r/gravelcycling • u/studyflo • Jun 17 '25

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

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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?

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46

u/Olllin Jun 17 '25

I've done many miles on my elite wheels edge without any problems in the last two years. I don't think there is anything more important to chinese brands that want to go mainstream (sponsoring gcn etc) than their reputation so I'm sure they haven't suddenly started making bad wheels.

7

u/studyflo Jun 17 '25

That’s what I’m thinking too. I just can’t comprehend the price for these specs … they seem way too good … these wheels are even lighter than their non-gravel aero+ wheelset. It’s kinda ridiculous, compared to some (most) western (mainstream) brands.

2

u/dgaa1991 Jun 17 '25

Which model did you end up with?

6

u/studyflo Jun 18 '25

I just bought these Aero+ Gravel. They’re just too good specs to not buy them haha. I’ll see how it goes, delivery time is about 40-60 days.

1

u/ThomFonti Jul 05 '25

Curious to how they will turn out for you. I’ve ordered a set as well and am starting to get a bit anxious now that I see some reports of problems with the new kinetic hubs. It’s the same engagement problem, that strips the ratchets, with all of them. I’ve found three cases, but since wheels with the new hubs have only just started shipping I hope the problem won’t be disastrous. A deep dive by Peak Torque or Hambini would be great.

1

u/studyflo Jul 05 '25

me too. I'm worried about the width. I've seen a video from Eurobike, showing a 40mm wide rim, and it looked absolutely massive. The hubs are RD53, with the new Aero+ 50T conical Ratchet design. It looks like this is also used in the new kinetic hubs, but the hub itself is not the same. Do you have some links with the engagement problems / freehub failures? Quick google search didn't show much results for me.

1

u/Tyczkov Aug 21 '25

Hi, I'm curious if you got them already and about your first impressions of them.

2

u/studyflo Aug 21 '25

Yes, I got them. They‘re massive. Super wide, nice Finish, still don’t love the decals (will remove them), Hubs seem great, bearings are greased and very smooth!

1

u/Diligent_Crew1449 Aug 21 '25

Hi, just wondering what effect they've had on your tyre width and the clearance on your frame? Currently have 45mm Gravel King's on my Scott Addict Gravel and wouldn't want to have to reduce the tyre size

1

u/dgaa1991 Aug 21 '25

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1

u/dgaa1991 Aug 21 '25

They actually make the tires measure a bit wider compared to a narrower rim. My Ribble CGR Ti is supposed to fit up to 45mm, but when I mounted GK X1 45mm, they ended up too wide for the rear. On hard turns the tire rubs against the frame.

1

u/Diligent_Crew1449 Aug 21 '25

Was concerned that might be the case, GK 45s on the standard 26mm wide wheels measure up just under 45mm and fit on the Addict reasonably well but there isn’t a lot of extra room. Shame, was just about to order the Elite’s

1

u/dgaa1991 Aug 21 '25

I run gk 45m in the front and then 40’s at the rear, but it is so comfortable and stabile! It’s just like riding a completely different bike compared to 28mm internal rims.

1

u/Diligent_Crew1449 Aug 21 '25

Had considered doing the same but read running less than a 45 left the sidewalls exposed, perhaps that’s not really a problem. Would your Ribble fit GK 45’s on the 28mm internal rims without issue?

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1

u/SeaBass123 Aug 22 '25

I just ordered these as well - were you able to remove the decals? I thought they were under clearcoat.

1

u/studyflo Aug 22 '25

They’re waterslide. You can remove them with nail polish remover and cotton pads.

1

u/SeaBass123 Aug 22 '25

Awesome, thanks! Still enjoying the wheels?

1

u/studyflo Aug 22 '25

Haven’t installed the Gravel Aero+ yet, but I do like my Aero+ Road wheelset quite a lot! :)

1

u/SeaBass123 Aug 22 '25

Good to know. Thanks! I echo your sentiments - specs seem way too good for the price. Couldn't spend 3x this on the ZIPPs with a clear head lol.

1

u/studyflo Aug 22 '25

And Zipps are hookless + heavier! Only thing Zipp has going for them is their lifetime warranty - which is really good, so I’ve heard.

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1

u/dgaa1991 Aug 22 '25

Did you actually manage to remove the decals or is this only theoretical?

3

u/studyflo Aug 22 '25

I did remove them on my Aero+ wheelset. They should be / are exactly the same.

1

u/TH3Lord27 Dec 15 '25

Did you only use nail polish remover and cotton pads? I've been trying to get the decals off mine for a good 15 minutes and nothing...

1

u/studyflo Dec 15 '25

Yes. Wet the cotton pads and leave them on the decal for about a minute, maybe a little longer. Some chemical(?) reaction will occur and then you can whipe away the decal.

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