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Watch my review of the Elitewheels DRIVE II wheels and the comparison with the 1st generation. This video will help you determine whether they are worth it. I have thoroughly tested them both indoors and in the Slovenian mountains to find out. I also examined their assembly quality, including lateral and radial trueness, spoke tension, the inside of the rim, and more.
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📝 Written review: https://www.cyclistshub.com/elitewheels-drive-2-review/
Wheel testing protocol: https://www.cyclistshub.com/testing/road-bike-wheels/
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Bike part mentions in this video
WheelsElitewheels Drive 50D II
Created: February 11, 2026The 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)