We have examined a few wheelsets from Scribe through the years at Cyclingnews and have at all times come away impressed by the standard and worth for cash they provide. From high-profile aero wheels to rim-brake race hoops, the Northern Eire-based wheelbuilder has choices for every type of rider, together with those that get pleasure from taking gravity head-on.
That is the place Scribe’s newest providing is available in – the Elan Extensive+ 32-D Carbon Spoke wheels. With an all-carbon building, the main target is as a lot about all-out efficiency as it’s weight discount. The result’s Scribe’s reply to the finest light-weight wheels section, and the Elans have all of the markings of a winner. We examined them on our normal route bearing in mind attributes akin to aerodynamics, cross-winds and climbing effectivity. Learn on for our last verdict.
Design and aesthetics
By way of the design, the rim profiling is toroidal in form, which is confirmed to help in aerodynamics by recapturing airflow and resisting cross-wind buffeting. There’s nothing fancy happening right here however the wheels comply with the standard black-on-black design philosophy, eschewing the fashionable gloss-varnish coating we’re seen on a few of the new section choices.
That stated, it is a tidy package deal – if a bit of stealthy that includes a confirmed recipe which works and enhances most bike color schemes. The Scribe wordmark brand and Elan moniker are prominently positioned on the rim structure: two Scribe logos are positioned at every finish and Elan identify and brand comply with an identical strategy. Naturally, carbon fibre is a giant theme right here and the unidirectional 32mm hoops additionally incorporate 45 particular person aero-optimised spokes constructed from carbon, too .
Specs and construct
The wheels are constructed from ultra-high-filament, unidirectional Japanese Toray T700 / T800 carbon fibre, and laced collectively utilizing carbon-fibre spokes. Every spoke weighs simply 2.6g, which has allowed Scribe’s engineers to create an appreciably mild and stiff wheelset. The spoke blueprint is exclusive in that it has a a lot larger strength-to-weight ratio than common chrome steel spokes. Wanting on the knowledge, metal spokes have a kgf break fee of 350kgf, whereas the carbon spokes have a break fee of 450kgf. This has allowed for extra stress to be dialled into the entire system to bolster efficiency but in addition nullify highway buzz and enhance general wheel compliance, too.
The general result’s a complete system weight of simply 1,312g for the set, which places it according to the section’s finest. Every wheel additionally advantages from the corporate’s trademark CNC-machined hubs. The rear hub particularly is similar unit we examined on the Scribe Aero Extensive+ 60D wheels – a single-disc ratchet drive system. Not solely does it bind instantly making for super-fast engagement and response, it is loud and relatively obnoxious when freewheeling, stepping up a few notches in pitch while you again pedal. It is a very addictive and entertaining cacophony.
Like a few of the extra premium choices in Scribe’s portfolio, the Elans can accommodate tyre widths starting from 25- to 50mm, this comes right down to the 21mm inner (30mm exterior) rim widths however I am going to cowl this intimately a bit of later. The setup is appropriate with each Shimano 11/12-speed and SRAM programs (Campagnolo and XDR additionally obtainable) and complies with all main axle requirements – entrance: QR, thru-axle (12mm and 15mm); rear: QR, thru-axle (142×12).
Efficiency and dealing with
Whereas Scribe recommends 25mm tyres for the most effective all-round expertise, I fitted them with Hutchinson Fusion 5 28C rubber. This tyre association – whereas barely heavier than others – has proved best in all conditions supplying a superb mixture of safety, rolling effectivity and compliance. Owing to the 21mm inner rim width, all tyres will look lots wider than what’s proven on the sidewall however the upshot is a higher contact patch and higher dealing with efficiency. The bulbous tyre form additionally provides an additional layer of safety for the rim itself.
So far as tubeless compatibility goes, the Scribe Elans come pre-installed with tubeless rim tape, and valves are included within the packaging. Tyre setup is a painless train and the hooked rim profile provides some assurance to the equation. Whereas this offers you the choice of operating each inner-tube-type and tubeless tyres, I at all times really helpful going for the latter as a way of unlocking the true potential of the wheelset. Consequently, I fitted the Elans with my go-to tyre of selection – 28mm Hutchinson Fusion 5 Efficiency.
Whereas heavier than most tyres, the hefty Hutchinsons have been offset by the low 1,314g weight of the wheelsystem. Having examined the Elans on quite a lot of completely different terrain varieties – starting from quick and flat rides to lumpier programs in and across the Surrey Hills area – velocity and response stored enjoying out because the recurring theme. The wheels are extremely stiff however not bone-jarringly so. The carbon-fibre spoke configuration – laced in a 2:1 entrance (21H) and rear (24H) sample – actually helps on this regard, including some suppleness over extra corrugated highway surfaces.
Having examined the wheels on each the Cannondale Supersix Evo Disc and Bianchi Specialissima, the wheels performed properly with the climbing traits of every bike. From the moment response of the Five4 ratchet hub to the texture transferred from the all-carbon building, the Scribe Elan Extensive+ 32-D Carbon Spoke wheels make no bones about what they’re designed for – velocity, however extra importantly, overcoming gravity.
Verdict
At £1,190 / $1,600 / €1,400, it is exhausting to disregard the worth of the Scribe Elan Extensive+ 32-D Carbon Spoke wheels. Taking a look at its rivals – choices such because the not too long ago launched Fulcrum Pace 25, Roval Alpinist and Deda Elementi RS4DB – the Scribes are proper up there when it comes to weight and outright efficiency.
However like I’ve talked about earlier than in my different Scribe wheel evaluations, its success hinges extra round model perceptions and belief greater than the rest. And whereas they do lack the model cachet of its extra established rivals – for now – you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable by selecting these wheels or some other choices from the Scribe vary for that matter.
They’re resilient, mild, quick and flashy, and include a tasty lifetime crash substitute and three-year ‘new 12 months, new bearings’ guarantee. The Scribe Elans are perfect for anybody taking a look at unlocking some further nippiness and response from their trip.
| Attributes | Notes | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Trip High quality | Clean, responsive and stuffed with really feel. The carbon building along with matching carbon spokes have created a feedback-rich trip high quality that’s tough to trump | 9/10 |
| Stiffness | The 32mm rim depth and spoke stress (break fee of 450kgf) is class-leading. On the identical time, the carbon spokes have additionally added some pliancy to the wheelsystem | 10/10 |
| Aesthetics | By way of the brand new glossy-varnish pattern, the Elans are usually not too flashy and, whereas it will attraction to some, the introduction of some color would do wonders for the visible package deal | 7/10 |
| Tubeless Compatibility | The wheels come pre-taped with valves and do not take lengthy to arrange | 10/10 |
| Hubs | Energy switch is prompt due to Scribe’s Five4 rear hub design. They’re extremely loud however that is change into a trademark characteristic of Scribe | 10/10 |
| Worth for cash | At £1,190 / $1,600 / €1,400, you will be hard-pressed to search out one thing else as interesting for the cash. The one blocker when it comes to success in the meanwhile is garnering new clients which can do wonders to extend the model consciousness | 9/10 |
| General ranking | 91% |
Check Circumstances
- Temperature: 12 to 24-degrees Celsius
- Terrain: A- and B-roads
- Mileage: 325km
Tech Specs: Scribe Elan Extensive+ 32-D wheels
- RRP: £1,190 / $1,600 / €1,400
- Weight: 1,312g
- Depth: 32mm
- Inside width: 21mm
- Exterior width: 30mm
- Spoke rely: 21/24 entrance/rear, carbon
- Tyre format: Clincher, tubeless
- Brake: Disc
