RIMS
Drive II wheelsets feature wider, 23mm inner widths and 31mm outer widths, making them aerodynamically optimized for 28c and 30c tires. Wider tires allow for a more comfortable ride, as they can be run at lower pressures. The wider inner rim width gives wider tires a better shape, improving grip and comfort, while the 31mm external widths improve the overall aerodynamics when paired with 28mm or 30mm tires, which are now the norm in road cycling.
What makes our clincher, tubeless-ready rims unique is that we use a reduced hook design. We see the benefits and drawbacks of standard hooked as well as hookless rims and have found a way to offer the best of both worlds. Our ETRTO-compliant reduced hooks allow for the aerodynamic, durability, and optimal tire shape that hookless rims provide with the security, tire compatibility, and ability to run higher pressures that a clincher can offer.
Despite the increase in widths, we were able to keep the same weights as the original Drive wheelsets. This was accomplished in part due to our new advancements in our UNI carbon fiber layup technology.
SPOKES
In the Drive II wheels, we are using 4.5mm aero bladed carbon spokes. As opposed bonded carbon spokes, ours are as easily replaceable as their steel counterparts. Each spoke weighs roughly 3 grams each. In our laboratory testing, they have proven to be 8% more laterally stiff than steel spoke, leading to more efficient power transfer when riding, saving you watts.
The carbon spokes on the Drive II wheelsets do not experience spoke twist, meaning they will always remain in the most aerodynamic position, guaranteeing you always get the same high level of performance. Our carbon spokes have been proven reliable and durable for over three years in the pro peloton by our sponsored UCI ProTeam and Continental teams.
KINETIC RATCHET HUB
The Drive II road wheelsets features our brand new, Kinetic hub, which uses a 50T star ratchet mechanism,instead of the previous pawl-ratchet mechanism. Kinetic’s ratchets are machined in a conical shape, allowing for increased engagement surface area which increases longevity. A new, stronger spring reduces the likelihood of skipping and slipping, ensuring a consistent riding experience.
The hub also features a new waterproof seal reducing the likelihood of ingress. A stronger spring has also been chosen, which significantly reduces the incidence of ratchets slipping and skipping when pedaling.
Just like all of our other designs, the Kinetic hub is made by us using 5-axis CNC machines. High-grade precision S&S ceramic bearings were chosen to improve their lifespan and reduce rolling resistance, saving you precious watts. While having high quality bearings is important, a perfect bearing seat fit is essential for optimal performance. Our CNC machines precisely machine bearing seats to 0.02mm tolerances, guaranteeing exceptionally low rolling resistance and improving longevity.
TESTING
At Elitewheels, we see value in ensuring what we offer not only performs well but has excellent durability and longevity. Each wheelset undergoes more than 20+ laboratory tests at our factory including various durability, longevity, and stiffness tests. We also ensure each wheel passes the UCI Vertical Impact Test, which gives the green light for wheels to be used at the top levels of professional racing.
Besides the laboratory tests, we put a strong emphasis on aerodynamic and real world testing. Our engineers run CFD (Computational Fluid Dyamics) programs for hundreds of hours during the design phase to aerodynamically optimize wheelsets before even producing the first prototype. After our engineering team is satisfied and the prototype is ready, we conduct wind tunnel testing to verify the results as well as real world testing by our staff and our sponsored UCI pro cycling teams, getting as much feedback as possible. The pro riders offer a unique perspective due to their hundreds of thousands of kilometers of riding experience with a large number of wheelsets.