Designed to fit wider tires and maintain aerodynamics, the wavy new Fulcrum Sharq GR and Sonic GR gravel wheelsets boast a massive 30mm internal rim width for 47-50mm tires. That’s a full 5mm wider than the versions launched in 2025, and these are taller, too.
Paired with the variable 47/52mm deep wave profile, they say they improve air flow, reduce frontal drag, and improve the “yaw moment”. The latter means they’re more stable in cross winds, and Fulcrum says this wavy design cuts drag by 29% at wind angles between 10º and 20º.
While most modern gravel wheels go wider, they stop short of true optimization in favor of pleasing everyone by fitting tires ranging from 40-55mm wide. Fulcrum realized that “optimization” often means specialization, and so these are designed specifically for 47-50mm tires.
They say some specific 45mm tires are compatible, but that falls outside of the ISO standard and their own validations and testing. So, if you’ve gone wide and aren’t looking back, these will help you roll forward faster and smoother.
Sharq GR vs Sonic GR
The Fulcrum Sharq series is the higher-end option. Both share the same dimensions, but Sharq is lighter with aero spokes and a lighter carbon layup. Here’s the spec comparison:
| SHARQ GR | SONIC GR | |
|---|---|---|
| Hub Bearings | Cup & Cone Stainless Steel | Sealed Cartridge |
| Spokes | A3RO Spokes | Rounded |
| Rim Material | Carbon FF100 | Carbon FF80 |
| Internal Rim Width | 30mm | 30mm |
| Rim Profile | 47/52mm | 47/52mm |
| Weight | 1,550g | 1,695g |
Both rims use a non-drilled design, so you won’t need tubeless rim tape to make them air-tight. And, they have a mini-hook for improved tire bead retention, increasing the range of safe tire pressures.
Another unique feature is that the spokes don’t touch as they cross each other. Fulcrum says this lets each spoke move freely, making the wheel better absorb impacts and move more freely with the terrain, cornering, etc.
MSRP is €1,990 (Sharq GR) and €1,490 (Sonic GR), with all the usual freehub body options available.
The post Fulcrum’s New Sharq GR, Sonic GR Gravel Wheels Optimize for REALLY Wide Tires appeared first on Bikerumor.
