Can the French make better wheels than the Chinese? - Corima Essentia 40

[@peters8504]

I was considering the Corimas for my Look 765 but don’t feel comfortable with there hookless technology. Went with Reserve 40/44.

[@DDai-qd8uk]

Fantastic choice

[@kylixchi]

Thanks Paul for another great vid, on more tech info behind the scenes.

[@manuelwenaud8231]

Ça fait plaisir tant de compliments pour une petite boîte française ! Banzaï !

[@jtb52]

We’ve got a nice wheel builder around here Legend in Negrepelisse…and there’s a few others in the area..Corima are more seen on the serious French roadies and sportives. Not too many Sunday riders on those..of course lot of mavic around fitted as spec

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Nice looking wheels, pity, I’m still not liking hookless, being a bigger rider. Thanks, good video😊👍

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Being a bigger rider, I'm riding bigger tires anyway. They ride significantly better with hookless rims. I look forward to the next 5 years. After that, all the best tires will be hookless compatible

[@tonyg3091]

@@veganpotterthevegan Judging by the patents from Zipp for retrofitting hooks on hookless rims in 5 years there will be no hookless wheels. Specialized already realized that.

[@bikesavvy3654]

I’ve got several sets of Corima wheels. All rim brake range from 32mm to 55mm and a mix of tubular and clincher. Matched with the cork pads can’t wear them out

[@Mapdec]

Very nice!

[@yuva]

hey! what cork pads do you use? I tend to warp my carbon rims using the swiss stop carbon pads

[@ciulabula1]

Congrats on your recent haircut, mate 💇 I'm a quite happy owner of theirs WS 47 DX, they stiff as hell and would perform much better on wider tyres that I currently have fitted (25mm) but I do not like their freehub engagement either the time it takes to engage pawls and the sound, there is significant free stroke followed by a sound. DT Swiss 240 are a way better in those regards.

[@Paddystyx]

I was anxiously waiting on this video and now delighted that you have published it just before my Corima Essentia wheels goes on my Time ADH. You are correct about the lack of noise, I like that about them and yes I fine them very comfortably soaking up all the bumps.

[@Mapdec]

A great match I think.

[@larisonjohnson]

Twin spoke setup looks sweet! Throwback to the old Race Lites. They look beautiful. Is the freehub silent? Now all they have to do is add hooks and they would be perfect.

[@reecedawson6113]

Would you ever do a maintenance or build video for a rider that rides a lot frequently. I ride at least 500km pretty much a week for work or training in nearly all conditions. Me and my bike shop are always talking about my bike. I do a lot of maintenance but probably not enough

[@Mapdec]

Oh. So many options.

[@julianhowell6351]

Used the Essentia on Paris Roubaix challenge, tubeless with Victoria Corsa controls, superb. Excellent consumer service - need a uk distributer though.

[@Mapdec]

Thanks for sharing!

[@philipbickerstaff7064]

Really informative talk. Interesting though didnt understand some of the comments. Not a wheel builder myself.

[@paulvanreesch2493]

Now, all we need is French groupset🇫🇷

[@taxi9554]

Mavic had it…too early with electronic 😢

[@tinniswood2577]

@@taxi9554 Yes, and before that they had a beautiful mechanical groupset used at pro level. Always wanted one back in the day.

[@lioneldm5130]

A new simplex...

[@silitch]

Simplex drive chains, Stronglight cranksets, Mavic, center pull brakes, Maillard(one of the first easily changeable gears on a freewheel) were once the standard, giving campy some real competition…

[@DR_1_1]

@@silitch Weren't Simplex the very first (commercially available) derailleur?

[@brendangormley-e3x]

Can’t wait to see what you think of there top of the range wheels from corima with the carbon spokes.

[@Mapdec]

I am so intrigued.

[@wfrx4783]

Might consider those for a ADHX 45 Gravel build. How's the tubeless setup? I've had zero Issues with DT Swiss + Pirelli combo, so I'm tempted to just stick with that as I know it works for me. But the Corimas are flippin' beautiful. Maybe put some Michelins on for the full french setup?

[@Mapdec]

Nice. Yes. Set up was fine. No problems mounting tyres or inflating.

[@JoeW71]

Nice looking wheels. Who makes the Look carbon wheels and do you have an opinion about them? Being old, slow, and looking for comfort, would I be better served by riding alloy wheels? As always thanks for your videos. You have become my go to source for biking info.

[@Mapdec]

I am unsure on the look wheels on the 765. I’ll find out. I would be surprised if they are from the Tunisia factory. I’ll find out.

[@JoeW71]

@@Mapdec Thanks. Tunisia?

[@Mapdec]

@@JoeW71 yes. Look have their own factory in Tunisia. I’m not sure the exact politics, of the French, Tunisian relationship though. I imagine it is history of colonialism, independence and trade deals

[@veganpotterthevegan]

You want shallow wheels for comfort. Carbon or aluminum makes little difference(outside of deep wheels which are largely only available in Carbon) but few aluminum rims are terribly wide. HED Belgium Plus rims and Bontrager Paradigm wheels are both 25mm internally.

[@markrushton1516]

Reynolds?

[@moobaz8675]

Great review. I've often wondered about these but following bad experiences with Mavics, I have just avoided them for no other reason than they're French. Daft I know. Anyway, in for a penny, in for a pound, I'm going to bite the bullet and get a set for my next build. Wish you were closer to Bath!

[@Mapdec]

Thank you. I hope you enjoy them.

[@julianhowell6351]

Different factory, excellent reputation for wheelchair competitive wheels.

[@workshopninjathe1st]

Proprietary spokes - 90 degree twist to the aero section compared to “normal” CX rays.

[@feedbackzaloop]

Guess you have to buy straightpull and bend yourself

[@veganpotterthevegan]

My DTs have proprietary spokes with flattened heads. I bought CX Rays due to a couple broken spokes and ground the heads flat. Saved a LOT of money per spoke😅

[@Mapdec]

I forgot they did that. Can’t remember the wheelset. Dicut something.

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Great video

[@Mapdec]

Thank you

[@terrywalker7127]

Wonder about available replacement parts? Don't think I want to go hook less yet. I think I will buy Fast-forward DT Raw 180

[@Mapdec]

As a result of this review Corima are uploading all parts to the website and updating the pressure calc.

[@lopacinski_]

Would like to see the comparison to cadex 50 ultra wheels about stiffness ;)

[@Mapdec]

Totally different wheels. These are really their dual purpose wheels. The Cadex 50 would compare better to the Corima MCC EVO 47 really.

[@lopacinski_]

@@Mapdec In this circumstances i would like to see your review of cadex ;) there's not much, but seems to be one of stiffest and well made ;) Corima MCC EVO 47 is totally different class of the wheels due to their build :)

[@Mapdec]

@@lopacinski_ should be the same. Carbon spokes, race focus etc. The essentia 40s in this vid are an all road and gravel wheelset. I doubt Giant would ever send us some Cadex wheels to test.

[@pauladams5673]

According to Corima's website, there isn't a dealer for their bicycle wheels in the UK. Could Mapdec become a Corima dealer? Or will I have to buy my wheels in France 🇫🇷 and pay UK customs the VAT on my return?

[@Mapdec]

We are kind of. Give us a call.

[@markrushton1516]

Just take my money!

[@make725daily1]

Your video is exceptionally engaging! -- "Success thrives on unwavering dedication."

[@Mapdec]

Wow, thank you!

[@AkiraShiromizu]

Love the silent hub. Would these be using the same mechanics as the Onyx Vesper ones?

[@Mapdec]

Oh. The freehub isn’t completely silent. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.

[@ignus16]

they seem have very narrow rims for their road wheels - i think they all list a 26mm width. lost of other brands seem to have gone to ~30mm for road wheels, like the FFWD you have spoken about a few times..

[@Mapdec]

Good observation. I would say they are average for the market. Probabaly best described as a bit conservative

[@ignus16]

@@Mapdec maybe its a french thing :P Mavic's high end road wheels are all still very narrow as well

[@mark13williams13]

They are way behind the times in terms of shape. There is a reason Astana Pro Team dropped them for HED.

[@Mapdec]

@@mark13williams13 I haven’t really seen their true road wheels to comment. Just these ‘all road / Gravel ‘ ones. I am hoping to see the road set at the show.

[@mark13williams13]

@@Mapdecall their wheels appear to be 26mm wide. Seems a bit lazy to me from Corima. Why would you not design the Allroad set to be wider to better mate with wider tires for gravel??

[@brankododig1585]

Mavoc also makes theirs in France. The higher end of their wheels are quite premium for a decent price, a cut above my Chinese wheels.

[@MarrafaCycling]

I bought the 500€ 33mm carbon wheelset ProX, Chinese manufacturer. Until now no complains only on the free hub has a very basic flow. But Comparing with does 1390€? Make sense the price/quality?

[@MarrafaCycling]

actually I saw exactly now that the price become 1251.00€ (promo)

[@sankarpai]

The difference is you can buy 2 more wheelsets for that price 😅 The stiffness feel and everything mentioned cannot be measured and is mostly subjective and business bias

[@Kid_Ellipsis]

Any idea when their new road wheels will become available?

[@Mapdec]

I have been told March 2024

[@silitch]

What are the pros and cons of hookless rims?

[@Mapdec]

no discernible pros in a road bike wheel. For off road you could argue resistance to rock strike, and support of bulging tyres.

[@stjepantomislav363]

I was looking into buying these wheels, but according to Corima the system weight limit (rider + bike) for those is set to conservative 100 kg. This puts them out of my range, unfortunately.

[@ciprian7]

What is the internal width? what are their recommendation for tires being hookless? would you recommend for road? Thank you

[@Mapdec]

I address this at the end. 30mm would be no bother. 28mm brings issues.

[@edmundomoreira7158]

Hello, i need your help! What brand can you recommend till 45 mm profile com good stilfness and low wheight until 1200 euros with some serius warranty? Thanks

[@toite3x3ninjah]

Dream wheels

[@DR_1_1]

I'm curious how often you'd need to true your wheels riding 40 mm like that on trails without suspensions?

[@Mapdec]

If they are built well, probably not until a spoke or nipple actually breaks.

[@timhall7771]

So would you choose these over the FFWDs? Or are you still doubtful about spares etc?

[@Mapdec]

Corima list spares in the website. It ok, but not as easy as some. If I needed a duel purpose wheelset I would defo have these high on the list. I can’t think of a better cat 2 wheel that performs as well on the road.

[@johndef5075]

I keep forgetting. What are the advantages of a hookless rim?

[@Mapdec]

I’ll let you know if I ever find one.

[@bikerjk1205]

Curious on your comment about not having Chinese wheel brands on your channel. You do know that many of the non-Chinese brands have their rims made in China/Taiwan, including FFWD who you promote?

[@Mapdec]

For sure. We use Venn rims too, and I don’t have anything against Chinese manufacturing. I don’t really have any time for phantom Chinese brands that lack a level of accountability or traceability. It’s actually quite a good subject to discuss one day.

[@jasrod2012]

No Chinese shilling over here. Nice to see something different.

[@r.davies2702]

Hmmm, with so many established brands. DT Swiss, Hunt etc, I think it's difficult for a new brand to become established. I personally, would opt for a more well known brand. Maybe I'm wrong. Seems like a solid wheelset though.

[@Mapdec]

They are well established brand. Just small and niche.

[@steppings5645]

Corima go back to the 1960's. Hunt go way back to 2015. 😂

[@r.davies2702]

@@steppings5645 Excuse me for not being French.

[@markrushton1516]

They never pushed their products unlike other brands. Suspect they aren't a big production. They seem to concentrate on quality

[@Michaelholds7769]

The manual says you can’t use CO2, compressors or hi flow pumps. Just an fyi for the viewers.

[@Mapdec]

Thanks. This is true of quite a few brands.

[@feedbackzaloop]

Ah yes, pulling spoke is backed up by a trailing spoke at acute angle so that together they could rip the flange apart. But incomplete fiber wetening is the real party pooper. Even if the insides are packed properly, it makes me suspicious. I would call these gravel racing wheels. For endurance Mavic Cosmic SL should fit better, for near identical price and similar construction. But narrower and bit higher. Also having well established spokes, which in last resort case can be replaced by generic ones. Also very interesting if the freehubs are interchangeable between these two

[@tos1x]

French Quality - is that a pro or con?

[@Mapdec]

If they make bikes as well as they make cheese

[@Keksator]

huh, didnt knew they are making hookless

[@richardstephenson5489]

They were doing so well, then you said hookless and that’s ruined them. Won’t even consider them now.

[@wacharaiamsakun1216]

Where are the expensive Italian brands made? In the east of course.

[@Mapdec]

Not always. Basso has an Italian factory. These wheels are made in France.

[@szilardgodi9650]

For this price I would be unhappy with the pinholes on the rim’s surface.

[@Mapdec]

Umm. Where are you seeing those. As I understand pinholes they show us as golf ball like dimples.

[@andycampbell8766]

Gravel?

[@Mapdec]

I tried

[@ciprian7]

Ni Chinese stuff on this site? how about the Farsport wheels and other wheels from China you have featured on this site? nothing against good quality Chinese made products but is comical when make a statement like that and then you compare the Corima with the benchmark Farsports, see where i am going with this? i am a big supporter and like what you been doing to build the channel but please keep it real , thank you for the video

[@Mapdec]

FarSports? I benchmark these to the FFWD Ryot. The only time we mention farsports is on the Time build we did where the rider bought their own wheels. I have an inbox full of Chinese brands wanting to send me stuff. I’m just not interested. They are plastered all over KZbin, I will discuss them when they come into my workshop for service. If you see, Superteam are the brand of the moment and every KZbinr has a free set. I don’t really want anything to do with it. I couldn’t recommend buying anything that expensive when you can’t just send it back and you have no protection with consumer rights act.

[@GrzechuPraszka]

no hub sound? rly?

[@Mapdec]

Never

[@christopherhood9241]

at last ... a quite freehub.

[@Mapdec]

It’s not completely silent.

[@christopherhood9241]

@@Mapdec sure but compared to some you have had .....

[@tonyg3091]

These are hookless wheels so no thanks

[@todormashev5337]

IMO, it is pointless to make any positive review on hook less rims for a road bike!

[@Mapdec]

Yeah. Anything under 30mm tyre. Totally agree.

[@sankarpai]

When Corima costs 2-2500$, atleast they are better than 600-800$ chinese wheels. Honestly i dont think they are!! Also whats with no chinese products in channel comment?

[@Mapdec]

It’s not so much anti Chinese as anti accountability. Many of those brands are not accountable to local consumer laws. We are a business and as such have responsibilities.

[@sankarpai]

@@Mapdec Which brands are accountable? I have seen main stream.bramds not replacing parts for months. Its not specific to any country. Also business statement from you, are you implying you are biased?

[@Mapdec]

@@sankarpai brands that have UK or EU distribution. An official point of contact, a named director etc. One that if you had a problem with a product there is clearly someone accountable to local consumer law. I am very biased in that regard.

[@sankarpai]

@@Mapdec We have had shimano not respond to genuine warranty requests while Ltwoo had send replacement parts without asking many questions as well. Its definitely not country specific sir

[@RB-lj7ge]

Lost me at hookless

[@Mapdec]

well done for making it that far...

[@lazlo2511]

As soon as you said hookless I switched off! That’s a failed standard and it will evaporate just looks Press Fit!

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

I get the impression that this is an overreaction we are going through at the moment.

[@Kid_Ellipsis]

People seem confused about the forces governing how a tire bead seals against a rim bed. Hookless works - don’t believe the internet hype.

[@getur99]

Hookless work on motor vehicles but a tyre machine is needed to de-bead the tyre from the rim. Not your thumbs

[@michaelviglianco6121]

Yep. Provides no benefits to the user and only negatives. I'm surprised they were able to spin it such that some see it any differently

[@Kid_Ellipsis]

Hooked rims were designed for folding bead tires with inner tubes and the additional complications from a heat cycling brake surface on the other side of the rim wall. The main issue currently is with consumer knowledge of tire compatibility (width not brand) and appropriate pressures.

[@Robinators]

They could be made in France, but still made by chinese guy.. 2x the price because of country...

[@Mapdec]

Are they?