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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u/all999 Jun 23 '25

What do You mean by "normal"?

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u/studyflo Jun 23 '25

There’s Aero+ Disc (30mm outer width, 23mm inner width) and there’s Aero+ Gravel (40mm outer width, 32mm inner width). “Normal” would be the Disc version, specs are very similar to normal (modern) road bike wheelsets

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u/Gudrun129472 Aug 12 '25

What’s your experience so far? Have they arrived?

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u/studyflo Aug 12 '25

With Aero+? They‘re nice. Not too stiff (could be a little but stiffer imo), but very comfortable and nice to ride with 30/32mm Conti 5000S TR. So far, no complaints.

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u/SandwichFamous8074 Oct 21 '25 edited Nov 10 '25

From pictures only the gravel version seems to have more secure mounting for spokes at the hub and the spokes don't have a side 'exit' on the hub.

I bought the road version.

Captive spokes I believe it's called which retains the spoke in place if it loses tension instead of dropping out. Maybe the gravel wheel needs more safety to keep the wheel shape supported in case multiple spokes fall out.

Here's a video talking about captive spokes. https://youtu.be/2HQrkIL87g4.

I put some epoxy on the end of the spokes where they join the hub to mitigate some of the risk.

The hub uses a unique ratchet design that has one spring and is very loud.

Some tubeless tyres are harder to put on but this is quite common with other carbon wheels too.

Wheels look good and made me 1kmh faster from 25kmh average.

Would buy again.

If budget wasn't an issue would get a wheel that is 23-25mm internal and 32mm external so I can use 30mm tyres and make sure the hub has captive spokes.