Road wheels

Fulcrum Wind 57 DB racewielset tubeless

Road wheels

Fulcrum Wind 57 DB racewielset tubeless

The Fulcrum Wind 57 DB is a road wheelset for disc brakes with tubeless-ready rims. The 57 hints at a deep rim profile, and the title names C23 and a 12 mm thru-axle.

What you get

  • Road wheelset for disc brakes
  • Tubeless, 2-Way Fit, C23
  • Silver, 12 mm thru-axle

Why upgrade your wheels?

Wheels are one of the most noticeable upgrades. Rotating weight costs more energy than weight on the frame, so lighter wheels feel livelier when accelerating and climbing. Stiffer wheels lose less energy in corners and sprints.

The rim profile is the main choice. A shallow rim (under 35 mm) is light, comfortable and stable in crosswinds. A deep rim (50 mm or more) is more aerodynamic above roughly 30 km/h, but heavier and more affected by crosswinds. A mid-depth profile (35 to 50 mm) tries to get the best of both.

Carbon or aluminium is the second choice. Carbon allows a deeper, lighter profile and is stiff, but costs more and handles braking heat poorly on rim brakes. Aluminium is tough and easy to look after. With disc brakes the heat problem disappears.

Look at the internal rim width. Modern rims are 19 to 25 mm wide inside and suit 25 to 32 mm tyres. A wider rim shapes the tyre better and adds comfort.

Deep or shallow rim profiles

Rim depth decides the main characteristics of your wheel.

ProfileWeight (set)Wind and speedComfortCrosswind and braking
Shallow (under 35 mm)Usually 1,400 to 1,600 gLess aero, strong climbingCompliant, softStable. Rim braking works well
Mid (35 to 50 mm)Usually 1,450 to 1,700 gGood balanceAverageUsually calm in crosswinds
Deep (50 mm or more)Usually 1,600 to 1,900 gAero gain above 30 km/hStiffer, harsherCrosswind-sensitive. Mainly disc brakes

Weights are indicative and depend on material, hub and brake type.

Choose it if

  • You ride fast on flat roads and want a deep profile
  • You want to run tubeless on the road
  • You want to ride faster or lighter on tarmac.
  • You ride often in a group or on flat terrain and can use the aero benefit.

Choose something else if

  • You often ride mountains or in crosswinds: a lower profile is calmer
  • You ride mostly in mountains and a lot of wind: choose a shallower profile.
  • You want the best value for performance: your existing wheels may be enough.

How to choose and fit road wheels

  1. Check the standard

    Check whether your frame uses disc or rim brakes, which axle (12 mm or quick release) and which cassette body (Shimano or SRAM XDR).

  2. Pick the profile

    Use the table: shallow for mountains and comfort, deep for speed on flat ground, mid as a compromise.

  3. Fit the cassette and tyre

    Slide your cassette onto the hub and tighten the lockring to the right torque. Then fit your tyre and tube or sealant.

  4. Seat the wheel in the frame

    Push the axle fully into the dropouts, tighten the thru-axle or quick release and check the wheel sits straight between the brakes.

  5. Check the brake and wheel true

    Spin the wheel: it should not rub on the pads or rotor. If it wobbles slightly, have the spokes trued at a workshop.

Good to know

  • Check the freehub and rotor mount, as the title does not list them
  • Deep rims catch more crosswind
  • Check whether carbon braking surfaces need special brake pads.
  • Have spokes and bearings checked yearly. Loose spokes cause wobble.
  • Respect the maker’s maximum system weight (rider, bike and luggage).
  • Deep rims are sensitive to crosswinds, especially for lighter riders.
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