My take on Elitewheels Drive II 50D wheelset…
The Elitewheels Drive II 50D wheelset is one of the best values available in a performance carbon wheelset. The combination of carbon spokes and ceramic bearings makes the wheels exceptionally stiff, and I could clearly feel efficient power transfer, especially when climbing out of the saddle. They also hold speed very well once up to pace. I’m running 28 mm Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR tires, which pair perfectly with the rim profile, creating a very flush and aerodynamic setup. I haven’t tried 30 mm tires yet, but they appear like they should work well too. The hub uses a 50-tooth ratchet system with quick engagement that feels excellent on the road. It is noticeably loud, which can be useful for alerting other riders and trail users, though some riders may find it a bit too noisy for quiet group rides. Weight is not a concern at all, as the wheelset is highly competitive with other wheels in this depth category. Overall, the Drive II 50D is an impressive and highly competitive product that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed so far. It also inspires confidence in terms of reliability, and several riders in our group have been using Elitewheels wheelsets with similarly positive experiences.