Running brake on Mavic Ellipse
 

I just got a set of Mavic Ellipse track wheels and I am wondering if I am able to run a front brake without causing any damage to the anodizing. When I look at the rim closely it looks like it does have a black machined sidewall but I could be wrong. Take a look in this photo and tell me what you think. Someone said it will be fine as long as I run black pads on my brake.

Also, can I use any lockring on the hubs or do I need to order a French Mavic lockring? I didn't get any with the wheelset.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...ics-049_hi.jpg

My brother is running Ellipses with a front brake, and the machined sidewall stayed black until he rode with them in the rain for the first time. All the grit from the road took the anodized finish off and now it looks like a normal machined rim.

So, if you're only going to use them in dry weather they'll most likely stay black.

The anodizing will wear off. Rain or shine.

I believe these are true track wheels.

No need to brakes on the track, no braking surface.

If it's a must you might want to look more into "carbon" brake pads. Though I understand Ellipses aren't carbon, they might be less brutal on the sidewall. Kool-Stop has some.

Form before function. Lose the front brake. ;-)

There is a machined braking surface, visible as a machined braking surface in the above photo. The Cane Creek Volos track wheels are true track wheels too, but they use rebadged velocity aeroheads, which have machined braking surfaces.

Gonna be using these on the streets. Cant afford to risk my life relying on skid stops.