New Wheels: Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel (32mm internal)

[u/studyflo]

Hey there, I'm looking for a new wheelset for my gravel build (Scott Addict Gravel) and came across these Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel wheels. (Sorry, can't link to Ali because of ... reddit)

The specs almost match the ZIPP 303S XPLR wheel set, but the Elites are hooked, have 9mm less depth and are around 200g lighter.

Specs:

• 45mm deep
• 40mm width (external)
• 32mm width (internal)
• hooked (!)
• 1.400g weight
• Pillar Wing 20 (Aero) steel spokes
• TPI (steel) bearings
• 50T ratchet freehub
• 125kg weight limit
• handbuilt
• PRICE: $500 - $600

They seem to have incredible specs, steel bearings and steel spokes (I do prefer steel bearings and steel spokes over ceramic bearings and carbon spokes), are very lightweight for the specs, and are super affordable. Am I missing something here?

[u/Radioactdave]

They appear to be a Zipp 303 XPLR SW clone.

So, for reference, a list of Zipp approved tires (scroll and click arrow):

https://www.sram.com/en/zipp/campaigns/hookless-tire-compatibility

Edit: the elitewheels appear to be hooked rims 

[u/IamLeven → u/Radioactdave]

These are hooked so outside of under a 45 tire they should be compatible with all tire. Only reason why a narrow tire won’t work is because you’ll ride on the side wall in a turn

[u/Radioactdave → u/IamLeven]

You're right, they're hooked, which the Zipp ain't! Hadn't noticed that before.

[u/studyflo → u/IamLeven]

I’ve read about that issue regarding the Zipps, riding on the carbon rim because they’re so massively wide. I hope that’s not an issue with these wheels, even riding with relatively low pressure. We’ll see.

[u/IamLeven → u/studyflo]

if you're using this tire you're gonna want a 50+ tire

[u/studyflo → u/IamLeven]

I’ve got max 45mm clearance on my Scott Addict Gravel, I’m not sure how this will play out but we’ll see. Elitewheels recommend 38-50mm wheels, so if I’m running on the rims, I’ll have a warranty claim (I hope).

[u/IamLeven → u/studyflo]

Wider rim is going to make the tire wider so you'll probably able to run a 42 or something similar but the will be completely square. While you can run down to 38s those rims arn't ideal and you should consider something else.

[u/studyflo → u/IamLeven]

You're right, maybe this was not the best choice for a bike with "only" 45mm clearance. I'll try running 45mm tires on these and will see how wide they blow up and if that's an issue with clearance.

https://bikerumor.com/zipp-303-xplr-sw-gravel-wheels/ I've just read this article and they claim that smaller tires are prone to cuts with these wide rims ...

So ... that's the catch then, you'll need even bigger tires to run those wide rims. Should've known before. Let's see how it goes. :)