Princeton Peak 4550 Evolution II Carbon Wheelset

£4,017.00 GBP

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The Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II is an exceptionally light, aerodynamic carbon road wheelset that combines explosive climbing response, confident descending and all-round race performance for cyclists seeking a premium upgrade for Australian roads.

CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II Features

Ultralight wheelset starting from a claimed 1200g with Tactic Racing TR01 hubs
Variable 45mm to 50mm carbon rim depth balances aerodynamic speed with climbing efficiency
Wide 22mm internal and 32mm maximum external rim dimensions support modern road tyres
Hooked, hole-less tubeless-ready rim bed requires no tubeless rim tape

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More Product Details:

Wheel size: 700C

Brake compatibility: Disc brake

Rim material: Carbon-fibre composite

Rim profile: Variable-depth aerodynamic profile

Rim depth: 45mm to 50mm

Internal rim width: 22mm, hook to hook

Maximum external rim width: 32mm

Individual rim weight: Approximately 390g

Tyre interface: Hooked clincher

Tubeless compatibility: Tubeless ready

Rim bed: Hole-less, with no tubeless tape required

Tube compatibility: Suitable for compatible clincher tyres with inner tubes

Recommended tyre category: Modern performance road tyres, with 28mm tyres providing a strong starting point for aerodynamic performance, comfort and grip

Spokes: Alpina Hyperlite steel spokes

Nipples: Sapim SecureLock alloy nipples

Hub options:

Tactic Racing TR01
DT Swiss 240

Freehub options: Configuration dependent, including Shimano HG and SRAM XDR, with other standards subject to hub availability

Finish options:

Matte Black
Matte White
Gloss Black
Gloss White
Gloss Chameleon

Included accessories: Tubeless valves and padded wheel bags

Claimed wheelset weights:

Tactic Racing TR01: 1200g
DT Swiss 240: 1295g

The Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II uses a distinctive variable-depth carbon rim that transitions between approximately 45mm and 50mm. This design aims to combine the aerodynamic efficiency of a mid-depth race wheel with the lower mass, responsive handling and crosswind control expected from a lightweight climbing wheelset.

A revised carbon layup reduces the claimed bare-rim weight to approximately 390g without turning the Peak 4550 Evolution II into a climbing-only product. Its rim depth remains substantial enough for fast bunch rides, rolling courses and high-speed racing, giving it broader capability than a conventional shallow climbing wheel.

The updated 22mm internal width provides a more suitable platform for current-generation road tyres than earlier Peak designs. Wider tyres can assume a more stable shape, helping improve cornering support, comfort and traction when pressures are correctly adjusted for the rider, tyre and road surface.

Princeton CarbonWorks retains a hooked bead rather than moving to a hookless road design. This gives riders access to a broader selection of compatible clincher and tubeless tyres, although the tyre manufacturer’s compatibility and pressure limits must always be followed. The hole-less rim bed removes spoke holes from the tyre chamber, so tubeless rim tape is not required. This simplifies initial setup, removes the weight of tape and eliminates one common source of tubeless air leakage.

Each rim is pre-balanced around the position of the supplied tubeless valve. This is designed to reduce rotational imbalance and provide a smoother feel at high speeds. Princeton CarbonWorks also claims the Evolution II rim passes a 120-joule impact test, supporting its positioning as a lightweight wheel suitable for demanding real-world road use rather than a fragile special-event product.

Alpina Hyperlite spokes and Sapim SecureLock alloy nipples complete the build. The replaceable steel spoke construction is also more practical to service than a fully moulded carbon-spoke wheel, although replacement spoke availability should be confirmed before ordering.

Internal rim width: 22mm

Maximum external rim width: 32mm

Front hub spacing: Normally 12 x 100mm on current disc-brake builds

Rear hub spacing: Normally 12 x 142mm on current disc-brake builds

Rotor interface: Dependent on the selected hub, with current road-disc configurations commonly using Center Lock

Tyre fit: Hooked clincher and tubeless-ready road tyres

Recommended starting tyre size: A compatible 28mm performance road tyre is a logical starting point, while suitable 30mm tyres may offer additional comfort and grip on coarse Australian road surfaces.

Frame and fork clearance should be checked using the tyre’s measured width after installation, not only the size printed on its sidewall. Tyres can measure wider or narrower depending on their casing and the wheel’s 22mm internal rim width.

The Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution II is best suited to competitive road racers, strong recreational cyclists, climbing specialists and riders building a lightweight premium road bike without sacrificing speed on flatter sections.

In a road.cc review published on 10 April 2024, Stu Kerton awarded the preceding Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 Evolution wheelset 8 out of 10. The tested wheelset weighed 1220g and was praised for its low weight relative to its depth, impressive lateral stiffness, smoothly operating hubs, secure hooked rims and premium overall construction.

The reviewer found that the Peak 4550 Evolution performed best when installed on a suitably high-end race bike, where its low mass and stiffness could be properly appreciated. Acceleration, climbing response and precise handling were highlighted as strengths.

Roval Rapide CLX II

The Roval Rapide CLX II is a strong alternative for riders prioritising proven crosswind handling, broad tyre support and straightforward servicing through an extensive dealer network.

Pros:

Very stable front-rim design in exposed and gusty conditions
Excellent match for modern performance road tyres
Strong global service and dealer support
Competitive aerodynamic performance

Cons:

Typically heavier than the lightest Peak 4550 Evolution II build
Less focused on minimum system weight and climbing response
More conventional appearance

Compared with the Roval, the Peak 4550 Evolution II is the more exclusive and weight-conscious option. The Roval may be the more practical choice for riders placing warranty support, dealer access and high-speed wind stability above outright lightness.

Zipp 353 NSW

The Zipp 353 NSW also combines a variable-depth profile with low weight and all-round road performance, but it uses a wide hookless tubeless system.

Pros:

Lightweight and responsive
Excellent comfort and control with suitable tubeless tyres
Advanced hub and rim technology
Highly capable on climbing and rolling courses

Cons:

Hookless construction restricts tyre compatibility
Tyre and pressure limits require close attention
Not intended for conventional inner-tube setups with every tyre combination

The Peak 4550 Evolution II offers the reassurance and flexibility of a hooked bead, while the Zipp appeals to riders fully committed to approved hookless tubeless tyres.

ENVE SES 4.5

The ENVE SES 4.5 is a highly developed aerodynamic wheelset designed around modern high-volume road tyres.

Pros:

Strong aerodynamic performance
Excellent stability for its depth
Wide rim profile suited to contemporary tyres
Particularly effective for fast road racing and rolling terrain

Cons:

Generally heavier than the lightest Peak configuration
Hookless tyre system limits compatibility
More aero-focused than climbing-focused

The ENVE is likely to suit riders who place sustained high-speed efficiency first. The Peak offers lower weight, a hooked interface and a livelier climbing-oriented character.

Cadex 50 Ultra Disc

The Cadex 50 Ultra Disc targets a similar premium all-round race category with 50mm carbon rims and carbon spokes.

Pros:

Low weight for a 50mm wheelset
High lateral stiffness and sharp acceleration
Strong aerodynamic credentials
Premium ceramic-bearing hub system

Cons:

Carbon spokes can be less convenient to replace locally
Ride feel may be firmer for some riders
More proprietary construction

The Cadex offers an extremely direct race feel, while the Peak’s steel spokes may provide more familiar servicing and broader practical repair options.