The Elitewheels Drive II wheels offer excellent value with improved stiffness, stability, and comfort over the previous generation, though tire mounting is difficult and the ride can be harsh on rough roads.
Pros
- Excellent stiffness-to-comfort balance
- Improved crosswind stability over previous generation
- Wider rim optimized for 28-30mm tires
- Low spoke tension drop after tire mounting
Cons
- Tire mounting is very difficult (requires levers and effort)
- Ride can be harsh on rough roads
- Loud freehub sound (may be a pro for some)
- Price increased from $1,199 to $1,299
Key Facts
- Rim internal width: 23-23.2mm, external width: 29.4-31mm
- Weight: 1300-1483g claimed, 1322-1479g measured (depending on depth and tape/valves)
- Spokes: carbon fiber, 4.5mm wide, replaceable, fully captive
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
- Fully captive spokes (cannot come out if tension lost)
- Offers deeper front wheel option (PT special) for improved aerodynamics
- Relatively supple for carbon spoke wheels, less jarring than some competitors
- Comes with spare spokes
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)
- No micro spline freehub option available
- QC document appears to have pre-ticked boxes, raising doubts about actual inspection
Key Points
- Wheelset weight: ~1380g (without tires/valves)
- Rim dimensions: 23mm inner width, 31mm outer width, hooked
- Spokes: carbon, 4.5mm wide, fully captive
- Hub: 5-axis CNC machined, ceramic bearings, conical star ratchet with 50 teeth (7.2° engagement)
- Mixed depth option: deeper front (65mm) and shallower rear
- Spoke tension before tire mounting: ~120 kgf
- Tire used for testing: Continental GP5000 TR 32mm at 55-60 psi
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
- Replaceable carbon spokes (4.5 mm aero bladed) that are lighter and stiffer than steel
- New Kinetic hub with 50-tooth star ratchet for fast engagement and ceramic bearings
- Good warranty (3 years) and crash replacement policy (38% off replacement)
- Hooked clincher design allows wide tire compatibility and higher pressures
- Consistent spoke tension overall, with slightly lower tension aiding comfort
- Mix-and-match rim depths available (36, 50, 65 mm)
- UCI certified and official wheel partner for GCN
- Competitive price at $1,299, with 15% discount code available
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
- Delivery took 20 days from China, average speed
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
- Spokes: 4.5 mm aero bladed carbon, replaceable, 8% more laterally stiff than steel
- Hub: Kinetic hub with 50-tooth star ratchet, ceramic bearings, waterproof seal
- Warranty: 3 years; crash replacement at 38% off
- UCI certified
- Available depths: 36 mm, 50 mm, 65 mm
- Hooked clincher, tubeless ready
- Compatible with 28-45 mm tires (aero optimal with 28-30 mm)
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
- Wide tire compatibility (28-45C, optimized for 28-30C)
- Carbon fiber spokes (4.5mm width for optimal aerodynamics)
- High-flange hub design on drive/rotor sides for increased stiffness and direct power transfer
- Ceramic bearings (smooth, quiet operation)
- Good spoke tension consistency and wheel trueness
- Excellent wheel dishing (near perfect)
- Includes four replacement spokes (additional available for $5 each)
- Rubber O-rings and double dust seals for weather protection
- Flat-wire clutch spring for strength
- Conical clutch ring teeth for stronger engagement
- Stiffness provides confident cornering and road feel
- Comfortable ride despite stiffness due to spoke count and tension balance
- Good value with 15% discount (bringing price to ~$1,104 from $1,299)
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
- Decals interfere with lateral trueness measurements (though actual deviation is minimal)
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)
- Spoke configuration: rear - 16 drive-side (3x cross), 8 non-drive-side (1x cross); front - 14 disc-side (3x cross), 7 non-disc-side (radial)
- Spoke material: carbon fiber (4.5mm wide, 1.2mm thick)
- Hub: High-flange design on drive/rotor sides, ceramic bearings, aluminum freehub body
- Clutch: 50-tooth, conical ring design (based on DT Swiss style), loud sound reducible with added grease
- Tire compatibility: 28-45C (optimized for 28-30C)
- Price: $1,299 (with 15% discount available)
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
- Offers a crash replacement policy with 38% discount on replacements
- Official carbon wheel sponsor of GCN adding credibility
- Sells budget options like ENT 2.0 for around $350 through AliExpress
- Has three product lines: Drive (flagship racing), Helix (premium with wavy rim), Marvel (budget with steel spokes)
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
- Standard three-year warranty on wheels
- Sells premium offerings directly through their website and budget offerings through AliExpress
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
- Weight remains low (~1300g claimed)
- Completely redesigned hubs with a 50-tooth conical ratchet for larger engagement surface
- Enclosed hub flanges prevent spokes from popping out if one breaks
- Wider carbon spokes (4.5 mm vs 3.2 mm)
- Reduced hook rim design (between hooked and hookless)
- Excellent lateral and radial trueness
- Highly consistent spoke tension
- Perfectly centered hubs
- Smooth and clean rim interior with no excess resin
- Tires seat easily with a floor pump once mounted
- Responsive, agile, and instant acceleration
- Feel fast and hold speed well, especially on rolling terrain
- Rock solid stability on long descents (past 70 km/h) and in crosswinds
- Predictable and safe in crosswinds compared to some competitors
- Good cornering grip due to wider inflated tire profile
- Enjoyable for climbing due to low weight
- Hub engagement is fast, precise, and solid
- Hub sound is loud but not annoying
- Elite Wheels continuously improves products and processes
- Sponsors professional teams, indicating a commitment to quality
Cons
- Tire mounting is very difficult; required levers and effort
- Ride is harsh on rough roads
- Loss of rim brake version
- Price increased from $1199 to $1299
- New decals not available in white
- Long-term reliability of the new conical ratchet hubs and ceramic bearings is unproven
- The reduced hook rim design is not as proven as traditional designs; concern about potential tire blowoffs as with hookless rims
- Carbon spokes make the ride less comfortable than steel-spoked wheels
- Not as fast as dramatically faster than the first generation
- Spokes have rounded heads, which can make wheel building more difficult and require more care
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
- Hubs: Redesigned with 50-tooth conical ratchet system (replaces pawl system)
- Hub flanges are enclosed
- Carbon spokes: 4.5 mm wide (vs 3.2 mm on Gen 1)
- Rim profile: Reduced hook design (between hooked and hookless)
- Includes tubeless valves, glued rim tape, wheel bags, spare spokes, bottle
- Lateral trueness: <0.3 mm deviation
- Radial trueness: basically perfect
- Spoke tension consistency: no spoke more than 5% off average
- 28mm tires measured just over 30mm when mounted
- Tested over 800 km
- Price: $1299 (before discounts)
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
- Solid feel for crits/group rides
- Wider carbon bladed spokes offer more comfort/flex
- Improved crosswind stability vs. previous version
- Good value for specs and price
- Competitive price point for a ready-made wheel
- Thoughtful rim design perfect for 28C or 30C tires
- Includes spare carbon spokes, tubeless valves, and pre-installed rim tape
- Star ratchet hub sounds incredible/loud
- Updated hub design with threaded spokes for safety in a crash
- Multiple depth and font color options available
- Brand has good cachet in the Chinese market
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
- Depth: 65mm front and rear
- Internal rim width: 23mm
- External rim width: 31mm
- Spokes: Wider carbon bladed spokes (from Vonda)
- Hub: DT Swiss style 36-tooth star ratchet system
- Bearings: Ceramic
- Weight: Rear 795g, Front 688g, Total 1483g (XDR freehub version)
- Tire fit: Stretches 28C GP5000 to ~30mm; ideal for 28C or 30C tires
- Retail Price: $1,299 USD
- Updates from V1: Wider carbon spokes, new rim profile (23/31), star ratchet hub, updated spoke attachment design, new design elements/font options
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 stable in crosswinds
- Roll well on flats
- Well built and assembled
- Excellent spoke tension consistency
- Perfect radial trueness
- Good lateral trueness (less than 0.3mm deviation)
- Well-centered hubs
- Tires seat easily with floor pump
- Includes tubeless tape and valves pre-installed
- Includes 4 spare spokes
- Includes quality control protocol
- 3-year warranty
- Improved packaging over previous generation
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)
- Higher price than previous generation ($1299 vs $1199)
- Not available for rim brakes anymore
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)
- Weight: 1322g measured (1300g claimed)
- Kinetic hubs with 50T conical ratchet (replaces 4-pawls system)
- Wider spokes: 4.5mm vs 3.2mm on previous generation
- Enclosed flanges
- Reduced hooks design (hybrid between hooked and hookless)
- Carbon spokes
- Ceramic bearings in hubs
- Rider weight limit: 120kg (265lb)
- Clincher, tubeless-ready
- Scored 4.2/5 overall in reviewer's rating system
Where to Buy
Elitewheels Drive 50D II
Questions about Elitewheels Drive II
Sign up and share your experience — help other riders decide!
Create Account & Review