The mention of “carbon spokes” often conjures images of ultra-expensive bicycles and wheelsets with prohibitive price tags. Elite Wheels, however, is challenging this perception. Their Drive 36D II Disc Brake Carbon Spoke wheelset represents a significant effort to bring advanced technology and top-tier performance to cyclists without the exorbitant cost typically associated with WorldTour-level equipment.
Elite Drive 36D II Disc Brake Carbon Spoke Wheelset – $1299US
Boasting a claimed weight under 1260 grams, a 36mm rim depth, ceramic bearings, and an advanced ratchet hub system, this wheelset is perfectly aligned with the demands of modern all-rounder performance. It’s designed to be light enough for challenging ascents, sufficiently aerodynamic for flat sections, and wide enough to comfortably accommodate contemporary 28-30mm tires. The specifications certainly impress on paper. Now, let’s explore its real-world performance.
Initial Impressions: Contemporary, Sleek, Performance-Oriented
The 36D II features a distinctly modern design: a 36mm U/V-shaped rim profile with a 23mm internal and 31mm external width, optimized for wider tires. When paired with 28mm tires, the profile integrates seamlessly, avoiding any “lightbulb” effect and ensuring a smooth, aerodynamic transition. Even with 30mm Continental Grand Prix 5000AS tires used for testing, the aero fit remained remarkably sleek.
The wheels possess a subtle, refined aesthetic, free from overly prominent branding, allowing them to complement various bike styles, from minimalist climbing setups to aggressive aero race machines.
Naturally, the carbon spokes contribute to a striking visual appeal, likely to garner admiration from fellow riders.
Before delving deeper, let’s examine the packaging.
Given that the wheels are shipped directly to the customer, robust packaging is crucial for protection. Additionally, I assess packaging for its environmental considerations. I often find excessive and wasteful packaging in other products, so my expectation for minimal, responsible materials is high.
The wheels arrived securely housed in recyclable cardboard, with minimal styrofoam inserts to prevent movement, and thin poly-foam sleeves protecting each wheel. This approach suggests a conscious effort to reduce unnecessary packing materials.
Carbon Spokes: Engineered for Responsive Stiffness
Elite incorporates 4.5mm carbon aero spokes, critically designed for serviceability—a significant improvement over older, bonded carbon-spoke systems. This ensures that while leveraging advanced technology, practical maintenance remains possible.
During rides, the immediate impression was their outstanding lateral stiffness. Accelerating out of the saddle felt incredibly direct, devoid of any sluggishness or power loss. The wheels react instantly to rider input, a characteristic that sprinters and aggressive climbers will particularly value.
Despite their stiffness, the ride quality isn’t excessively harsh. The wider rim bed, combined with modern tire choices (especially tubeless setups at appropriate pressures—e.g., 40psi for 30mm tires, 45psi for 28mm for a 140lb rider), effectively damps road vibrations. However, it’s important to remember these are performance-oriented wheels, not designed for extreme comfort like gravel-specific alternatives.
The overall finish quality is commendable, including the high-quality pre-installed rim tape.
Climbing Performance: Lightweight Agility
While Elite states a wheelset weight of 1260 grams, my test set weighed 1300g, inclusive of rim tape and valves, but prior to tire, sealant, and cassette installation. Even with this slight variation, a total weight of 1300 grams for both wheels is notably impressive.
During extended climbs, the Drive 36D II exhibited a vibrant and responsive character. The perceived reduction in rotational mass made the bike feel noticeably more nimble and responsive. Mid-climb accelerations were effortless, and the wheels maintained their momentum smoothly as cadence increased.
While not explicitly marketed as ultra-light climbing wheels, they excel as versatile all-rounders. Their weight is significant enough to enhance climbing prowess, yet they retain sufficient aerodynamic properties to maintain speed effectively once summits are reached.
Aerodynamics & Crosswind Stability: Optimal All-Rounder Balance
A 36mm rim depth generally offers predictable handling in crosswinds, and the 36D II proved no exception. Compared to a previous 45mm deep REHI wheelset, which exhibited greater crosswind resistance, the Elite wheels maintained consistent and manageable steering inputs. Their rounded profile makes them an excellent single wheelset solution for diverse riding conditions.
While they may not offer the outright flat-speed advantage of deeper 50mm rims, I would confidently use these wheels for varied terrain, including mountainous fondos, and fast technical rides or races.
For a broad spectrum of cyclists, this rim depth represents an ideal real-world compromise.
Hubs and Engagement: Smooth and Responsive
The 50-tooth ratchet hub delivers swift engagement without excessive noise. Power transfer feels instantaneous, particularly during transitions from coasting to acceleration.
To provide a clearer understanding of the Kinetic hub, let’s explore its design details:
Understanding the Conical Ratchet Mechanism
1. Star Ratchet System
Unlike conventional hubs that often rely on small pawls engaging individual teeth within the freehub body, the Kinetic hub employs a star (ratchet) mechanism. This system features a ring of teeth that directly interfaces with a corresponding ring in the hub. This star design ensures that all engagement points distribute the load simultaneously, leading to a more robust and consistent performance compared to traditional pawl systems.
2. Conical Machining for Enhanced Surface Area
A distinguishing feature of the Elite Kinetic hub is its conically machined ratchets, rather than flat plates. This conical geometry significantly increases the surface engagement area between the teeth. Instead of small contact points, a broader interface is created, which:
- Distributes forces across a larger metallic area.
- Minimizes localized wear.
- Enhances durability under high stress.
- Provides a more solid sensation during power transfer.
In essence, the larger, tapered contact surfaces offer superior wear resistance compared to thin, flat teeth.
Elite equips these wheels with S&S ceramic bearings from the Dutch manufacturer. While the benefits of ceramic bearings are often debated, these felt notably smooth and free-spinning from the outset. Their long-term durability will be the ultimate assessment, but initial impressions suggest clean, fast rolling.
Regarding the freehub sound, it falls into a moderate range—neither exceptionally loud nor remarkably quiet.
Tubeless Configuration and Tire Compatibility
The 23mm internal rim width is ideally suited for contemporary road tires. The rim’s design accommodates both 28mm and 30mm tires, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency.
Setting up the wheels tubeless proved simple and hassle-free. The tire bead seated securely, and air pressure retention was excellent. Cyclists favoring lower-pressure road setups will particularly value the enhanced stability and feel of the tires under various loads.
Market Comparison
Within this price segment, consumers typically face choices among:
- Slightly heavier alloy wheelsets from established brands.
- Deeper carbon sections from direct-to-consumer suppliers.
- Premium carbon wheelsets from major brands at a significantly higher cost.
The Drive 36D II distinguishes itself by integrating a lightweight profile, carbon spokes, ceramic bearings, and contemporary rim dimensions into a single package. This combination of specifications usually commands a much higher price point.
The primary consideration for some might be Elite’s still-developing brand recognition in a market dominated by long-standing manufacturers. However, like many Asian brands, Elite focuses on product quality and relies on credible reviews rather than extensive advertising, which ultimately translates to better value for the consumer.
Having reviewed two Elite wheelsets (including their G45 gravel wheels), I consistently find their build quality, finish, performance, and price point impressive. To date, I’ve experienced no mechanical issues with either set.
While some potential buyers may show hesitation, others will undoubtedly recognize the compelling value proposition.
Advantages:
- Impressive weight for a 36mm disc wheelset.
- Exceptional lateral stiffness provided by carbon spokes.
- Optimized modern rim width for 28–30mm tires.
- Outstanding value given the high-end specifications.
- Practical, serviceable carbon spoke design.
Disadvantages:
- Brand recognition is still developing compared to industry giants.
- Carbon spokes might be a new concept for traditional cyclists.
- Not designed to be as aerodynamically aggressive as dedicated deeper race wheels.
Ideal for:
- Competitive riders seeking a versatile wheelset for climbing, sprinting, and managing crosswinds.
- Cyclists prioritizing low weight without the expense of boutique options.
- Enthusiasts building a high-performance bicycle on a practical budget.
For those seeking a single, high-performance, do-it-all wheelset that offers excellent value, the Elite Drive 36D II warrants serious consideration.
Conclusion
The Elite Drive 36D II achieves an impressive balance between performance and price. It provides contemporary rim width, lightweight construction, significant stiffness, and the aesthetic appeal of carbon spokes—all without entering the premium-brand price bracket.
While it may not be positioned as a WorldTour flagship product, it unequivocally stands as a legitimate, high-performance wheelset suitable for serious cyclists.
In the current competitive wheel market, this combination of features and value positions it as a highly attractive option.