Wheelset Comparison – Mavic Aksium vs. Fulcrum Racing 7 LG

Our wheel-expert Martin regularly puts two wheelsets in the spotlight to compare them to each other. This way you’ll get to know the differences between different wheelsets of the same price range. Of course we’re not going to compare apples and oranges in this wheelset comparison blog, so we chose similar wheels from different brands.In this first
‘sprint à deux’ Martin examines the entry-level wheels by Mavic and Fulcrum: the Mavic Aksium and the Fulcrum Racing 7 LG.

With a price of £100-200, these two are the entry-level models of two wheel giants. Mavic and Fulcrum have been at it for years, and also produce up-market high-end road bike wheelsets. This knowledge and experience is also put to use in the entry-level wheelsets. First a comparison based on the specifications:

Wheelset comparison - the specifications

As you can see from the specifications the wheels are hardly different. Weight, rim width, bearing, material of the rim, body, spokes, and nipples are all virtually the same. There are some differences, though.

The differences

Right away you can see that the Fulcrum 7 LG wheels are deeper than the Mavic Aksium wheels.

This in combination with the nice design, make the Fulcrum wheels look better than the Mavic Aksiums.

Stability

The Fulcrum Racing 7 LG wheels are surprisingly stable. This is the result of two things: an asymmetric rim and an oversized hub.

The asymmetric rim means that the spokes are not in the middle of rim, but are more on the left. The right side of the rim is wider than the left, which results in more stability. The cassette is also on the right side of the wheel. This side, the drive side, is subjected to more forces than the other side. The asymmetric rim balances out the power differences.

Because of the same reason, the flange has also been enlarged. The flange is the location where the spokes are attached to the hub, so at the heart of the wheel so to say. With increasing the size of the body on this side, the spokes are shorter on that side. Result: more stability.

Spokes

The spokes are different as well. The Mavic Aksium wheels have straight-pull spokes whereas the Fulcrum Racing 7 LG wheels have J-bend spokes.

Straight-pull spokes are in a straight line from the flange to the rim. J-bend spokes have a j-bend where they are attached in the flange. So it’s all in the name.

Then what’s the difference between straight pull spokes and j-bend spokes? The difference is in the strength of the spokes. Straight spokes are stronger than spokes with a bend in them.

The Aksium wheels are stronger and stiffer than the Fulcrum Racing 7 LG wheels. Add to that that the Aksiums have 20 spokes in the front wheel (compared to 18 in the Fulcrum set) and you can rightly say that the Mavic wheels are more like tanks.

Adjustable hub

Fulcrum have, however, an important benefit compared to the Mavic Aksiums. The adjustable hub makes sure that the play in the bearings can be reduced.

Do take in mind that you leave some play if you’re not on the bike. The play is necessary to cushion the extra pressure on the bearings when you put your weight on the bike.

Wheelset comparison - summary

In a nutshell: the wheels are virtually the same, performance-wise. Most of the specifications are comparable. Both have an excellent price-quality ratio. If you’re looking for decent wheelsets without having to spend much money, these wheels are your best options.

But which ones should I get? The Mavic Aksiums are perfect if you’re looking for a ‘bomb proof’ wheelset. The straight-pull spokes, the two extra spokes in the front wheel and the steel body make the wheels the strongest on the market.

The Fulcrum Racing 7 LGs are perfect for you if you’re looking for more refined technology. The decals on the rim and the higher rim at the rear wheels look great. The asymmetric rim and oversized flange make this an incredibly comfortable wheelset.

Despite the comfort, they absolutely are not weak. All the credits to Fulcrum in this area. The CX version, with the closed bearings, also suitable for use in the winter or cyclocross races.