The Elitewheels Drive II is a well-regarded second-generation carbon wheelset praised for its stiffness, stability, and value, though it has minor drawbacks like loud hubs and difficult tire mounting.
Pros
- Excellent stiffness-to-comfort balance
- Improved crosswind stability over previous generation
- Fast engagement and responsive acceleration
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Tire mounting is very difficult (requires levers)
- Loud freehub sound (may be annoying to some)
- Ride can be harsh on rough roads
- Weight is respectable but not class-leading
Key Facts
- Rim internal width 23-23.2mm, external width 29.4-31mm
- Weight 1300-1483g depending on depth and measurement
- Carbon spokes 4.5mm wide, 1.2mm thick
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer provides a long-term analysis of the Elitewheels Drive II wheelset, noting significant improvements over the first generation. They highlight the new mixed-depth option (deeper front, shallower rear) and praise the wheels for their low spoke tension drop after tire installation, well-greased internals, and overall durability through a British winter. However, they mention issues such as high tire mounting difficulty, a twisted spoke despite QC claims, loud freehub, and lack of micro spline freehub option.
AI Summary
Pros
- Low spoke tension drop after mounting tires (max 13.5% drop)
- Well-greased hubs and internals, good for wet conditions
- Durable through 4-5 months of British winter
more pros in the video
Cons
- High tire mounting difficulty (thumb factor 8/10)
- One twisted spoke despite QC document claiming no twisted spokes
- Freehub is loud (may be a pro for some)
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Wheelset weight: ~1380g (without tires/valves)
- Rim dimensions: 23mm inner width, 31mm outer width, hooked
- Spokes: carbon, 4.5mm wide, fully captive
more key points in the video
The reviewer tested Elitewheels Drive II carbon wheels over nearly 1,000 km and found them to be a strong performer in their price bracket, praising their stiffness-to-comfort balance, aesthetics, and overall package, while noting minor drawbacks in weight and internal carbon finish.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent stiffness-to-comfort balance; stiff for power transfer yet comfortable due to lower spoke tension
- Beautiful aesthetics, especially the reflective rainbow decals, which look much better in person
- Wider rim dimensions (23 mm internal, 31 mm external) optimized for modern 28-30 mm tires
more pros in the video
Cons
- Weight (1,479 g for 65 mm depth without tape/valves) is light but not ultra-light; could be 20-40 g lighter
- Internal carbon finish shows resin pooling around nipple beds; not class-leading (scored 3/5 for carbon quality)
- Crosswind handling typical for 65 mm depth; may not suit gusty conditions
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Price: $1,299 (with 15% discount code brings to ~$1,100)
- Weight: 1,479 g (65 mm depth, without rim tape and valves)
- Rim dimensions: 23 mm internal width, 31 mm external width
more key points in the video
The reviewer names the Elitewheels Drive II as the winner in the best premium carbon wheel category. They note it costs around $1,300 with a 15% discount code bringing it to about $1,100. The reviewer highlights improvements over the original Drive, including a 50-tooth style ratchet for faster engagement, 23mm inner width and 31mm external width rims, and a weight of approximately 1,300 grams. They have ridden about 1,000-1,500 km on them and report strong performance across spoke tension, carbon fiber quality, rim finish, and build consistency, with no standout weaknesses. The reviewer also praises the rainbow colorway as their favorite-looking wheelset.
AI Summary
Pros
- Improved freehub with 50-tooth style ratchet for faster, crisper engagement
- Modern rim dimensions: 23mm inner width, 31mm external width
- Strong spoke tension, carbon fiber quality, rim finish, and build consistency
more pros in the video
Cons
- Weight of 1,300g is respectable but not class-leading; reviewer would prefer closer to 1,200g
Key Points
- Price: approximately $1,300, with a 15% discount code bringing it to about $1,100
- Weight: approximately 1,300 grams for the 50mm version
- Inner rim width: 23mm; external width: 31mm
more key points in the video
The reviewer presents the Elitewheels Drive 65D II as a new generation of their Drive wheel set, featuring a 65mm deep, dark glossy rim with a mini-hook design, carbon fiber spokes, ceramic bearings, and a high-flange hub for improved stiffness and power transfer. After testing, the reviewer praises their performance, stiffness, and road feel, while noting the loud freehub sound and slightly higher weight as minor drawbacks.
AI Summary
Pros
- High gloss, dark gray finish with subtle marbling
- Comes with rim tape and tubeless valves pre-installed
- Mini-hook rim design compatible with hook-type tires
more pros in the video
Cons
- Loud freehub sound (50-tooth clutch, described as 'deep growly' and potentially annoying to other riders)
- Slightly heavier than ideal (1,460g for the pair; reviewer suggests reducing by ~50g)
- Glossy finish may not match matte frames
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Model: Elitewheels Drive 65D II (also available in 50mm and 35mm depths)
- Rim dimensions: 23mm inner width, 31mm outer width
- Weights: 690g (front), 770g (rear), 1,460g total (with valves/tape)
more key points in the video
The reviewer discusses Elitewheels as one of the most established Chinese carbon wheel brands, mentioning their product lines including the Drive series, and notes their presence in both premium and budget markets.
AI Summary
Pros
- Most established/best known brand on the list
- Established relatively early (2015)
- Good social proof online with many real-world user experiences
more pros in the video
Key Points
- Drive wheel set is their flagship racing wheel set with full carbon spokes and ceramic bearings
- Drive wheels weigh 1,339g for 50mm depth
- Drive wheels are described as their lightest and stiffest wheels, built for climbers and racers
more key points in the video
The reviewer provides a detailed review of the Elitewheels Drive 2 (second generation) wheels, comparing them to the first generation and testing them in-house and in the Slovenian mountains. They note improvements in presentation, quality control, and design, including a wider rim, redesigned hubs with a conical ratchet, wider carbon spokes, and a reduced hook rim profile. The wheels are praised for their responsiveness, acceleration, stability at high speeds and in crosswinds, low weight, and excellent manufacturing quality. However, the reviewer notes difficulties mounting tires, a harsh ride on rough roads, and expresses some long-term reliability concerns about the hubs and the new rim design. They conclude that the wheels are a worthy successor and a top contender in their price range.
AI Summary
Pros
- Improved presentation and packaging
- Includes quality control protocol sheet signed by the builder
- Wider internal (23.2 mm) and external (30.7 mm) rim width for better tire transition
more pros in the video
Cons
- Tire mounting is very difficult; required levers and effort
- Ride is harsh on rough roads
- Loss of rim brake version
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Second generation of Elitewheels Drive wheels
- Rim internal width: 23.2 mm, external width: 30.7 mm
- Weight: ~1300g (claimed), tested set 1322g with tape
more key points in the video
The reviewer presents a detailed review of the Elitewheels Drive 65D II wheels, which are brand new for 2025. They cover the specifications, weight, and key updates from the previous version. The reviewer states they have ridden the wheels for 2-3 weeks and found them to be fast, comfortable, and solid, suitable for crit races or fast group rides on flat terrain. They highlight the comfort from wider carbon spokes and improved crosswind stability. The main criticism is that the 65mm depth makes them less quick to accelerate compared to shallower wheels. The reviewer concludes they offer great value for a ready-made wheel, especially with a promotional discount.
AI Summary
Pros
- Gorgeous look
- Fast performance
- Comfortable ride
more pros in the video
Cons
- Due to 65mm depth, not as quick to accelerate as shallower wheels
- $100 price increase from version one (though noted as reasonable after 4 years)
Key Points
- Brand: Elitewheels
- Model: Drive 65D, version II (2)
- Year: 2025
more key points in the video
cyclistshub.com
The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the Elitewheels Drive 50D II wheels, noting they offer rapid acceleration and are stiff but can be harsh on rough roads. They praise improvements over the first generation including wider internal rim width, new Kinetic hubs with 50T ratchet, and better crosswind stability, but express concerns about bearing quality and difficulty mounting tires.
AI Summary
Pros
- Rapid acceleration
- Stiff construction
- Better suited for wide tires due to wider internal rim width
more pros in the blog post
Cons
- Can be harsh on rough roads due to stiffness
- Concern about bearing quality based on experience with first generation
- Difficulty mounting tires (required tire levers, described as 'probably the worst' of all wheels tested)
more cons in the blog post
Key Points
- 50mm rim depth (36D and 65D also available)
- Wider internal rim width: 23.2mm (improvement over previous generation)
- External rim width: 29.4mm (30.7mm at widest point)
more key points in the blog post
Where to Buy
Elitewheels Drive 65D II
Questions about Elitewheels Drive II
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