10/31/04 - Though they were introduced at the Milan bike show, Campagnolo chose not to display their Fulcrum wheelsets at Interbike. Our inquiry about the wheels led to a glancing stare, and then a little bit of waiting as the Campy rep retrieved a colleague to handle our inquiry. After scrutinizing our press credentials, he led us to the hidden, dark confines of the Campagnolo booth for a behind-the-scenes presentation.

Fulcrum is a new company started by Campagnolo. Actually a subsidiary of Campagnolo, Fulcrum is a direct answer to the various boutique wheelmakers such as Mavic, and VeloMax.

Fulcrum's wheel lines run upward like bike racing categories: Racing5 is the entry-level model, Racing3 is the middle-range model, and Racing1 is the "créme de la créme". There is a meticulous attention to detail, notably in addressing the balance of the wheel with strategically designed balancing weights.

As well as eliminating the need for rim strips with their closed inner rim wall, Fulcrum wheels also feature a newer stronger dual-sided cam in their skewers. The wheels look good and unique from anything on the market.

Here’s to the new kid on the block.