Elitewheels Drive SL 48D CS Cykelhjul Racer

Rim construction and handling

The Drive SL 48D CS wheels have an internal rim width of 25 mm, designed for 29 to 32C tyres. This width prevents the “lightbulb effect” after inflation, improving sidewall support when cornering and sprinting. The increased air volume allows for riding at lower tyre pressures, which improves vibration damping and comfort over long distances. The rim is made from carbon with a UD semi-matt finish and a 48 mm depth. The wheels in the set have different external widths: 36 mm at the front and 34 mm at the rear, ensuring crosswind stability at the front and a lower drag profile at the rear.

One-piece titanium freehub

The freehub is machined from a single piece of titanium, with a 60T ratchet and a 6° engagement angle. It makes the hub lighter than a composite freehub and ensures instant power transfer as soon as you put pressure on the pedals.

3.2 mm flat carbon spokes

The aero-bladed carbon spokes weigh just 2.2 grams each and are thinner than comparable steel spokes. This saves weight in the wheel itself, precisely where it matters most for acceleration.

Hub balance of up to 7 kgf

The spoke tension on both sides of the rear hub is precisely adjusted to a difference of no more than 7 kgf. This means less wheel deformation during sprints and more direct power transfer.

Compatible with:

• Frames and forks with thru-axles: 12x100 mm at the front and 12x142 mm at the rear.
• Disc brakes with Centerlock mounting.
• Shimano HG 9- to 12-speed and SRAM 11-speed cassettes, with the Shimano HG 9-12 freehub option.
• SRAM XDR 12- and 13-speed cassettes, with the SRAM XDR 12/13 freehub option.
• Tyres from 700x29 to 58C, both clincher and tubeless; the rim profile is optimised for 29 to 32C.
• A maximum system weight of 120 kg. Please note: This is the combined weight of the rider, bike and any gear/accessories; not just your own body weight.

Not compatible with:

• Frames with a quick-release mechanism – this wheelset is designed exclusively for thru-axles.
• Shimano Micro Spline (MSR) cassettes – these do not fit the Shimano HG or SRAM XDR freehub supplied with this wheel.
• 6-bolt disc brake rotors, unless you add a Centerlock-to-6-bolt adapter.
• Freehub bodies from other brands – the hub is an Elitewheels in-house design.

Not sure? Here’s how to check:

Count the number of sprockets on your current cassette and check the cassette itself or your groupset manual to see whether it is Shimano HG or SRAM XDR. If you are currently riding a 9- or 10-speed Shimano cassette on an HG freehub, you will also need a 1.85 mm spacer, just as with most SRAM XD MTB cassettes on an XDR freehub.

Included as standard:

• Complete wheel set: 1x front wheel + 1x rear wheel
• Tubeless rim tape, already fitted
• Tubeless valves, already fitted
• 4 spare spokes

Not included / still required or useful:

• Cassette and disc brake rotors
• Inner tubes, unless you are riding tubeless
• Centerlock-to-6-bolt adapter, if you are using disc brake rotors with a 6-bolt mounting.

You can easily fit a cassette and disc brake rotor yourself, provided you use the right tools. Always tighten the cassette lockring and the Center Lock disc using a Torque wrench; with carbon rims and hubs, overtightening will void your warranty, and undertightening causes play while cycling.

You will need: a cassette removal kit to secure the lockring, and a Torque wrench to adjust everything to the correct torque. In the unlikely event that a carbon spoke breaks, you can replace it just like a standard steel spoke; the spare spokes supplied are intended for this purpose. If you are unsure about the correct tightening torque, please consult the Elitewheels user manual, which specifies the exact Nm values for each component.

• If you often ride through mud, sand or in wet weather, clean the freehub approximately every 3,000 km, especially if you also ride in extreme conditions.
• Wear plastic gloves when touching the disc brake rotor; if grease from your hands gets onto the braking surface, it can cause the brakes to squeak or lose effectiveness.
• If you ride tubeless, check regularly that the sealant is still liquid; dried-out sealant will no longer seal a puncture.