Pulled the trigger on the Elite Wheel DRIVE wheelset

[carbonazza]

Wow thanks for the update. And kudos to them for the honesty and fixing things.
I didn't know hubs could deform under spokes load.
They are learning things DT-Swiss, Hope, even Novatec and others probably know already.
The special bearings fix isn't great for the long run.

[1Sigma]

Wow thanks for the update. And kudos to them for the honesty and fixing things.
I didn't know hubs could deform under spokes load.
They are learning things DT-Swiss, Hope, even Novatec and others probably know already.
The special bearings fix isn't great for the long run.

I imagine it is a three-fold result of:
1) engineering the hub to chase grams
-all things being equal, less material = less robust

2) the higher tension applied to carbon spokes
- all things being equal greater stress = greater strain

3) the non-ductile nature of carbon filament
- all things being equal,  the force transferred to the hub will be lower with a ductile material such as steel, as opposed to carbon.

If one of the above didn't exist, the deformation would not occurred.

Of course, total armchair engineer on this one.

[eeney]

Hambini has kinda reviewed the wheels, depending on how you view Hambini's opinion it's somewhat interesting.  Unfortunately, when comparing against Winspace, he is comparing different depths, so you can't tell if the wheel design or wheel depth drives the differences.

Good news is that the quality seems to be on a par with the other similar brands.

[1Sigma]

Hambini has kinda reviewed the wheels, depending on how you view Hambini's opinion it's somewhat interesting.  Unfortunately, when comparing against Winspace, he is comparing different depths, so you can't tell if the wheel design or wheel depth drives the differences.

Good news is that the quality seems to be on a par with the other similar brands.

I am actually very surprised how merciful was about the bearings, given his stance on hybrid ceramics.
Or maybe he just hate companies charging a ransom for ceramics…

[eeney]

Peak Torque has also posted his review on youtube.

Again, doesn't say too much that others haven't. Wheels seem sound.  If you're on the fence between Winspace and Elite then there doesn't seem to be much difference, other than Winspace have had better social media publicity for longer. Elite seem to have been making wheels just as long, but less social media marketing until how (from what I see), although there is evidence in the hub revisions that Elite may still be ironing out minor wrinkles with this new Drive model.

[jaclipse]

Anyone know where they saved weight in the more expensive lightweight version? Presumably it's a difference in the carbon rim which is how other manufacturers like Light Bicycle differentiate but just a guess

[1Sigma]

Anyone know where they saved weight in the more expensive lightweight version? Presumably it's a difference in the carbon rim which is how other manufacturers like Light Bicycle differentiate but just a guess

I can ask if you’d like

[jaclipse]

I can ask if you’d like

That would be great, thanks.

[kbike]

Does this help any?

[1Sigma]

That would be great, thanks.

The Ultralight uses less T700, which accounts for the weight loss.
The Team version is a bit more stable and durable.
The ultralight version has lower rotational inertia, better acceleration and climbing.

Also, just got the revised dealer sheet.  The 45mm are out, but in its place will be 65mm rims.
These will only be available in disc though it seems.  Looks like these are dealer-only options at the moment (or maybe if you special request from Elite)

[patliean1]

My Elite Wheels Drive 45D wheel review is live 

YouTube Title: ELITEWHEELS Drive 45D Wheelset Review - They Nailed It

[jungian]

Just received my drive 50s with Black decals and they gave me the updated hub as well. They look fantastic, excited to have them on the SEKA  build once that frame arrives.

[1Sigma]

50Vs arrived today.
All I gotta say is goddamn UPS..

[Madcrazy10]

Any of you 2 in US?  Just curious how long it took for them to arrive.  Elite sent me my UPS tracking number on 7/4 but hasn't been scanned in yet so I assume it's still on a boat somewhere.

[jungian]

Any of you 2 in US?  Just curious how long it took for them to arrive.  Elite sent me my UPS tracking number on 7/4 but hasn't been scanned in yet so I assume it's still on a boat somewhere.

Yep I'm in the US and it took about 3 weeks after getting the tracking. It went from "label created" to arriving in 2 days after it got scanned. Guessing they came via boat.