Carbon wheels have more and more develop into the usual in all disciplines of biking. Lighter and stiffer than aluminum, carbon fiber wheels optimize energy switch for faster acceleration that’s particularly noticeable in sprints and sudden bursts of velocity.
Vibration damping properties additionally lead to higher total bike dealing with; a smoother experience and a extra nimble really feel makes it straightforward to maneuver the bike. The one draw back? Price.
In case you’re going to make any improve to your bike, a carbon wheelset is usually one of many first issues a mechanic will advocate. Conveniently, it’s additionally the second priciest piece of your bike, after the body (generally extra). It’s not unprecedented to spend nicely over $1,000 per wheel for a high quality set of carbon wheels.
However what if carbon wheels didn’t have to interrupt the financial institution? Xiamen-based Elitewheels is proving that you just don’t need to sacrifice efficiency for a lower cost on carbon wheels.
Ten years in the past, carbon wheel manufacturing was nonetheless pretty new to China. Different international locations in Asia had largely cornered the market on carbon wheel manufacturing, and it wasn’t till the late 2000s that Chinese language factories began operations.
Using that wave, Tony Tong and Jack Chen based Elitewheels in 2015, initially manufacturing wheels for different manufacturers. Two years later, they realized they might design and manufacture their very own wheels, constructing the next high quality product at a extra accessible worth level. Many North American manufacturers manufacture their wheels in China, however only a few manufacturers are literally primarily based there.
Elitewheels is among the few manufacturers on the planet that middle the complete manufacturing course of in-house, from design to manufacturing. This permits them to implement an exhaustive R&D course of in-house, which leads to the next high quality product via a extra environment friendly course of. Reducing out the intermediary and promoting wheels direct to the patron means the client will get the next worth at a lower cost. A win-win for everybody.
The Drive Collection
However affordability doesn’t imply a drop in efficiency. The Drive collection is a superb instance of that, raced by 5 UCI Continental groups.
Drive wheelsets, accessible in three totally different gravel fashions and eight totally different highway wheelsets, make the most of the model’s in-house UNI carbon fiber in addition to aero bladed carbon spokes, leading to a stiff, gentle, and powerful wheelset. Drive collection wheels are a few of the lightest of their class, and what stands out to most individuals first is the burden; the Drive 50D weighs solely 1300 grams for the pair, whereas the 40V rim brake and 40D disc brake wheelsets weigh 1255 grams and 1260 grams respectively.
“With a view to lower prices, most [manufacturers] use carbon fiber from mainland China relatively than from Japan,” says Elitwheels Model Supervisor, Patrick Clark. “We use real Japanese T700 and T800 carbon fiber, which supplies the next energy to weight ratio.”
Clark provides that Drive collection wheels handle to be stiffer than related depth wheels due to the in-house manufactured carbon fiber prepreg, carbon spokes, and excessive hub flanges. “It’s particularly noticeable when sprinting,” he continues. “Whereas no wheel could be the most effective in each facet, our goal is to create one thing that has the most effective stability for not solely our sponsored professional riders, but in addition amateurs.”
Clark, who was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, now lives in Xiamen, China the place Elitewheels is predicated. As a passionate bike owner and native English speaker working instantly with the staff in China, Clark has been capable of assist convey Elitewheels’ expertise to the worldwide market.
“Our purpose is to have the wheels raced on the highest stage in WorldTour races — to not simply match, however to drive innovation in wheel tech — and to supply wonderful service to these driving the wheels world wide,” he says.
Constructing wheels for the professionals, however offering entry to the lots, is not any straightforward feat — but it surely’s one which Elitewheels is devoted to proving potential.
Store Black Friday Sale
In case you’re inquisitive about carbon wheels however have but to drag the set off, Black Friday gross sales this fall might be a superb time to check the waters. From November twentieth via the thirtieth, they’ll offer a major low cost, at 16-18% off. Every wheelset comes with free transport, a 3-year guarantee, and crash substitute.
This submit is sponsored by Elitewheels. Be taught extra in regards to the Drive Collection at Elite-wheels.com.
