I got a new pair of Fulcrum Racings 1 last week and only have tried them a couple of times and I like them so far, the only question I have is with the hubs. They do not seem as smooth as my 2003 Ksyrium SL's. When you spin the wheels in your hands they don't feel as nice at the Mavics. Is it because they need more break in time?

Thanks for your help...

This is a pick on the wheels on my De Rosa.

When you spin the wheels in your hands they don't feel as nice at the Mavics.

What you're feeling is the betterness of the better Campagnolo bearings. Better.

better as in buttah.

What you're feeling is the betterness of the better Campagnolo bearings. Better.

Yup. They have cones, cups and bearings. They'll loosen with a bit of use.

You'll notice that you can adjust the cones while the wheel is clamped, that way you can compensate for the compression of the QRs on the axle. Give them a checkup by loosening them until you get play at the rim, and then tighten until play disappears. This is campy stuff at its best.

I got a new pair of Fulcrum Racings 1 last week and only have tried them a couple of times and I like them so far, the only question I have is with the hubs. They do not seem as smooth as my 2003 Ksyrium SL's. When you spin the wheels in your hands they don't feel as nice at the Mavics. Is it because they need more break in time?

Thanks for your help...

This is a pick on the wheels on my De Rosa.

Just ride 'em. Spinning them in your hands tells you nothing about how the bearings function. The bearings are designed to work under a load, and when you spin the wheels in your hand, the bearings are not under that load, i.e. rider weight + bike weight.

Campy packs their hub bearings with a ton of grease, so it takes some time before it spreads out. I have been told by a couple of friends they attach an electric drill to the hub spindle and make it turn for a few minutes to accelerate the break-in process. Never tried it though.