

Fulcrum's mountain bike catalog was inaugurated with the Red Zone family for XC. Now, they continue to expand it with the arrival of the Metal Carbon and Metal ALX models. These wheels are specifically designed for the Trail, combining high performance with the need for agility and resistance.

Fulcrum METAL CARBON

The Fulcrum Metal Carbon wheels include a carbon rim with an internal width of 32 mm, a choice motivated by being the best in tests for 2.4-2.6" tires. Their Nip(ple) Force design optimizes the balance between lateral stiffness and vertical absorption capacity, thanks also to the patented construction system using FF80 fibers and resins.

This construction and design system results in a wheel with balanced and reliable behavior, with greater resistance. This is contributed by a double asymmetry: 6 mm on one side and 3.5 mm on the other.

The 2-Way FitTM rim is made with a non-drilled bridge, which increases strength and allows for tubeless setup without the need for tape. The DSRC™ supports are located between the carbon fiber, in the area of the spoke holes, to offer a firmer seating of the spoke heads and distribute tension over a wider area, as well as solve potential corrosion issues.

Fulcrum METAL ALX

The Fulcrum Metal ALX wheels are designed for a wider audience looking for reliable and fun MTB-trail wheels without sacrificing performance.

The rim is made of 6069 aluminum with welded joint and has an internal channel of 30 mm. The special CNC machining on the front part lightens the rim in areas not under stress and also contributes to giving it a more aggressive aesthetic. The tactile laser engravings and Form-Function Fulcrum reflective stickers complete a unique look.

The weight of the Fulcrum Metal Carbon is 1,550 g in the XDR version.

Fulcrum Hubs and Bearings

The Metal Carbon and Metal ALX share the same hub, made with stainless steel cone and cup bearings. This is a characteristic solution of Fulcrum's high-end products that allows the bearing to adapt to the force exerted by the spokes, reducing stress on the bearing and ensuring greater smoothness and durability for the wheel compared to more classic cartridge systems. The bearing is fully removable and the parts can be inspected separately.

The spokes are made of steel, tuned to 1.6 mm in Metal Carbon and 1.8 mm in Metal ALX. Fulcrum chooses to place 24 spokes on the front wheel and 28 on the rear wheel to offer the best balance between maneuverability, impact resistance, and lightness.

The weight of the Fulcrum Metal ALX is 1,860 g in the XDR version.

Fulcrum Metal Carbon and ALX: models, prices, and availability

In addition to the Trail, the Metal Carbon and Metal ALX models can also be used on lightweight electric MTBs—with a maximum tightening torque of 60 Nm, and a maximum rider+bike weight of 135 kg—in versions equipped with steel bodies. Currently, these versions are only available for OEM, but the bodies can be converted on all wheels.

• Fulcrum Metal Carbon (XDR, Microspline) - €1640
• Fulcrum Metal ALX (XDR, Microspline, HG) - €650

You can check the rest of Fulcrum's specifications or models on the official website.