An incredible carbon wheelset, easily the lightest and fastest wheels I’ve ever tested!

SIROKO CLOTHING – 10% off (automatically applied via link below):
https://srko.co/tracevelo

EliteWheels Drive 50D – 15% off with code TRACE15 at checkout:
(Just FYI, I get a small commision for every wheelset sold via this link)
https://www.elitewheels.com/product/...

In 2020, I built a budget Chinese carbon disc brake road bike with parts from AliExpress. For the wheelset, I chose the ENT Disc model from EliteWheels. They were GREAT value and rode well for thousands of miles, but at 1600g they were not particularly lightweight.

But recently, EliteWheels got in touch and sent me their latest Drive 50D wheelset. They use ceramic bearings, with a full carbon fibre construction (carbon rim and carbon spokes) and are easily the lightest and fastest wheels that I have ever tired. The rim is also the widest I have ever used (at 28mm external) and allows me to keep the tyre pressures at a pretty low 65 psi, decreasing rolling resistance, while increasing ride comfort.

However, around 60 miles into my testing, there was a problem with the wheelset. I initially thought it was an issue with the ceramic bearings, but soon discovered the lightweight aluminium hubs were to blame. However, EliteWheels fixed the issue, and sent me the updated design.

In this episode I review the construction, compare to other wheels I have tried, cover the issue with the hubs, and go into detail around the updated hub design.

Ceramic bearing article:
https://www.elitewheels.com/news/abo...

Timestamps:
00:00 – Start
00:30 – Sponsor segment
02:03 – Intro (incl. weight)
03:54 – Wheelset construction
05:54 – Wider rim profile
08:39 – Carbon spokes
11:54 – Lightweight hubs
14:28 – Front hub issue
18:10 – Updated hub design
20:10 – Final Thoughts

Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi http://www.go2dev.co.uk

About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!

Instagram:   / tracevelo  

Email: [email protected]

Please note:
With the exception of Siroko & EliteWheels, other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.

In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.

In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!