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Earlier than constructing the Winspace SLC5, I used to be serious about the place I might avoid wasting grams. Lastly, I made a decision to strive carbon cranks. In spite of everything, those from Elilee ought to save round 200g in comparison with Ultegra cranks. So, what was the outcome?
KEY TAKEAWAY
The Elilee X310 are one of many prime carbon cranks available on the market. They’re top quality, and even some World Tour groups are experimenting with them. Personally, I don’t discover any larger stiffness in comparison with Ultegra cranks. The principle distinction is their decrease weight in comparison with each Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranks, in addition to their nicer look. Nevertheless, it is very important word that these cranks are literally costlier as a result of it’s essential purchase a spider, a instrument for tightening the nut, and probably bolts for the chainrings if you happen to don’t have already got them. Maintain studying for extra data and to keep away from the errors I made throughout set up.
NOTE: This overview was made attainable because of Elilee, who supplied the cranks. They’d zero affect on the content material of this overview, and all opinions are my very own.
Elilee X310 Cranks Abstract
Beneath is the abstract of the primary options, advantages, drawbacks, and technical specs of the Elilee X310 cranks.
Predominant Options
Lovely look
Premium packaging
Excessive stiffness-to-weight ratio
Large compatibility with chainrings and energy meters
Accessible in a number of lengths, starting from 145mm to 172.5mm
A number of spacers are included
Pricy (double the value of Dura-Ace cranks)
Spider shouldn’t be included
Bolts for chainrings are usually not included
Not all the mandatory instruments for set up are included
Technical Specification
Weight
Cranks solely: 305g, 165mm cranks with out spider or spacers
Cranks with EK01 energy meter: 401g
Cranks with Shimano Ultegra 50×34T chainrings and energy meter: 554g
Shimano Ultegra 50×34T cranks (with out energy meter): ~713g
Size: 165mm
Spindle: 24mm (out there for SRAM DUB)
Materials: Carbon (cranks), spindle (titanium)
Q-factor: 151.5mm
Elilee X310 Set up
I used X310 cranks when constructing the Winspace SLC5. It was the primary time I had used cranks aside from Shimano or SRAM. I made a decision to mix them with Ultegra chainrings, because the Dura-Ace ones are just a few grams lighter however twice as costly.
You additionally want to purchase a “spider” to carry the chainrings and fix them to the cranks. I didn’t want it as a result of Elilee additionally despatched me an EK-01 energy meter, which dietary supplements the spider’s operate. To connect it to the crank, it’s essential tighten a proprietary nut utilizing a Park Instrument BBT-22, or you should buy a less expensive Tremendous B TB-1455. In fact, I didn’t have both of those instruments as a result of I didn’t know I would want them. That’s one of many issues I might criticize Elilee for. They may point out their necessity within the product particulars.
One of the vital steps after lubrication was to decide on appropriate spacers in order that the cranks have been exactly within the center. I used a gauge to measure the gap from the surface of the crank to the surface of the down tube. This will not have been one of the best strategy, as some down tubes is probably not symmetrical. Another could be to mark the middle of the underside bracket on the down tube.
Then I tightened the cranks utilizing the primary bolt. As soon as I used to be performed, I couldn’t wait to check trip the bike. Sadly, the primary bolt grew to become free after a couple of kilometers, leading to poor shifting efficiency. So, after I returned house, I tightened it once more, hoping all could be good subsequent time. Sadly, it grew to become free once more! I double-checked the really helpful torque (40-50 Nm) and realized that I didn’t use sufficient power. So, I tightened it extra, and now it’s all good.
Conclusion
Since I’m a comparatively weak rider who hardly surpasses 1000W peak energy, I didn’t discover a lot distinction in stiffness in comparison with Shimano Ultegra cranks. I take advantage of the 165mm model, which leaves much less room for flex than longer cranks. On paper, although, the Elilee must be one of many stiffest cranks available on the market.
It appears I set the chainline appropriately as a result of I haven’t had any chain drops, and the shifting is flawless. That’s an enormous plus. General, I’m proud of the burden financial savings and the look. I saved round 159g in comparison with the Shimano Ultegra 50×34T crankset and not using a energy meter. Contemplating that I must use a pedal energy meter just like the Favero Assioma RS-2, which weighs 249g, as a substitute of the LOOK KEO Blade Carbon Ceramic pedals, which weigh 230g, the financial savings could be 178g. The financial savings could be much more noticeable when utilizing a unique energy meter pedal as a result of that is the lightest one available on the market.
I’d purchase them once more if I have been constructing a light-weight bike or on the lookout for a weight-reduction improve. The dollar-to-weight-savings ratio is stable, however I in all probability wouldn’t select them for the standard construct with a good funds.
They aren’t low cost, and Elilee doesn’t talk the extra prices for the spider and instruments too effectively. However if you would like actual weight financial savings and one thing that stands out from the standard Shimano and SRAM choices, they’re value contemplating.
Anyway, I hope you discover this overview useful. You should purchase the cranks at Elilee.com.
The product for this overview was kindly supplied by the producer. This didn’t affect my total verdict or my opinion in regards to the product. You’ll be able to study extra about how I strategy critiques right here.
