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Elitewheels DRIVE II have been lengthy anticipated, because the first era was already launched in 2022. However are they higher than the earlier era, which was timeless? I performed inner testing and rode them within the Slovenian mountains to seek out out. Moreover, I in contrast them with a number of the high Chinese language carbon wheels.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Elitewheels DRIVE II wheels nonetheless supply an analogous sensation to the primary era, particularly, speedy acceleration. They’re stiff, so somewhat bit harsh on tough roads. Nonetheless, because of the broader inner rim width, they’re higher fitted to extensive tires which can be extra comfy. Additionally they really feel extra steady in crosswinds and roll nicely on flats.
I’m curious concerning the bearing high quality because the ones on my first-generation DRIVE wheels didn’t final too lengthy. I’ll replace this evaluate if I encounter any long-term points. I like to recommend them not solely to climbers, however to everyone who likes to assault, or simply needs a pair of nice wheels. You may proceed studying for more information or purchase them right here.
My DRIVE II wheels scoring at a look:Crosswind Stability 5/5 | Stiffness 5/5 | Driving Consolation 4/5 | Pace Upkeep 4/5 | Tire On 3/5 | Trueness 4/5 | Spoke Stress 5/5 | Dishing 5/5 | Worth 3/5 | OVERALL 4.2/5More about this highway wheels scoring.
Elitewheels DRIVE vs. DRIVE II: What’s New?
Elitewheels DRIVE II wheels convey a number of enhancements over the first era, together with:
Wider inner rim width (whereas protecting the identical weight)
Kinetic hubs introducing a 50T conical ratchet (not 4-pawls anymore)
Wider spokes (4.5 vs. 3.2mm)
Enclosed flanges
Completely different decal design and colours (black and gold)
Lowered hooks design (a hybrid between hooked and hookless)
Not out there for rim brakes anymore
Larger value (from $1199 to $1299)
Elitewheels DRIVE II: Primary Options and Specs
Listed below are the principle options and specs of the Elitewheels DRIVE II 50D wheels. Different rim depths (36D and 65D) are additionally out there.
Primary Options
Light-weight, stiff, responsive (tremendous low inertia)
Effectively constructed and assembled
Secure in crosswinds
In-house designed “Kinetic” hubs
Tubeless rim tape and valves included and put in
Up to date rim profile combining hooked and hookless rims
4 spare spokes included
High quality management protocol included
3-year guarantee
Technical Specification
Kind: Disc, clincher (tubeless-ready)
Weight (with tubeless rim tape):
Entrance Wheel: 602g
Rear Wheel: 720g
Measured weight: 1322g
Claimed weight: 1300g (±5%)
Measured rim width:
Inside: 23.2mm
Exterior: 29.4mm (30.7mm within the widest level)
Rim depth: 50mm
Spokes: 4.5mm extensive Elitewheels carbon spokes
Hubs: 50T Kinetic ratchet with ceramic bearings
Rider’s weight restrict: 120kg (265lb)
First Impressions and Unboxing
Elitewheels has come a good distance since my evaluate of DRIVE wheels. They’ve improved their packaging and inner processes, so I used to be wanting ahead to unboxing the DRIVE II. And I used to be not upset. The wheels got here in a branded field and have been nicely packaged to stop injury in transit.
The packaging included wheels in protecting baggage, branded orange finish cap protectors, 4 spare spokes packed in a pleasant field, and an Elitewheels bottle.
Moreover, the wheels had tubeless tape already utilized and tubeless valves. The valves have a number of “air shafts” for higher air stream. In principle, they need to make seating a tubeless tire simpler. Effectively, we’ll see!
Nonetheless, I used to be most happy with the standard management protocol. To start with, it exhibits that they care about high quality. Secondly, it might probably assist them catch poorly assembled wheels that shouldn’t have made it to the client, after which additionally observe down the accountable wheel builder. Thumbs up, Elitewheels!
In-Home Exams
As at all times with highway bike carbon wheels, I concluded the next checks earlier than I began utilizing the wheels:
These checks present a greater understanding of the wheel’s meeting high quality. So, did the DRIVE II wheels go them?
Lateral and Radial Trueness
The DRIVE II wheels’ lateral trueness was fairly good, because the deviation was lower than 0.3mm. The radial deviation was principally excellent.
Spoke Stress
The spoke pressure was glorious, exhibiting a excessive stage of consistency. No spoke was off by greater than 5% of the typical. It’s top-of-the-line outcomes I recorded.
Rim Centering (Dishing)
The hubs have been additionally well-centered, with no hole between the top cap and the center piece of the dishing instrument. Excellent outcomes once more.
A Look Inside
I additionally took a couple of photographs from contained in the rim. I didn’t uncover any points throughout my inspection. Beneath, you may see particulars of the spoke nipple, spoke gap, and the outer wall of the rim.
The wall had the identical sample as the primary era. That is almost certainly brought on by the way in which the edges are manufactured. Total, I noticed no extra resin within the rims, and the aspect partitions appeared clean.
The Problem of Placing the Tire On and Off
Elitewheels launched a brand new rim profile that includes a “diminished hook design.” They declare it takes the very best of each worlds, hooked and hokless rims. It ought to enable the tire to inflate itself right into a smoother form whereas remaining safely in place, even at greater pressures. Naturally, I used to be curious how the tire set up would go. I’m additionally curious concerning the security of this technique. To date, I’ve fortunately not skilled any points and I hope it stays that means.
I at all times use the Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28mm tires for comparable outcomes. The primary half is the problem of mounting tires on the edges after which seating them. I wanted tire levers for placing the tires on. These wheels gave me a tough time. The tires have been in all probability the worst to placed on them of all of the wheels I’ve examined thus far. So I figured seating may very well be accomplished with a flooring pump. And I used to be proper. I didn’t want tire sealant or a compressor, as with most different wheels. The tires seated simply with only a few presses of the pump.
Driving Expertise
I truthfully didn’t count on big variations in experience qualities between the DRIVE and DRIVE II. And I used to be kind of proper. The second era continues to be stiff and responsive, so the accelerations really feel fast. As anticipated with carbon-spoked wheels, the experience consolation is just not superb on tough roads, and also you both have to make use of decrease pressures or wider tires to compensate for the stiffness. After all, this primarily depends upon the standard of the roads in your space and in addition the stiffness of your body.
When it comes to velocity, I can solely discuss my emotions as a result of conducting any significant testing is sort of unimaginable because of the excessive variety of variables. So, do they really feel quick? Sure, they do. Do they really feel quicker than the primary era? Effectively, the distinction doesn’t really feel as important, so I can’t inform for positive. I might in all probability obtain a much bigger distinction if I simply swapped dangerous tires for good ones. The truth is that almost all Chinese language carbon wheels at this value vary are related, and the variations between them are marginal.
Let me additionally touch upon the conical ratchet. Based on Elitewheels, it ought to: “enable for elevated engagement floor space, which will increase longevity. A brand new, stronger spring reduces the chance of skipping and slipping, guaranteeing a constant driving expertise.”
I’ve been driving these wheels for about 500 km, so I can’t touch upon the longevity. Nonetheless, the reality is the hub ratchets by no means skipped. However to be truthful, they by no means skipped on my different wheels aside from the Superteam All-Carbon Extremely. I additionally don’t really feel the quicker engagement. So, whereas I like the technical side of tougher manufacturing, thus far, I’ve but to see the way it interprets into the experience expertise.
One other factor you’ll have seen within the image above is that the flanges are enclosed, not like the primary era. Because of this the spokes mustn’t come aside in case one or two spokes break. They may almost certainly keep in place and permit you to cease safely.
Though I take advantage of 28mm Tufo Comtura 4 TR tires for testing wheels, they normally inflate to round 30-31mm relying on the rim width. On the DRIVE II, they inflate to 30.3mm. I seen that it advantages me in higher driving consolation (however very marginally), crosswind stability, and cornering. The tire-rim transition is great, however I can’t overlook to say that the wheels have 30.7mm exterior width solely on the widest level. The width nearer to the rim edge is round 29.4mm. So that is additionally price protecting in thoughts. The YOELEO NxT SL2 or Farsports C5 are barely wider.
I admire the general stability, not solely in crosswinds but in addition at greater speeds. I descended some mountains in Slovenia at speeds exceeding 70 km/h (43.5 mph), and I felt assured. They didn’t begin to wobble just like the Trifox WT11.
To wrap issues up, I loved DRIVE II wheels not solely on flats or rolling terrain, but in addition in steep climbs (similar to Kolovrat or Mangart in Slovenia) or descents. So, I consider they are going to change into as in style as the primary era.
I’m not a giant fan of the shiny, uncooked carbon rim end or the golden decals, so I opted for the black ones. It’s a disgrace Elitewheels doesn’t supply white ones as a result of white decals go nicely with nearly any bike colour, whereas the golden ones within the supply don’t.
Elitewheels DRIVE II Options
There are a number of alternate options to the Elitewheels DRIVE II. I wish to spotlight the Farsports C and S sequence and YOELEO NxT SL2. The desk beneath shows all of the wheels I examined, together with their rankings.
Reviewed WheelsetAverageScoreCrosswind StabilityStiffness & ResponsivityRiding ComfortSpeed maintenanceTire On¹Lateral andRadial TruenessSpoke TensionRim CenteringPriceRim depthWeight (F | R | Pair)Rim Width (I | E) Be aware Purchase
Elitewheels DRIVE II4.255443455350mm602g, 720g, 1322g23.2mm30.7mmStiff, steady, and responsive, however is likely to be too stiff for tough roads.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 10% OFF
YOELEO NxT SL2 C604.244553455360mm623g, 736g, 1359g23.3mm31.1mmGreat stability between velocity, driving consolation, and stability.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 10% OFF
Farsports C54.254543554350mm602g, 726g, 1328g24.2mm30.4mmGreat stability between stiffness, driving consolation, and stability.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF
Up-Vine Professional+4.255452555250mm661g, 768g, 1429g23.5mm29.1mmGreat stability between stiffness, driving consolation, and stability.Verify Worth
Lún HYPER 34.155353555246/54mm598g, 766g, 1364g23.2mm28.6mmBetter crosswind stability and luxury than HYPER 2023, however a lot greater value and no butterfly-weave end.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Elitewheels ENT3.842443444550mm828g, 950g, 1778g20.0mm28.4mmHeavy and smooth however comfy and good on flats and regular efforts.Verify Worth
Elitewheels EDGE3.843433354550mm633g, 720g, 1353g21.2mm28.9mmComfortable, light-weight however comparatively smooth in comparison with carbon-spoked wheels.Verify Worth
Lún MEGA4.155255554146/54mm616g, 782g, 1398g20.8mm28.1mmThe stiffest wheels I examined. Perfect for clean roads or racing, however they aren’t comfy.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Lún HYPER SE 20234.345355554346/54mm654g, 803g, 1457g21.3mm27.9mmBetter than HYPER 2020 in all elements. I consider they supply higher worth for cash than HYPER 23.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
Superteam All-Carbon Extremely 20234.644555555350mm633g, 769g, 1402g21.3mm28.7mmNot overly stiff, however responsive. Secure in crosswinds and superb for many terrains, questionable reliability.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 5% OFF
Farsports Wave4.253455543445/50mm736g, 880g, 1616g21.0mm28.7mmAffordable, easy-to-service, unique-looking wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB50 to get 50 USD OFF
Trifox WT113.842545433450mm769g, 874g, 1643g18.4mm25.1mmAffordable and cozy, however not nicely assembled.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 8 % OFF
YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO 20224.143444545450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts however with too loud hubs.Verify Worth
Farsports Ventoux S4.055453444245mm637g, 755g, 1392g19.2mm25.5mmStiff, responsive, and premium wheels appropriate for many terrains.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 30 USD OFF
Elitewheels DRIVE 45mm Disc4.055343445345mm562g, 718g, 1280g21.4mm28.8mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too quick on flats.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB to get 15% OFF
Lún HYPER 50mm4.035355444350mm650g, 779g, 1429g19mm26mmStiff, responsive, and light-weight wheels appropriate for hilly and mountainous terrain. Not too steady in crosswinds.Verify PriceUse code CYCLISTSHUB10 to get 10% OFF
YOELEO C50|50 SAT DB PRO4.343454555450mm705g, 830g, 1535g18.5mm25.5mmAffordable and easy-to-service wheels appropriate for studios and regular efforts.Verify Worth
My scoring of the Chinese language carbon highway bike wheels with a word and different technical particulars.The size for every characteristic is 1-5 factors, the place 5 is the very best. The ranking may be retrospectively adjusted primarily based on the comparability with different wheelsets (extra about this scoring).SCROLL HORIZONTALLY FOR MORE INFO.¹How tough it’s to place a Tufo Comtura 4 TR 28mm tubeless tire on and correctly seat it.
For those who favor consolation over stiffness, I like to recommend selecting steel-spoked wheels just like the YOELEO NxT SL2 or Farsports C sequence. They provide related specs, however are barely extra comfy. The Farsports S sequence has carbon spokes, so it’s stiffer, but in addition much less cozy on tough roads.
My Verdict
I’m comfortable to see how Elitewheels pushes issues ahead, not simply by way of their merchandise but in addition merchandising and advertising. In the long run, they sponsor a number of continental groups and in addition GCN. The DRIVE II sequence is a pleasant enchancment over the “forward of its time” DRIVE 1st era.
They’re stiff, steady, and roll nicely. They don’t appear to have any apparent flaws besides that up to date “diminished hook” rim design. To date, I’ve not skilled any points with it. Bear in mind these wheels use carbon spokes that aren’t superb for rougher roads. However when you don’t thoughts them, DRIVE II wheels supply glorious worth for cash.
I hope you discover this evaluate useful. For those who resolve to purchase them, please think about using the low cost code beneath. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid wasting on wheels and assist me. Thanks very a lot prematurely!
Elitewheels DRIVE II FAQ
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The product for this evaluate was kindly offered by the producer. This didn’t affect my general verdict or my opinion concerning the product. You may study extra about how I method critiques right here.
