The Drop – New carbon wheels just landed from Australia!
Over the past year we’ve had it on good account that some of the carbon rims from China offer good value particularly in the larger rim widths. When we heard the guys from Zelvy were offering a full Chris King whilst for under £1000 we got in touch with them immediately.
Here’s a run down on the wheel options from the R&D bas near Toowoomba, Queensland:
– 26″-650b-29″ wheel options
– 30mm-35mm-40mm external widths (minus 5mm for internal)
All pricing includes free worldwide shipping.
– RACE = Hope hubs, DT comp = $1650.00 AUD
– COMP = Chris King hubs, DT comp = $1950.00 AUD
– PRO = Hope hubs Aerolite bladed spokes = $2250.00 AUD
– ELITE = Chris King hubs Aerolite bladed spokes = $2550.00 AUD
– All rims are hookless , tubeless ready.
– wheelsets are available online direct only, from www.zelvycarbon.com
Pictured is the Elite whilst with the 35mm external width rims and weighing about 1800g.
In terms of the range on offer weight for the wheels depending on options starts at approx 1680g depending on rim width. Whilst weight is important, what is more important is the layup of the carbon, tuning the way the rim rides, and handles impacts. All wheelsets are handbuilt in Australia, and Zelvy run a 3 cross lace on the 26″ and 650b wheels, to increase the spoke length over a 2 cross lace. Along with a relatively low spoke tension the 3 cross race increases compliance. As we’ve seen at enduro and world cup downhill events you can have a wheel too stiff, increasing bump steer, forcing the rider to constantly correct the bike, increasing fatigue, and reducing speed.
Since our wheelset was built note that Zelvy have moved to a water transfer type decal on the silver section of the logo, the colourway is to remain as a vinyl, allowing the customer to change the colours at anytime. The water transfer is not removable, but is more durable.
The big news as well is that Zelvy offer a 2 year warranty. This is transferrable, should you sell your wheels for whatever reason so the new owner registers with Zelvy and takes on the remainder of the warranty.
Zelvy offer a lifetime unlimited crash replacement on the rim. Simply return your damaged rim, no questions asked, and they will send you a replacement for 1/2 the current retail price.
Finally tape their wheelset builds with gorilla tape, as they don’t see the need to use expensive unreliable tubeless rim strips when this tape is more effective.
We’re really looking forward to reviewing this wheelset.For now here’s those prices again:
– RACE = Hope hubs, DT comp = $1650.00 AUD
– COMP = Chris King hubs, DT comp = $1950.00 AUD
– PRO = Hope hubs Aerolite bladed spokes = $2250.00 AUD
– ELITE = Chris King hubs Aerolite bladed spokes = $2550.00 AUD
Contact:
www.zelvycarbon.com