Fulcrum Soniq 42 wheels: Wave profile also available in a more affordable version

The Italian wheel specialist Fulcrum is expanding its product range with a new mid-range model with a carbon rim. The Soniq 42 is already the second wheel with rims in an eye-catching wave design, allowing the Italians to stand out from the crowd. The striking shape, which is similar to the high-end race models from Princeton or Zipp, is intended to offer the best possible compromise between low air resistance and low crosswind sensitivity.

In addition to the striking rim, which is 47 millimetres high at the highest points and 42 millimetres high at the flatter points, the new Soniq has other similarities with the Sharq, which was presented last year: The 25 millimetre wide tubeless rim is designed for use on all-road and gravel bikes. At least 30 millimetre wide tyres are recommended for road use; there are no restrictions for wider gravel tyres.

The rim has a closed tubeless bed, so there is no need for an additional rim tape. When it comes to the currently hotly debated topic of hookless, the Italians have opted for a middle ground: so-called mini-hooks are intended to ensure that the tyre does not come off even at high pressures. This means that the Soniq, like the Sharq, can also be ridden with clincher tyres with tubes inserted. A maximum permissible pressure has not been communicated.

The Fulcrum Soniq 42 wheelset costs 1590 euros and, according to the manufacturer, weighs 1595 grams. That is 155 grams more than the significantly more expensive Sharq at 2460 euros. Other differences to the high-end model are the adjustable steel ball bearings - the Sharq uses high-quality ceramic bearings - as well as the hubs and spokes. The wheelset is available with all the usual freewheel variants (Campagnolo N3W, SRAM XDR, Shimano HG, Shimano Microspline).