DRIVE G45
Which frames can I use with the Drive G45 wheelset?
The Drive G45 is a gravel wheelset which are typically used with wider, gravel specific tires. Different frames have different tire clearances. You can check with the frame brand as to what size tires can be used on their particular frame. The G45 can also be fitted with road tires, but we recommend the tire width to be at least 28c. Since our gravel wheels only come in disc brake versions, only disc brake road bikes can be fitted with them. The tire clearance on a road frame is also important when what size tire to use.
What kind of riding can I do with the G45?
The G45 is a very versatile wheelset. It can be used on both for road riding as well as gravel riding. Please make sure you use the appropriate type of tire depending on the riding surface.
Which brands’ freehubs are compatible with DRIVE wheelsets?
Since the hubs used in DRIVE wheels are manufactured in Elitewheels’ factory, freehubs from other brands are incompatible. The hubs used in DRIVE wheels have passed our 20,000km test. As long as you ride in normal conditions, the possibility of the freehub getting damaged is very low. If you ride in extreme conditions, we recommend you clean the freehub every 3000km.
Can I use disc brake wheels on my QR (quick release) compatible frame?
Yes. When placing the order for your disc brake wheelset, please leave a note saying that you would like quick releases instead of thru-axles.
Why don't our disc brake wheelsets come with thru-axles?
Unlike quick releases, there are many thru-axle standards. What you need depends on your frame's make and model. There are many thread types, such as M12x1.0mm, M12x1.5mm, M12x1.75mm, etc... For example, M12 means the outer thread diameter is 12mm, and 1.0mm means the thread pitch is 1.0mm. Because of the variety of standards, we do not provide thru-axles. If you need a new thru-axle(s), please contact your frame brand for more information.
Is there an internal nipple option?
Internal nipples are not available because the nipples for carbon spokes are specially processed. The contact angle between spokes and spoke holes is extremely important. Spokes should not directly come into contact the rim directly, otherwise there would be a high likelihood of having spoke break.
Can I change to 6-bolt?
Yes. DRIVE uses center lock hubs by default, but if you want to use 6-bolt, contact us and we will send you an adapter at no extra cost.
Are ceramic bearings easily broken?
As all our our hubs have high-precision manufacturing tolerances, bearing play is significantly reduced. Because of this, the likelihood of bearings being damaged is extremely low.
What does the rider weight limit include?
The rider weight limit includes the total weight of the rider, bike, gear, and any other accessories. Please do not exceed this weight.
What tire pressures should I run?
The best tire pressure for you depends on many factors: the rim width, type of bike and tires, rider weight, road conditions and weather conditions. Please see our user guide for more information.
How strong are your carbon rims? What happens if I break one?
Every one of our carbon rims has been strictly tested before shipment. We are so confident in the quality of our rims that we offer a 3-year warranty on every one. We also offer a crash replacement policy. To learn more, please refer to our warranty page.
Where can I find information on ordering and shipping?
Please visit our FAQ page here.
Essential Safety Information
For essential safety information, please read our Consumer Advice.
What Happens if a Carbon Spoke Breaks?
Our threaded carbon spokes have been designed to last. In the event that a carbon spoke breaks, replacement is easy. Each wheel comes with replacement spokes that can be replaced like traditional steel spokes. For more information, please see this article. For information on where to get spokes replaced, please contact our customer service.
Are Carbon Spokes Covered under Warranty?
Our standard 3-year warranty and extended 5-year warranty covers carbon spokes if they are damaged by non-external factors. This means they are only covered if there is a manufacturing defect. For more information on our warranty.
Stan (verified owner) –
Great set of wheels. Super light at 1340 grams for the pair, compared to the original DT Swiss p1800 which were 2026 grams. Installation was super simple, just a direct swap from old to new. Pairing G45s with ridenow tpu inner tubes, shaved 980 grams off the bike. Ride is a bit stiffer but still very smooth. Rolling resistance definitely decreased as the bike rolls much further on its own. Furthermore, the 45 mm depth and carbon layout makes the bike look bonkers. A definitely a head turner.
Hub sound check:
https://youtu.be/F7cecpeDMJU?si=fMzgHL1UOAp1fdPE
Patrick (store manager) –
Hello Stan. Thank you for the awesome pictures. Your two Canyons look great! It is nice to hear that you were able to shave so much weight off the bike while also reducing rolling resistance. Also, thank you for sharing the video. I see that your YouTube channel has the freehub sound of the 40D as well. We appreciate your feedback.
Maury (verified owner) –
I didn’t think the wheels could change the bike so much.It feels like riding a new bike.Faster, more responsive, smoother and lighter. Fit perfectly, perfect tubeless seal.The weight corresponds to what is indicated. I gained 600g less. I would buy them again without a doubt. Best upgrade for my bike
Patrick (store manager) –
Hello Maury. It is great to see that the wheels have been a big upgrade for your bike. We are glad they are stiffer, lighter, and run more smoothly than what you had before.
leerags (verified owner) –
I purchased this wheelset for my wife a few months back for her ROAD bike. I know, I know. This is a “gravel” wheelset but look at Enve and other high end wheel manufacturers. They all have wheelsets that have an outer diameter of around 30mm. The 45mm rim depth and the light weight (1350gm) make this a great all-around wheelset. I paired the wheels with with Conti GP5000 30mm tubeless tires and they mounted easily without any tire levers and didn’t need any sealant to seal up when I initially inflated them. SUPER EASY! I did dump a bunch I of that Silca tire sealant into them and pumped them up to about 60psi! What a difference the bigger tires make. The width of the tire and rim are almost identical at just over 31mm. The bike now feels so much better over chip seal and rough roads. She is noticeable faster when coasting with her girls and is way more comfortable. Did I mention they look sweet?! It checks off all the boxes. I may get a pair for myself. The wheels are still true and no issues with the hubs. This purchase is a no-brainer for someone wanting to upgrade.
Patrick (store manager) –
Thank you for sharing your experience with the wheels. It is nice to see that the tubeless install was simple and easy. We are happy that she is more comfortable and can ride faster with the new wheelset. The G45 wheels are certainly suitable for road cyclists who want wider tires.
William Snyder (verified owner) –
I am a larger rider, 280 pounds (127 kg). I bought the G45 with the intention of just using them on the pavement (a little scared I might destroy them). After buying them in August of 2022 I babied them for the first six months then took a chance on gravel path one day and I was totally amazed. I have taken these wheels on paths that have taco’s alloy rims and the did not even flinch. I will be buying some road wheels and a set for my mountain bike. These wheels are everything they say they are and more. Thank you elite for bringing back some fun in my riding.
Patrick (store manager) –
Hi William.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We appreciate your feedback. It is great to see that you are really enjoying them.
If you do decide to order road and MTB wheels, please note the system weight limit as it does vary depending on the wheelset.