Elitewheels Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Wheelset

Name: Elitewheels Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Wheelset
Brand: Elitewheels
Price: 1363.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

$1,363.00 USD $1,578.00 USD

The Elitewheels Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Wheelset is a fast, stable and highly serviceable carbon road wheel upgrade that blends the aero advantage of a deeper rear rim with the steering confidence of a shallower front rim, making it an excellent choice for bunch rides, racing, Gran Fondos and high-speed pursuits.

Drive SL SS Features

Mixed-depth carbon rim setup for improved aero speed and better crosswind control
Wide 25mm internal rim profile optimised for 29–32C road tyres
Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes for strong performance and easier long-term servicing
One-piece titanium 60T ratchet freehub with fast 6-degree engagement
Hooked tubeless-ready rim design for broad tyre compatibility and confident setup

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Technical Specifications

Product Name: Elitewheels Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Wheelset
Wheel Type: Carbon disc brake road wheelset
Wheel Size: 700C
Intended Use: Road cycling, racing, endurance road, fast bunch rides, criteriums, Gran Fondo events and performance training
Rim Series: Drive SL
Rim Material: Carbon fibre
Rim Finish: UD semi-matte carbon
Rim Depth: Mixed-depth configuration, with independently selectable front and rear rim depths
Common Configuration: 48mm front / 58mm rear
Rim Inner Width: 25mm
Rim Outer Width:Front: 36mmRear: 34mm
Rim Type: Hooked clincher / tubeless-ready
Tyre Compatibility: Clincher and tubeless
Recommended Tyre Width: 700 x 29–32C
Compatible Tyre Width: 700 x 29–58C, subject to frame clearance
Brake Type: Disc brake
Rotor Interface: Centrelock as standard
Front Hub Spacing: 12x100mm thru-axle
Rear Hub Spacing: 12x142mm thru-axle
Hub System: Elitewheels Drive SL hub system
Freehub Type: One-piece titanium 60T ratchet
Freehub Engagement: 6 degrees
Freehub Compatibility: Shimano HG, SRAM XDR and Shimano MSR options, depending on selected configuration
Bearings: TPI steel bearings
Spokes: Sapim CX-Ray aero steel spokes
Spoke Count: 21 front / 24 rear
Front Spoke Pattern: 3-cross / radial, 2:1 layout
Rear Spoke Pattern: 1-cross / 3-cross, 1:2 layout
Nipples: Sapim Secure Lock alloy nipples
Claimed Weight: Approximately 1420g ±30g, excluding tubeless valves and rim tape
Rider Weight Limit: 120kg / 270lb total system weight
Included Accessories: Installed rim tape and installed tubeless valves
Compatible Bike Type: Road bikes, aero road bikes, endurance road bikes and performance disc brake bikes

Compatibility Notes

Designed for modern 12mm thru-axle disc brake road bikes.
Not designed for quick-release road frames.
Thru-axles are usually frame-specific and may not be included.
Shimano MSR freehub systems are not interchangeable with Shimano HG or SRAM XDR hub systems.
Professional installation is recommended for cassette fitting, rotor setup, tubeless tyre installation and final wheel inspection.

Mixed-Depth Aero Concept

The mixed-depth design is the major performance advantage of this wheelset. A shallower front rim improves steering stability and control in windy conditions, while a deeper rear rim improves aerodynamic efficiency where crosswind steering impact is less noticeable.

This makes the wheelset ideal for riders who want extra speed without the nervous front-end feel that can come from running very deep wheels front and rear.

Wide 25mm Internal Rim Width

The Drive SL SS uses a modern 25mm internal rim width designed around wider road tyres. It gives 29–32C tyres better sidewall support, allowing lower pressures without excessive tyre squirm.

Benefits include:

Better grip through corners
Improved comfort on rough chip-seal roads
More stable tyre shape under acceleration
Better control during descending and braking
Reduced vibration on long endurance rides

Front and Rear Specific External Rim Profiles

The front rim uses a wider 36mm external profile to improve crosswind stability and steering precision. The rear rim uses a 34mm external width to reduce drag in the disturbed airflow behind the rider.

This front/rear-specific design creates a more balanced wheelset than simply using the same rim front and rear.

Sapim CX-Ray Steel Spokes

The SS version uses Sapim CX-Ray aero steel spokes. These are widely respected for their strength, fatigue resistance and aerodynamic shape.

Compared with carbon spoke wheelsets, the SS version offers:

Easier spoke replacement
Better workshop serviceability
Proven long-term durability
Strong performance under high spoke tension
Lower maintenance complexity for regular riders

One-Piece Titanium 60T Ratchet Freehub

The titanium 60T ratchet freehub delivers fast 6-degree engagement, helping the wheels respond quickly when accelerating, sprinting or jumping back onto power after coasting.

Titanium also provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making it well suited to humid, wet or high-mileage riding conditions.

Tension-Balanced Hub Design

Elitewheels focuses on keeping spoke tension more evenly distributed between both sides of the hub. This supports wheel stability, improves lateral stiffness and helps maintain long-term reliability under hard riding loads.

Hooked Tubeless-Ready Rim Construction

The hooked rim profile gives riders broader tyre compatibility than many hookless-only wheelsets. It also supports tubeless setups for lower rolling resistance, improved comfort and better puncture sealing.

Wheel Measurements

Wheel Size: 700C
Front Rim Depth: Selectable, commonly 48mm
Rear Rim Depth: Selectable, commonly 58mm
Internal Rim Width: 25mm
External Rim Width Front: 36mm
External Rim Width Rear: 34mm
Front Hub Spacing: 12x100mm
Rear Hub Spacing: 12x142mm
Brake Mount: Centrelock disc
Recommended Tyres: 29–32C
Compatible Tyres: 29–58C, depending on frame clearance
Rider Weight Limit: 120kg

Tyre Fit Recommendations

29–30mm Tyres

Best for racing, fast road riding and aero efficiency
Sharp road feel with strong speed performance
Good match for aero road frames and fast bunch rides

31–32mm Tyres

Excellent for Brisbane and Queensland road surfaces
More comfort and grip over rough chip seal
Strong choice for endurance rides and long-distance training

33mm and Wider Tyres

Possible where frame clearance allows
Better suited to endurance, all-road or mixed-surface riding
Not the primary purpose of this road-focused aero wheelset

The Elitewheels Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Wheelset is ideal for riders who want aero-road speed with predictable handling and practical long-term serviceability.

Best Suited For

Road racers
Fast bunch ride cyclists
Riders upgrading from alloy or entry-level carbon wheels
Cyclists who prefer steel-spoke serviceability

Product Care

Check tyre pressure before every ride.
Use compatible tubeless tyres and quality sealant if running tubeless.
Do not exceed tyre or rim pressure limits.
Refresh tubeless sealant every few months, especially in hot Queensland conditions.
Inspect carbon rims after pothole strikes, crashes or hard impacts.
Keep disc rotors clean and free from oil, grease and sealant.
Avoid pressure washing directly at hub bearings and seals.
Check spoke tension and wheel trueness during regular servicing.
Inspect spokes and nipples for damage or corrosion.
Clean and inspect the freehub periodically, especially after wet or dusty rides.
Service the freehub more often if riding in extreme weather or high-mileage training.
Use a torque wrench when fitting Centrelock rotors and cassette components.
Consider local wind conditions when choosing front and rear rim depths.

Warranty Information

Warranty coverage is subject to Elitewheels manufacturer terms and conditions.
Carbon rims are generally covered against manufacturing defects for the stated warranty period.
Spokes and bearings are generally covered against manufacturing defects, not external impact damage or normal wear.
Normal wear, crash damage, impact damage, incorrect installation, over-inflation, poor tubeless setup, bearing contamination and misuse are generally not covered.
Professional installation is recommended for cassette fitting, rotor installation, tubeless setup and wheel inspection.
Regular wheel servicing helps maintain hub smoothness, spoke tension and long-term wheel performance.

The Drive SL SS Mixed Depth version builds on that reputation with a wider 25mm internal rim, front/rear-specific external profiles, Sapim CX-Ray steel spokes, titanium ratchet freehub and a mixed-depth design for better real-world handling.

Rider Feedback & Community Sentiment

Early rider feedback around the Drive SL SS and wider Elitewheels Drive range is generally positive, especially from cyclists moving from alloy wheels or older narrow carbon rims.

Common positive rider comments include:

Fast feel on flat and rolling roads
Better stability than expected in crosswinds
Comfortable with 30mm or 32mm tubeless tyres
Smooth and fast freehub engagement
Strong value compared with big-name carbon wheels
Premium semi-matte carbon appearance
Easier serviceability thanks to Sapim CX-Ray spokes
Mixed-depth setup feels practical for everyday racing and training

Some riders may prefer the CS carbon spoke version for the lightest and sharpest ride feel, but the SS version is the smarter option for riders who want stronger serviceability and regular-use practicality.

Why We Love It at Pedal Passion

The Sapim CX-Ray spokes make it easier to service, and the 25mm internal rim width suits the wider tyres we recommend for Australian roads.

Elitewheels Drive SL CS Mixed Depth

Carbon spoke version of the same Drive SL mixed-depth concept
Lighter and more responsive
Higher price point
Less straightforward spoke servicing than the SS version

Elitewheels Drive SL 48D SS

Shallower 48mm front and rear setup
Better for climbing and windy conditions
More versatile all-round option
Less aero-focused than mixed-depth setup with deeper rear

Elitewheels Drive SL 58D SS

Deeper 58mm front and rear setup
Stronger aero focus
More affected by crosswinds
Better for riders prioritising maximum speed

Elitewheels Drive II Mixed Depth

Uses a narrower 23mm internal rim
Strong value and carbon spoke performance
Suits 28–30mm tyres well
Less modern wide-tyre support than Drive SL

Zipp 404 S

Strong global brand recognition
50mm rim front and rear
Hookless tubeless design
Typically heavier than Drive SL options
Strong warranty and brand support

Roval Rapide CL II / CLX II

Premium mixed-depth aero wheelsets
Excellent race reputation
Higher price category
Popular with Specialized road bike builds

Hunt 54 Aerodynamicist / 60 Limitless

Strong aero-focused direct-to-consumer options
Competitive price positioning
Typically heavier depending on model
Popular among riders chasing speed

Winspace Hyper 3 Mixed Depth Options

Carbon spoke competitor
Similar performance-value appeal
Strong reputation among direct-brand carbon wheel buyers
Often cross-shopped with Elitewheels

Where the Drive SL SS Mixed Depth Stands Out

Mixed-depth design for speed and handling balance
25mm internal rim width for modern 29–32C tyres
Sapim CX-Ray spokes for serviceability
Titanium 60T ratchet freehub
Front/rear specific external rim shaping
Hooked tubeless-ready rim construction
Strong value for a premium aero road wheelset

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