Better performance thanks to new carbon fibres
The improvements to the Red Zone Carbon+ are said to have been made possible by an innovative combination of resins and unidirectional FF100 high modulus fibres. Fulcrum has these produced in-house according to its own specifications. The new carbon generation should retain or improve all previous structural properties. According to Fulcrum, handling is said to have increased by 9.5 per cent and reactivity by 10 per cent compared to the Red Zone Carbon wheel.
The characteristic shape of the Red Zone carbon rim has remained unchanged, while technologies such as MoMag and DSRC (Directional Rim-Spoke Coupling) - which we will discuss later on - have been integrated. The cone bearings have been optimised with USB ceramic bearings, which should lead to improved wheel smoothness and a reduction in weight and maintenance costs.
Asymmetric rim: New lamination and many technologies
According to the manufacturer, the decisive improvement of the Red Zone Carbon+ rim lies in a new mixture of resins and unidirectional FF100 high-modulus fibres. This special fibre arrangement enables a weight reduction of 4-5% compared to the Red Zone Carbon and should also improve handling.
The asymmetric profile - called NIP(PLE) FORCE - is one of the most important technologies of this wheel. It is designed to offer a homogeneous, balanced function and greater resistance to lateral forces thanks to a double asymmetry: 6 mm on one side and 3.5 mm on the other. The first asymmetry equalises the spoke tension, while the second reduces the torsional moment typical of asymmetric MTB rims.
28 mm wide tubeless rim
The so-called DRSC technology around the nipple holes is intended to increase stiffness and ensure an even distribution of forces as well as perfect alignment of the spokes between the rim and the hub.
The rims with a profile of 26 mm and an inner width of 28 mm are designed to provide optimum support for tyres between 2.2 and 2.4 inches wide. Thanks to the so-called MoMAG technology in the rim well, simple, safe and uncomplicated tubeless use is possible.
Hub and bearings: USB - Ultra Smooth Bearings
The conical hubs with a flange milled into the bearing caps are designed to provide the best possible fit for the spokes and maximise flexural strength. The hubs run on aerospace-grade aluminium alloy axles, which, according to Fulcrum, enables minimal tolerances and perfect alignment.
The USB ceramic bearings complete the hub system and offer maximum wheel smoothness and reliability. The pawl system of the freewheel has also been revised and equipped with three pawls and 36 teeth, which should ensure direct engagement, robustness and durability.
Red Zone Carbon+ - Data and prices
- New FF100 high modulus fibres for improved handling
- Wheel size 29 inch
- Internal rim width 28 mm
- Number of spokes 24 front / 24 rear
- Bearing Ceramic USB
- Undrilled rim base for easy tubeless mounting
- Wheel weight 1385 g
- Price 2177 Euro (Sram XD freewheel) / 2191 Euro (Shimano Micro Spline freewheel)
Stefan Frey
Editor
