Crap wheels that came with bike - persist or replace?
Crap wheels that came with bike - persist or replace?
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TheFungle

Original Poster:

4,253 posts

235 months

Wednesday 19th April 2017
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My mid-range Genesis Equilibrium 20 that came equipped with a solid range of components (105 etc) turns out has wheels made of cheese.

Despite being Fulcrum the DBX disc wheels are distinctly low end, 800 miles of mainly dry riding over 3 months has seen the rear bearings disintegrate and Freehub give up the ghost.

Even if I am successful with a warranty claim I expect the Freehub to soon give up the ghost again, online reports suggest they aren't known for their longevity.

With an imminent house move a new set of wheels are an expense I could do without but I'm thinking just stick a set of Hope's on and be done with it.

Was expecting more from Fulcrum TBH, even at the budget OEM end of their range.

weedram

122 posts

227 months

Wednesday 19th April 2017
quotequote all
The bad news, as you have found, is that the bearings used in lower end Fulcrum & Campag wheels (same company) are rubbish.

The good news is that they are cheap and easy to replace. Even best quality bearings from the likes of SKF are less than £5 each. There will be 2 in each of the hubs and another 2 in the free hub. They are all easy to replace and there are some helpful videos on YouTube, or your LBS will charge £15 - £20 a wheel to replace them.