Aethestically they are really nice!
Spectrum said:
Does anyone on this forum has any prior experiences with the Rolf Elan Aero wheelset. I'm looking to purchase a lite, strong racing wheelset. I'm only 130 lbs. Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have been riding the ksyrium sl with the black sidewalls and spokes for many years, and I too weigh about 130 lbs.
I struggled to decide whether to purchase the mavic ksyrium sl or the rolf elan aero, as they are about the same cost. In the end I decided on the Rolfs for the following reasons.
1. I wanted a lightweight clincher (there is a savings of at least 300g vs. my old ksyrium sl)
2. I wanted a silver finish wheelset to match my new titanium frame (elans only became available in silver in 2006).
3. I wanted something unique, the Ksyrium ES would be nice, but too expensive and don't come in silver.
The ride quality has been responsive, and the components used are high quality (custom sapim cx-ray spokes, white industrie hubs, not sure of the rims.) My suggestion is to pair them with Veloflex Corsa tires, they are handmade, lightweight, and ride like tubulars. Get them cheap from probikekit in the UK. The benefit of getting the silver version is the polished mirror finish of the hubs, while the black versions are anodized and may hide surface imperfections.
The only negative is the braking surface on the rolfs. They do shudder on the front, and the rim sidewalls are not welded and machined like mavics, and do have a visible seam. and considering these will be on my summer bike only, braking in the wet will not too much of a concern. For the weight savings alone, its worthwhile to get the elans over the ksyriums.
You may even consider the new dura ace wheelset (7800 or the new 7801 with offset rear rim, sapim cx-ray spokes and high quality hubs.) Considerably cheaper than the rolfs and ksyriums, but the finish is top notch, with an aero rims. Just a bit heavier than the rolfs, but on par with the ksyrium sl's.