Hello, it's been almost a year since I started using them
I've been using them for a while now and I can feel the pros and cons.
First, let me list the cons:
1. Rim finish
When manufacturing rims, they don't wear gloves, so fingerprints sometimes get on the rims. (Maybe it's just me)
In my case, both sides of the rim had fingerprints, and the rear rim was particularly bad, so I had it replaced.
1-2. Carbon rim finish
The carbon pattern is not a regular pattern like k or twill weave that we are used to. Personally, I feel that this is a limitation of Elite's finishing quality.
Some strands of carbon fiber stick out like hair. Since it's made in China, it's understandable that the finish is lacking.
(In actual overseas comparison videos, they even used an endoscope to look inside, and compared to other wheels, the finish was noticeably worse.)
2. Hub or bearing durability issues
SNS ceramic bearings are supposed to be used, but their durability is not great (this could be a disadvantage of ceramic bearings).
I don't feel like the replacement cycle is significantly delayed, but I don't ride that much anyway.
During riding, there is a grinding noise from the hub. I visited the shop several times because of this, but they couldn't fix it. In the end, they just told me to contact the importer...
3. Importer operation schedule issues
Sueding Sports doesn't operate on weekends.
Even during weekdays, the time is ambiguous, so it's not easy to send them a message. (This is just my personal situation)
If you have trouble with time zones, you may want to consider purchasing this product.
4. Dissonance between rim and carbon spokes
The strong stiffness of the carbon spokes doesn't really match the rim. When climbing or doing intervals, I particularly notice this. While other major brand wheels climb elastically with a suitable stiffness combination, Elite doesn't have that feeling. The rim has relatively low stiffness, while the carbon spokes are stiff, which creates a sense of dissonance.
That's about it for the cons I've experienced. Now, let me introduce some advantages.
Advantages:
1. Design
Major brands often have the mindset that "design doesn't matter as much as performance."
Personally, I've always felt a lack of design appeal in those products, but Elite fills that gap perfectly.
Everyone knows that Elite wheels are beautifully designed...
2. Stiffness
Some of you may wonder if this overlaps with point 4 of the cons, but point 4 was about dissonance, while this is about overall stiffness.
The stiffness is high. While there might be a sense of dissonance in certain environments, it generally feels strong and supportive. Stiffness is good.
3. Ceramic bearings and carbon spokes - I've used them.
ㅋㅋ It's just bragging rights, isn't it? Ceramic bearings are hardly distinguishable from high-grade steel bearings. This has already been proven, and I feel the same way. While they roll a bit better during freewheeling, there is almost no difference in performance.
Whether it's ceramic bearings or carbon spokes, they are currently trendy, so it's good to be able to brag about having used them.
4. Active after-sales service
From my experience sending the rims for repair, I feel that the importer is quite sensitive to its image and handles after-sales service very actively. It's good from a consumer's perspective hehe
5. Structural stability of deep-section rims
Deep-section rims have an arched structure which helps absorb shocks coming up from the road surface.
So, it's not as stiff that you can't ride it ㅠㅠ and the ride quality is surprisingly good.
Conclusion:
Q: Would you repurchase them?
A: I would compare them to other wheels before making a purchase; I wouldn't buy them unconditionally.
Q: So, did you buy them because of the design?
A: ㅇㅇ That's right, there's no need to buy them if it weren't for the design.
Q: You mentioned bearing problems earlier, could other people experience that too?
A: ㅇㅇ I guarantee it, the bearings themselves just lack durability.
I don't really care that they are made in China, but I am a bit concerned about minor finishing details.
If you want the design, I recommend buying them.
But if you want to ride them for a long time, I wouldn't recommend them.
