Rims
In designing the Drive Helix 68D SS wheelset, the goal was to create something that ticked all of the boxes, but at a more competitive price. It had to not only be aero, light, laterally stiff, strong, but also crosswind resistant. To accomplish this, we used our in-house UNI carbon fiber, which is a mixture of our custom resin and genuine Japanese Toray T800 and T1000 carbon fiber. It allows our wheels to be stiff, light, and strong enough to go far beyond the UCI’s vertical impact test. Our patented undulating rim design draws inspiration from the tubercle effect found widely in nature, allowing for a significant improvement in stability in windy conditions.
The wheels are aerodynamically optimized for 28-30mm tires. The front wheel’s wider 31.8mm external width improves airflow around the rim, offering further stability in crosswinds. Both the front and rear rim depths were also chosen specifically to meet the needs of road riders. The Drive Helix 68D SS’s mixed depth wheels allow for the best of both worlds when it comes to aerodynamics, weight, and control.
Spokes
No stone was left unturned when designing the Drive Helix 68D SS wheelset. Lightweight Sapim CX-Ray aero bladed spokes are excellent when it comes to performance and strength, while weighing just 4.4 grams each on average.
What makes our spokes special is that they are not only ubiquitous at bike shops around the world, but also trusted and raced by professional road, gravel, and MTB riders around the world. They have a proven track record, and when it comes to steel spokes, Sapim CX-Rays are simply the best.
Hubs
What makes the Surface hub unique is its star ratchet engagement system, which we have been using for years on our MTB and TT wheelsets. Just like all of our other hubs, the Surface hub is made by us with 5-axis CNC machines.
High grade precision TPI steel bearings were chosen to improve longevity and reduce rolling resistance. TPI bearings are precise and have low rolling resistance, making them on par with even some ceramic bearings. While having high quality bearings is important, bearing seat fit is also essential. Our CNC machines can precisely machine our bearing seats with extremely low 0.02mm tolerances, guaranteeing a perfect bearing fit, decreasing rolling resistance and further improving the lifespan of the bearings.
Aerodynamic Testing
At Elitewheels, we see value in ensuring what we offer performs rather than just looking good on paper. In addition to the 20+ laboratory test at our factory, we also employ CFD testing as well as real world testing by our pro teams and riders.
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) allows us to aerodynamically optimize wheelsets before even producing the first prototype. During the design phase, we conduct a series of advanced computer simulations that take hundreds of hours each. After our engineering team is satisfied, we are ready for stress testing in our lab.
Once the development of our wheels is finished, we not only test the wheels out ourselves, but we also send them to professional cyclists. We are working with our sponsored UCI continental pro teams and riders, getting their feedback. Their experience riding hundreds of thousands of kilometers each with a large number of wheelsets gives us a unique perspective.
