Why Are These Chinese Carbon Wheels So Cheap? (£290 Tested) - Elite Wheels ENT 2.0
The Cycle Workshop
April 08, 2026
The carbon wheels I review in this video cost £290… Which already sounds a bit dodgy, right?
But here’s the weird part, these are the ENT 2.0 from Elite Wheels, that company that sponsors GCN, and sells other wheels for over a £1000 a set. But you can’t buy them on the Elite website, you have to get them off AliExpress.
Are they safe?
Are they any good?
Are they fake?
Are they even made from carbon?
Or should you just avoid them entirely?
Well, in this video, I’m going to put these wheels through all of my normal tests, and at the end of it, we’ll know whether these wheels are worth it or not.
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*🔗Website Links, Affiliate links, and or products/tools used in this video🔗*
Some product links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission.
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🛒🛒 *Elite Wheel ENT 2.0 Carbon Road Wheelset* 🛒🛒
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3sJaOAB
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The Cycle Workshop is a fully insured independent cycle repair business based on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border, specialising in the repair and maintenance of road and gravel bikes. The workshop is owned and run by Jon, a lifelong cyclist, who shares knowledge and tips through this YouTube channel.
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*⏰ Timecodes ⏰*
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - How Did I get These Wheels?
01:23 - Are These Elite Wheels Fake?
01:48 - The Headline Stats
02:33 - Close Look - Rims
03:24 - Close Look - Spokes
04:20 - Close Look - Hub
05:42 - Can You Get Spares?
06:18 - What Do They Weigh?
06:43 - Truing Stand Test
08:26 - Warranty
09:05 - My Thoughts & Conclusion
11:08 - Who Are They Meant For?
12:12 - Where to Buy & Outro
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WheelsELITEWHEELS ENT 2.0 Disc Brake Carbon Wheels 700c Carbon Rim Center Lock Road Bike Wheelset UCI Quality Pillar 1423 spoke
Created: April 08, 2026The reviewer analyzes the Elite Wheels ENT 2.0 carbon wheels purchased via AliExpress. They confirm the wheels are not fake, coming from the same factory as Elite's premium wheels. The wheels are 55mm deep, made from T700 carbon fiber, with a hooked, tubeless-ready rim design (21mm internal, 31mm external). They use Pillar spokes in a robust lacing pattern and hubs with traditional pawl freehub technology and steel SNS bearings. The reviewer tested them for lateral runout (0.2mm on both wheels, an excellent result) and weight (1,740g total). They note the wheels are aimed at the upgrade market for riders on a budget looking to replace poor-quality stock wheels.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Not fake; produced in the same factory as Elite's premium wheels.
- Excellent value for money (£290).
- Rim lateral runout is excellent at 0.2mm on both front and rear.
- Rims are well-made and run very true.
- Uses Pillar spokes, a very good brand, laced for strength.
- Hubs are made well with smooth-spinning bearings.
- Tubeless ready and hooked rim design.
- Rim can handle tires from 25mm to 43mm.
Cons
- Hubs use older, traditional pawl freehub technology (a bit 'last week').
- Spokes are the cheapest, thick, and heavy Pillar spokes.
- Overall weight is high at over 1,700g.
- Rim design is dull and basic (plain UD carbon).
- Warranty and spare parts process via AliExpress is unclear and potentially problematic.
- High return rate in the past for the company.
- Cannot be bought directly from the Elite Wheels website.
- Ceramic bearing upgrade is likely not very good.
Key Points
- Model: Elite Wheels ENT 2.0.
- Price: £290 (purchaser paid £240 with discounts).
- Source: Sold via AliExpress, not Elite's main site.
- Depth: 55mm (tested), available from 30mm to 82mm.
- Rim Material: T700 carbon fiber.
- Rim Dimensions: 21mm internal, 31mm external.
- Rim Type: Hooked, tubeless-ready.
- Tire Compatibility: 25mm to 43mm.
Creator Links
MyBikeParts
ELITEWHEELS ENT 2.0 Disc Brake Carbon Wheels 700c Carbon Rim Center Lock Road Bike Wheelset UCI Quality Pillar 1423 spoke