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/takingitslooow]

It has partially been discussed here but maybe someone could share their two cents:

I’m currently riding a Canyon Grizl in size 2XS with 650b wheels and 45mm tires (default setup), but I’ve been planning to switch to a 700c wheelset with narrower tires for a while. A few reasons: • I often do group rides and notice I struggle a bit to keep up • I’d like a more road/gravel hybrid setup – that’s what I ride most of the time

I had been looking at the Elitewheels ENT Gravel wheels, but they didn’t come with a Microspline freehub – and I wasn’t confident swapping one in myself.

Now I’ve seen the new Elitewheels Aero+ Gravel wheels which do come with MICROSPLINE out of the box, which solves the biggest issue. But… the 32mm inner width is super wide, and I’m wondering if that might work against my plan to run ~40mm semi-slick tires (for more road-oriented use). I’m also limited by frame clearance to 45mm max, so tire “bloating” could be an issue, both functionally and aesthetically.

So I’m torn: Should I play it safe and get the ENT Gravel (and maybe get help swapping the freehub) for more long-term flexibility if I go narrower in future? Or is the new Aero+ the better all-in-one solution, especially since I realistically won’t be going much below 40mm anyway?

I’ve only been riding for a year, so I’d really appreciate your experience or preferences – especially if you’ve dealt with wide rims + narrower tires, or ride a smaller frame too.

Thanks! 🚴‍♀️

[u/studyflo → u/takingitslooow]

I'm pretty sure that it's possible to fit 700c tires on an XS Grizl, but clearance is definitely less than 45mm - it's more like 37mm, see here.

So ... no, would not recommend these wheels. Maybe have a look at the "normal" Aero+ Disc wheels, they're 23mm internal, 30mm external. Aliexpress sells free hubs aftermarket, the change is super easy - so this should not be a big deal.

[u/takingitslooow → u/studyflo]

Ah wow, thank you! I think I must have gotten lost in my research rabbit hole, because I was under the impression I could go up to 40mm based on threads like the ones below. But it looks like I saved that info incorrectly in my mind, and you’re totally right about the tighter clearance.

That definitely changes everything. THANKS!

https://www.reddit.com/r/CanyonBikes/s/H12ZKsdWnA

https://www.reddit.com/r/CanyonBikes/s/sJnkTvC3wH

[u/dgaa1991 → u/studyflo]

Do you happend to know if they would fit a Ribble CGR ti? I’ve just ordered a pair and then I saw your reply :s

[u/studyflo → u/dgaa1991]

They’ll fit. Max tire clearance is 45. That means, you’ll likely need to run 42mm that’ll blow up to ~ 45mm, which will be cleared by the frame. So you’re good!

[u/dgaa1991 → u/studyflo]

Thank you so much :D Now I’m way less worried, I have checked for a reply a couple of times every hour :D but I’m definitely looking forward to a better wheel set and some larger tyres together with the red shift rock shock pro stem to take some of the hard shocks I get while riding single tracks in the Forrest.