Elite Wheels Ali Express

[si_c]

I'm in the process of getting components assembled for a new wheel build, carbon rims. I did look at elite wheels but a couple of issues stuck for me - customer service is a bit weak but there don't appear to be any issues with quality.

Probably going to get the rims from Carbonal (carbonal.net) but they do full wheels as well - you're looking at closer to £700 though. The 5 year warranty was what made me opt for them and they offer shipping which includes all taxes (this is about £50).

 

[T4tomo]

Thanks any decent recommendations Prime , Hunt

https://zedbikewheels.com/

 

[super_davo]

I love that the recommendation is literally just an OEM Chinese wheel with a knock off Zipp name...

Nothing wrong with Zed, they have been around a while, but be under no illusions that what you are getting is a generic Chinese made rim, hub and pillar spokes (same for a lot of shops own brand wheels like Vel or Prime etc.). You are basically paying twice as much as one of the bigger Chinese brands on AliExpress like Elitewheels, Superteam or Ryet so you get faster delivery and a warranty. And often you'll be getting an inferior product, because those brands update their products very regularly, whereas UK importers/ rebranders will be sitting on old stock (although TBF Zed seems to at least be on 21mm internal width).

 

[itboffin]

The elite Aliexpress wheels are great but be warned they’re very very difficult to fit tyres.

 

[itboffin]

Top tip update: fit the tyre without a valve, it’ll still be tough to fit if my elite wheels are anything to go by but a tyre glider and heat, sit the wheels with tyres in the sun for 10+ mins, follow the glider instructions to get the tyre seated, once you’ve done that leave it a day or two then remove the tyre fit valve and tyre again, it’ll still be a mofo to seat but a hell of a lot easier.

Put the tyre glider in your tool bottle/bag because you’ll need it out on the road.

 

[Holdawayt]

I found the replies about Chinese quality / Aliexpress very amusing. Chinese quality, especially when it comes to carbon fibre components has improved vastly and they are on par with some far more expensive wheels. The downside to the cheaper wheelsets that Elite offer is the weight of them, nothing to do with the quality at all.
During the 70's when Japanese motorcycles came to the market, everyone was saying how rubbish they'd be and how British bikes were superior. Look how that went. I'm convinced we're seeing the start of Chinese components being on par with Western / Japanese products, which will hopefully mean lower prices for us as consumers.