Fulcrum Rapid Red 3...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

Fulcrum Rapid Red 3 gravel wheels

9 Posts
5 Users
0 Reactions
2,266 Views
 PJay
Posts: 4818
Free Member
Topic starter
 

I need a set of gravel wheels (I've not decided on 650b or 700c yet, although I suspect that either will do). I know very little about wheels and what's best, but I've seen some good deals on Fulcrum Rapid Red 3 gravel wheels.

Now I know that chasing deals over recommendations isn't necessarily the wisest route, but I wondered whether these would be decent enough for a build that will probably be mostly road based with some bumpy bridleway excursions? Would I be better looking at an entry level set of DT Swiss? The Fulcrum's are cup and cone which I'm not keen on.

My frame (Ragley Trig) will take 650b x 47 with a front mech or 700x40.

RAPID RED 3 - Gravel Wheels (fulcrumwheels.com)


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 1:10 pm
Posts: 4381
Full Member
 

Freewheel has 650b DT GR 1600's for £400 a pair at the moment.


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 1:35 pm
 PJay
Posts: 4818
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you, I'll have a look.

Would the DT Swiss wheels be significantly better? I've seen the Fulcrums for significantly less & they seem well reviewed.


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 1:42 pm
Posts: 4381
Full Member
 

They got a great review on cycling tips

The long term availability of spares, particularly hub spares would be a decider for me and Hope and DT  both seem to be pretty good on that front.


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 1:46 pm
 PJay
Posts: 4818
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Hmm, they do look good and 15% off my first order. I shall have a think!


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 1:58 pm
Posts: 3046
Full Member
 

I've got the Rapid Red 5s on my Diverge. They seem fine for me. Rear hub is near silent!! They have several versions available, though they aren't as cheap as the offer I hot earlier this year.

Gravel wheels


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 2:54 pm
 PJay
Posts: 4818
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Merlin have the Rapid Red 3 set for £250, which seems bonkers, but I'm aware that it's wise to invest in a solid wheelset & the GR 1600s are tempting.

I wish I could make my mind up on size too!


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 3:17 pm
Posts: 11522
Full Member
 

Are you sure they're cup and cone? I thought their disc wheels were cartridge.

Fulcrum cup and cone (and even modern/high end Shimano) is a million times easier to maintain and adjust than it used to be, literally an allen key job. I've touch my Racing 3s maybe 3 times in 6 years.


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 4:40 pm
Posts: 2923
Full Member
 PJay
Posts: 4818
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Are you sure they’re cup and cone? I thought their disc wheels were cartridge.

The Rapid Red 3s are cup and cone according to the Fulcrum site (although the 5s are cartridge).

I just need to decide whether the DT Swiss wheels are worth the extra. I might need to start tossing coins (for wheel size too!).


 
Posted : 14/10/2023 7:17 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!